Vacation Planning

Scenic Attractions

Southeast Idaho is a fabulous place to vacation if you want diversity of activities. The following map highlights some of the many things to do. More detailed information on some of the popular activities is listed below.

Attraction Map

Yellowstone National Park

The entrance to Yellowstone National Park is located just a short 50 minute drive from the cabin. Obviously the things to do in Yellowstone need no explanation. Make it a day trip and enjoy all Yellowstone has to offer. To get there from the cabin travel north on Highway 20 until you reach the town of West Yellowstone. From there, follow the signs and the tourists!

Southwest Corner of Yellowstone - Cave Falls

Another great day trip is to visit Cave Falls in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. Head south on Highway 20 two miles into Ashton. Turn left on Highway 47 and travel east-northeast for approximately 6 miles. There is a paved road on the right (Green Timber Rd), which soon gives way to gravel that goes for 19 miles. The road ends with a picnic area, and a beautiful view of Cave Falls and Fall River. For the more adventurous, a gentle, fairly level trailhead leads from the parking area through Lodgepole Pine Forest one mile to Bechler Creek Falls on Bechler River. This entire area is also great for fishing, but remember, you are in Yellowstone National Park and will need a park license.

Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

A short trip along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway will take you to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. These two amazing waterfalls on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River are breathtaking. Upper Mesa falls is approximately 115 feet while Lower Mesa drops 65 feet before cascading into Cardiac canyon. The stretch of water below the Lower Falls makes for a beautiful float trip (raft required) and is also popular for fishing. In the winter, cross-country skis or snowmobile are the means of entry into the canyon and the parking is at Bear Gulch. To get there from the cabin drive south into Ashton. Turn east on Highway 47 and follow the scenic byway. It’s about 15 miles to the Lower Mesa Falls overlook, and another half mile to the Upper Falls turn off. Both are equally spectacular and warrant stopping, though if you only have time for one, go to the Upper Mesa Falls overlook. Along the way, stop and feed the fish in Warm River (right after you cross Robinson Creek, and right before the bridge over Warm River), or park at Bear Gulch for a short hike through an old abandoned Railroad Tunnel bordering another fantastic canyon. The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is 38.8 miles, and it is only 15 minutes back to the cabin after you hit Highway 20.

Harriman State Park

Harriman State Park, also known as The Railroad Ranch is a 16,000 acre wildlife refuge located just south of Island Park. It received its name as a tribute to the east coast entrepreneurs who brought the railroad to Idaho. It was later donated to the State of Idaho by the Harriman family. A working cattle ranch still exists today. Within the state park you may enjoy horse back riding, hiking, mountain biking, wagon rides and cross country skiing in the winter. Harriman State Park is located 15 mins. from the cabin on Highway 20. For more information on activities, please click on the link. http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/harriman.aspx. The Park can be reached at 208-558-7368.

Big Springs and Johnny Sack Cabin

Big Springs is the source of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. It’s constant 52 degree temperature and crystal clear water make it a favorite for viewing large fish that hang out in the pure environment. Big Springs is also near the beginning of a beautiful 5 mile canoe or boat trip along a stretch of a National Scenic Water Trail. Johnny Sack Cabin is located at Big Springs and is open during summer months to visitors looking for a taste of early American history. This is a great activity for kids. Check the fishing regulations as fishing is not allowed at the springs but is open a little farther downstream. To get there travel north on Highway 20 to Macks Inn. Turn east at Macks Inn and follow the signs.

Yellowstone Bear World

Yellowstone Bear World is a park which provides a natural habitat for viewing wildlife native to North America and Yellowstone National Park from the comfort of your automobile. They offer curator tours, bottle feeding, petting zoo, rides, and a gift shop. They are open from mid May to mid October. For more information regarding rates please look them up on the web at yellowstonebearworld.com. To get there from the cabin drive south on Highway 20. It is located between Rexburg and Rigby just off highway 20. Travel just south of Rexburg and follow the signs.

 

Fishing

Fishing Information in Detail

Find more information on the many fishing opportunities in our FISHING section.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling Information

More detailed information and maps can be found in the SNOWMOBILING section.

Skiing

Ski Resorts

Grand Targhee
Alta, WY 83422
307-353-2300
1-800-TARGHEE

Jackson Hole
7658 Teewinot
Teton Village, WY 83025
307-733-2292
Snow Conditions: 888-DEEP SNO

Kelly Canyon
5488 E Kelly Canyon Road
Ririe, ID 83443
208-538-6251 before March 10
208-538-7700 after March 10

Big Sky
1 Lone Mountain Trail
Big Sky, MT 59716
406-995-5900

 

Water Sports

Henry’s Fork of the Snake River

The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River is world famous for its blue ribbon trout fishing. However, the stretch from Warm River to Ashton is also very popular for kids and adults to float down with inner tubes. Put in at the confluence of the Henry’s Fork and Warm River. From Stonefly Lodge it is a short 10 minute drive east on Fisherman’s Drive. The road is paved in front of the cabin, but turns to gravel shortly after and will remain that way to the put in. To avoid the gravel, you can drive around through Ashton on pavement, though it will take longer. You can take out the tubes right at the cabin or continue the float another two miles down to Ashton Reservoir. If inner tubing, you can also take out just before the bridge and avoid the slow water of the reservoir, and the paddle that comes with it!

Ashton Reservoir

Ashton Reservoir is a well kept secret among southeast Idaho attractions. While not as large as other bodies of water in the area, its glassy waters make perfect conditions for watersports. It is also a popular place to take the kids fishing. To get there from the cabin take Fisherman’s Drive (the cabin road) to Highway 20. Cross Highway 20 going west and the boat ramp is just to your left (south). It is located approximately 2 miles from the cabin.

Island Park Reservoir

Island Park Reservoir is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and all types of water sports during summer months and ice fishing during the winter. It is located just 3 miles off of Highway 20 in Island Park. Follow the signs to Box Canyon/Island Park Reservoir.

Henry’s Lake State Park

Fishing isn’t the only thing Henry’s Lake State Park offers. You can also enjoy boating, camping and hiking within its boundaries. To get there travel north on Highway 20 approximately 43 miles. There will be signs on the west side of the road for the park.

You can rent watercraft at the following locations:

Action Motor Sports II
3342 North Highway 20
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-7581
www.actionii.com

Mountain Mayhem
3388 Highway 20
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-7390
www.islandparkpolaris.com

High Mountain Adventures
4141 Sawtelle Peak Road
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-9572
www.highmountainadventures.com

Innertube Rentals
http://www.premierflyfishing.net/pontoon_drift_boat_rentals.php

 

ATV / 4 Wheeling / Motocross

There are several places to go exploring on an ATV including the St. Anthony Sand Dunes which are 30 minutes from the cabin.

You can rent ATV’s, motorcycles, etc. at the following retailers.

Rexburg Motorsports
1178 University Blvd
Rexburg, ID 83440 - 5056
(208) 356-4000
www.rexburgmotorsports.com

Action Motor Sports II
3342 North Highway 20
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-7581
www.actionii.com

Mountain Mayhem
3388 Highway 20
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-7390
www.islandparkpolaris.com

Performance Motor Sports
64 North Hwy 20
Ashton, Idaho 83420
Contact Corbet:
208-652-7738

 

Golf

Golf Course Information

Several golf courses are in the area if you are willing to drive from 10 to 30 minutes.
The following is a list of some local courses.


Timberline Golf
Located on forest boundary on Cave Falls Road
1400 North 4590 East
Ashton, ID 83420
208-652-3219

Aspen Acres
4179 East 1100 North
Ashton, ID 83420-5813
208-652-3524

Fremont County Golf Course
674 Golf Course Road
St. Anthony, ID 83445
208-624-7074

Rexburg Municipal Golf Course
26 South Airport Road
Rexburg, ID 83440
208-359-3037

Teton Lakes Golf Course
1014 North 2000 West
Rexburg, ID 83440
208-359-3036

Island Park Village Resort
4153 N. Big Springs Loop Road
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-7502

Heise Hot Springs
5136 E Heise Road
Ririe, ID 83443
208-538-7327
heise@srv.net
(9 hole course in addition to hot springs)

 

Other Activities

Horse back riding
Canoeing
Snow shoeing
Mountain biking
Hiking
Bird watching
Swimming
Tennis
Hunting
Sledding
Cross country skiing

If you would like specific information on any of these activities please contact us and we would be happy to provide you more information.

 

Local Services

Nearest Grocery Store

Dave’s Jubilee is located on the main street into Ashton (Highway 20) approximately 5 minutes from the cabin.
108 S Hwy 20
Ashton, ID 83420
(208) 652-7771

Emergency

Madison Memorial Hospital
450 E Main
Rexburg, ID 83440 - 2048
(208) 356-3691

Nearest Restaurants

Trails Inn Restaurant
213 Main
Ashton, ID 83420
(208) 652-9918

Mi Ranchito
321 Hwy 20
Ashton, ID
(208) 652-7080

Big Judd’s (located in the east half of the gas station)
1370 Hwy 20
Ashton, ID 83420 - 5108
(208) 652-7806

Grub Stake Market and Deli
3306 Hwy 20
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5134
(208) 558-7209

Sportsmen’s Lodge
4120 Lodge Pole Dr
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5051
(208) 558-9000

Angler’s Lodge
3363 Old Hwy 191
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5125
(208) 558-9817

Henry’s Fork Lodge
2794 S Pinehaven Dr
Island Park, ID 83429
(208) 558-7953

Island Park Lodge
4149 N Big Springs Loop Rd
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5052
(208) 558-7281

Phillip’s Lodge
3907 Phillips Loop Rd
Island Park, ID 83429
(208) 558-9379

Shotgun Store and Cafe
3719 Yale Kilgore Rd
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5061
(208) 558-7090

Subway
4141 Sawtelle Peak Rd
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5054
(208) 558-9884

The Timber’s Edge
4130 Lodge Pole Dr
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5051
(208) 558-9591

Ponds Lodge
3757 N Hwy 20
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5090
(208) 558-7221

Trout Hunter
3327 Hwy 20
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5134
(208) 558-0919


Bars/Lounges

A-Bar
3433 Hwy 20
Island Park, ID
(208) 558-7358

Ponds Lodge
3757 N Hwy 20
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5090
(208) 558-7221

Trout Hunter
3327 Hwy 20
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5134
(208) 558-0919

Angler’s Lodge
3363 Old Hwy 191
Island Park, ID 83429 - 5125
(208) 558-9817


Churches

Chester LDS Ward
516 N 2nd St
Ashton, ID 83420
(208) 652-3424

Ashton Community United Methodist
178 S 5th St
Ashton, ID 83420
(208) 652-7356

Berean Baptist Church
645 Main
Ashton, ID 83420
(208) 652-3404