Harriman State Park lies within an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Moose, Elk, and Sandhill Cranes are common, as is North America's largest waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan. Known as one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation, the Henrys Fork meanders for eight miles through Harriman. Over 20 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross county skiing. Guided horseback tours are offered by a park vendor, Dry Ridge Outfitters, 208-558-RIDE (7433).
The Park Today
Harriman is gearing up for the 2008 summer season. Snow is quickly melting and we are hopeful that it will be dry by the first week of June. Currently, snowshoe is the best way to see the park. Sandhill cranes are numerous in the meadows as they get ready to nest, curlews have returned, waterfowl including buffleheads, grebes, Canada geese, swans, grebes, loons, and much more, can be seen on our lakes and ponds.
Harriman will be offering historic tours on Memorial Weekend, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm and 4:30pm, and Monday 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm. After Memorial historic tours are as follows: Friday-Saturdays: 10:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm, 4:30pm, and holidays, 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm. Tours will be offered until Labour Day.
Park Conditions
Friday June 27th:
Wild flowers are very abundant this year and Wyethia (Mules's ears) are in full bloom transforming our open meadows into a sea of white. Larkspur, blue camas, sugar bowl, and shooting star are just a few of the many flowers currently in bloom. The Ridge Trail is closed to lessen disturbance of calving elk and will reopen July 1st. Moose are calving and have been a bit aggressive when encountered. Sandhill cranes on the River Trail have also been aggressive and caution is warranted on that stretch of trail. Birds are abundant including sandhill cranes, buffleheads, grebes, swans, and so much more. We are in bear country so hike "bear aware", carry spray and bear bells.
Harriman State Park will be undergoing some major renovations this summer on four of it's historic structures. Work will begin June 30th and is scheduled to end December 15th. Historic tours will be limited this summer and the Horse Concessionaire will be temporary located at the north end of the ranch complex at the horse barn (near the cow barn). When completed, Harriman will have two new rental facilities and a new horse concession at Ranchview parking. If you have any questions on this Experience Idaho project call us here at the park.
Trail Maps
Travel Planning Links
Island Park Weather
Idaho Road Conditions
About the Ranch
Owned by Union Pacific Railroad investors from 1902 to 1977, the park acreage served as a cattle ranch and private retreat of the Harriman and Guggenheim families. Today, Harriman State Park provides the perfect setting to enjoy the park's unique history in a beautiful natural setting.
During the summer there are regular tours of the Railroad Ranch buildings. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are other ways to experience the beauty of the area. Don’t forget to bring your camera. There are breathtaking wild flower displays in the sage meadows and pasture land which dominate the landscape. Visitors often see elk, deer and moose, particularly in the morning and evening. The views of the Teton Mountain Range are spectacular.
During winter months guests can enjoy Nordic skiing and the Jones House warming hut—open on weekends, offering views of the Henrys Fork, bald eagles and trumpeter swans.
Park Restrictions:
Harriman State Park is a Wildlife Refuge and has the following rules concerning pets:
For overnight visitors - NO PETS ARE ALLOWED!
For Day Use Visitors – PETS MUST BE LEASHED AND ARE ALLOWED IN THE DAY USE PARKING LOTS ONLY.
Harriman Trails are non-motorized
Mesa Falls Recreation Area
Mesa Falls Recreation Area is owned by the US Forest Service and is co-managed with Harriman State Park, Idaho State Parks and Recreation. In the winter, Scenic Byway 47 does not remain open to vehicles but is groomed for snowmobile traffic. The falls are only accessible by snowmobile or cross-country skies and visitors can park at Bear Gulch on Scenic Hwy 47 east of Ashton and ski or snowmobile the packed road 5 miles to Mesa Falls. Snowmobilers can also reach Mesa Falls from Hwy 20 via Scenic Byway 47, which is a 14-mile scenic ride. The Big Falls Inn is open on weekends from 10:00am to 3:00pm from the first week in January to the second week in March and you can go in and warm up by the fire. The trail down to the falls is very snow packed and icy and visitors should use extreme caution if attempting this scenic view.
For more information on Mesa Falls click here.