Targhee National Forest

A forest ranger introduces children to the wonders of the forest.

Balsam root creates a golden carpet in Targhee National Forest.

Named after Targhee, a Bannock Native American peacemaker, this forest covers 1.8 million acres in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming.

The Targhee is home to a vast array of wildlife, including black and grizzly bear and elk. The elusive mountain lion prowls the forest.

There are lakes, streams and rivers. Boating and water skiing occur mainly on the Island Park and Palisades reservoirs. Rafting, kayaking and canoeing are popular on short stretches of the Snake River.

The forest has the first National Recreation Water Trail established by the forest service. It is a five-mile float on calm water that features many wildlife viewing sites.

The Island Park area is renowned for excellent fly fishing in streams and lakes.

You can explore the backcountry in two wilderness areas, one adjacent to Grand Teton National Park and the other abutting Yellowstone.

Trails are open to many different types of users, from backpackers and horseback riders to motorized users. Mountain bicycles are allowed on trails except in the Wilderness Areas.

Motorized off-road vehicles are allowed on specified trails as indicated on District Travel Plan Maps available from any forest office.

Most undeveloped areas within the forest are open to camping. There is a 16-day camping limit at most campgrounds and backcountry sites, but some campgrounds may have a shorter camping limit or are otherwise posted.

There are 1,200 miles of trails, groomed trails for cross-country skiing and two downhill ski areas.

Many miles of snowmobile trails are groomed by local counties. State law prohibits operation of a snowmobile on any road that can be used by a wheeled vehicle. All plowed roads are closed to snowmobiles.

The Targhee and Caribou forests are administered jointly.