Rare trumpeter swans dig for green plants in the spring-fed waters of the Henry's Fork. In the frigid fall air, a bull moose’s snort sends steam into the icy air. A stealthy fox streams through a foot of fresh powder. And from the boughs of a Douglas fir, the chirp of a chickadee is crisp and clear.
Welcome to winter in Harriman State Park where the wildlife, stillness and peace remain much as they were 100 years ago. Venturing forth on nordic skis or snowshoes, the winter visitor can weave through the natural world preserved in this 15,000-acre refuge and working ranch.
Located three miles south of Island Park, Idaho, Harriman
State Park is only a short trip from West Yellowstone. Island Park is a small community just over the Continental Divide from West Yellowstone that begins at the intersection of Highway 87 and US 20 and stretches for 35 miles on both sides of US 20.
Harriman’s cross-country ski trails are a welcome respite from the fast track experience on the Yellowstone Rendezvous Trails in West Yellowstone. At Harriman, crews groom the trails on Friday and Monday with both skating and classic-style lanes. Most people bring both skating and touring skis and poles so they have the equipment to match the conditions. The park has a looped trail system with flat trails of less than 5 kilometers as well as longer trails that climb hills and give way to Grand Teton views. The adventurous skier can brave the 20 kilometer trip from Harriman north to Pond's Lodge. After a full day of skiing, or during a well-deserved break, you can enjoy hot chocolate at the warming hut near the parking area. Another warming hut is located at the old ranch headquarters. Food, however, is not available and skiers should bring their own lunch, snacks, and other meals.
During the summer, Harriman is transformed into an outdoor classroom where park staff teach about bird identification, geology, astronomy, natural history and the history of the Railroad Ranch and Island Park. The popular State Park’s Junior Ranger program draws kids ages 8 - 12 to the park every Saturday. The park also hosts Western cultural events such as cowboy poetry readings and chili contests. Multiple hiking, horseback and mountain biking trails abound. To learn more about the natural history from the back of a horse, book a trip with expert horseman and naturalist Tom Angel. Not only will you learn about the ecology of the park, you will also partake in a fabulous Western dinner. Angel shares his extensive knowledge about local history and the park's flora and fauna.
To fly fishers, Harriman State Park means big rainbow trout. The park opens for fishing around June 15. Firm regulations mandate that the only type of fishing is with a fly, no hooks with barbs are allowed and all fish caught must be released. After a day in the woods or on the river, check out the Railroad Ranch. Founded in 1902 as the private retreat of the Harriman family of Union Pacific Railroad fame and the copper-rich Guggenheims, the ranch is now owned by the State of Idaho. The bunkhouse is open year-round and is an excellent lodge for ski weekends with friends. The original ranch manager's house, a four-bedroom log home with a modern kitchen and a rustic knotty-pine living room with a stone fireplace can be rented for small groups.
To make reservations, call (208) 558-7368 or email HAR@idpr.state.id.us.
Cross-country skis can be rented in Island Park at the Last Chance General Store, (208) 558-7399 or Summit Sports, (208) 558-7056. Mountain bikes can be rented at Snowy River Campground in Last Chance, 558-7112. Nearby motel accommodations are available at the Angler's Lodge, (208) 558-9555. Snowy River Campground has RV and tent spaces as well as cabins.
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