Eastern Idaho

Mother Nature has been particularly generous with Eastern Idaho. The melting snows of the Grand Tetons send water thundering down the valleys, creating roaring waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and rivers and streams that are popular with fly fishing enthusiasts. As a neighbor to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it shares much of the same spectacular beauty and awesome adventure but without the crowds. A day's itinerary in Eastern Idaho can include swimming, fishing, boating, skiing (both the water and snow varieties), hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or just taking in the views on a scenic drive.

Outdoor enthusiasts of all description race to Ashton to visit Harriman State Park, which is located in the heart of a 16,000 acre wildlife preserve system in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Once known as "the Railroad Ranch," the park was the private retreat of the Harrimans and Guggenheims. Today, the park is filled to the brim with both summer and winter activities. Birding enthusiasts flock to the park to see the bald eagles and trumpeter swans, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the hiking, mountain biking, and horseback trails that meander through the reserve. The Henrys Fork of the Snake River twists through 9 miles of the park and is a gently rolling, world-famous fly fishing stream. In the winter, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers can enjoy the park's terrain.

When the snows melt on the Grand Tetons, water comes careening down the mountains and serves as the source for many of Eastern Idaho's waterfalls. One of the most visited areas in Idaho is Idaho Falls, located near the town of the same name. The waterfalls serve as a scenic picture frame and jumping off point to the many activities in the Idaho Falls area. The Idaho Falls Greenbelt is an excellent bike/running path that stretches along the Snake River and it offers excellent views of the falls amid a tranquil setting.

When the winter's chill fills the Eastern Idaho air, visitors take to the hills for some skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling. Grand Targhee Winter Resort is nestled on the west side of Wyoming's majestic Teton Mountains but serves skiers from Idaho as well. Grand Targhee gets hammered with over 500 inches of snow a year and has been ranked as the #2 ski destination in the US by Skiing Magazine. The mountain has over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, aimed primarily at intermediate to advanced skiers. In addition, cross country skiers have plenty of trails to satisfy their appetite and ice skating and Snow Cat rides are also a part of the Grand Targhee experience.

For an interesting expedition in time travel, visit the Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum, located in Rigby. The eclectic museum has over 14,000 square feet of exhibits dedicated to the pre-electrical and early electricity era. To see what life was like for the pioneers who settled in the region, visit the Hess Heritage Museum, located near Ashton. This 250 acre pioneer farm includes a home, social hall, village square, carriage house, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and more.

Eastern Idaho is a year-round festival of active attractions. Head to Rexburg and visit the Teton Flood Museum to learn how the newly built Teton Dam collapsed in 1976. Venture to Green Canyon Hot Springs, also near Rexburg, for a relaxing soak in either an indoor or outdoor pool. Hop in your car for a scenic drive along the Fort Henry Historic Byway, an 81-mile route that takes you past herds of deer, elk, and a bird habitat on the way to the Fort Henry Monument. Pack your camera and an appetite for fun. Eastern Idaho is a feast for every vacationer!