First settled by Native Americans and mapped by the Lewis and Clark expedition around 1808, Jackson Hole, Wyo., is a popular vacation destination. Jackson Hole is conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Forest and Bridger National Forest. In addition to these National Parks, a number of state parks in Idaho and Wyoming are within 175 miles of Jackson Hole, providing many scenic and historic destinations.
Enjoy over 20 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking. In the winter, the park has about 28 miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Visitors are likely to spot wildlife including moose, elk, Sandhill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans, since Harriman lies within an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge. The Henrys Fork River, considered by many to be one of the best fly-fishing streams in the U.S., runs through Harriman State Park as well. Restrooms and picnic areas are available, also cabins and yurts for overnight stays. Harriman is located about 100 miles from Jackson, about a two-hour drive.
Harriman State Park
3489 Green Canyon Road
Island Park, ID 83429
208-558-7368
parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
Bear Lake is 20 miles long and half of the lake is in Utah. Water sports are the main attraction in warm weather. Swimming, boating and fishing are popular, or sunbathing on the two miles of sandy beach. Miles of trails are available for hiking and biking; there are also trails for motorized vehicles. There is a campground with 50 sites; three are designated for groups. RV hookups are available in nearby Beaver Creek. In winter, the Park grooms over 300 miles of snowmobile trails. Bear Lake is located about 110 miles from Jackson Hole.
Bear Lake State Park
5637 East Shore Road
St.Charles, ID 83272
208-945-2565
This state park is named for Wild West showman Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and includes land he once owned. Trout fishing and boating are popular in the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, which was created around 1906. Mountains ring the park with some peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. There are three campgrounds plus day-use areas. The Visitor Center provides an audio/visual presentation about the park, along with interpretive exhibits. Eagle Point Trail, the first trail in a planned system, is handicapped accessible. Buffalo Bill State Park is about 175 miles from Jackson.
Buffalo Bill State Park
47 Lakeside Road
Cody WY 82414
307-587-9227
wyoparks.state.wy.us
