Spring 2024 Update:
Spring is slowly finding its way into Harriman State Park of Idaho. The snow is melting and wildlife is beginning to awaken. Spring Trail Closures are now in effect April 15-June 15. The John Muir, River Loop and Big Bend trails are closed for Waterfowl Nesting. The remainder of the trails are open for walking and still some snowshoeing. All snowshoe and ski rentals have ended for the season.
Harriman is now participating in the Idaho Fish and Game loaner fishing rod program. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, we will begin loaning out Spin Rods with lures for use at East Harriman Fishing Pond. ** Please note that the following are the only nearby locations for Year Round Spin Fishing:
East Harriman Fish Pond; Henrys Lake; Sawtell Fish Pond. Idaho Fishing License is required for all Idaho fishing (including with loaner rods). They can be purchased at many fly shops and locations nearby. Please note Harriman State Park does NOT sell fishing licenses. A reminder that fishing on the Henrys Fork in Harriman State Park and at Osborne Bridge does not open until June 15th. Fishing on the Henry’s Fork is fly fishing only (no bait).
There is a $7 Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) per vehicle to visit the Park. You can purchase a 2024 Annual MVEF Pass for $80 at the Park Headquarters. Vehicles registered in the State of Idaho can purchase a $10 Idaho State Park Passport from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Daily entrance fees can be paid at the Visitor Center during the hours of 9-5 or at the main entrance outside of Visitor Center hours.
Attention: Dogs are only permitted in parking lots. There are no summer trails for use with dogs. Dogs cannot be left unattended and must always be on a six-foot leash. Department employees may impound or remove any stray or unattended animals at the owner’s expense. (IDAPA 26.01 20.175. 09)
As Spring approaches, the bears are beginning to awaken. Follow all steps to be Bear Aware! Remember to make noise; travel in groups only hike/bike during daylight hours. Always carry bear spray.
Follow us on Facebook for current trail conditions, events, and link to local weather.
**Note: If you do not have a Facebook account, please use your phone or browser, and scroll to the very bottom of this page. There you can see the latest Harriman State Park posts, including conditions updates.
Mesa Falls Recreation Area is owned by the US Forest Service and co-managed by Harriman State Park.
Summer/Spring
Big Falls Inn, an interpretive building and store, is open from Memorial weekend to mid-September from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Winter
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 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 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.
More Information
Current Conditions
Address: 3489 Green Canyon Rd
Island Park, ID 83429
Phone: (208) 558-7368
Hours of Operation: Day-use locations within state parks are open from 7 am to 10 pm, per Idaho state code 26.01.20 (5). Day-use hours may change based on park manager discretion.
