Targhee National Forest, in the Teton Range, was named for Bannock Indian Chief Tygee. The forest lies partially in Wyoming, but the majority of its 1,810,386 acres is in Idaho; it extends in a semicircle around the headwaters of the Snake River. The Continental Divide forms most of the northern boundary; Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks make up most of the eastern border. Canyons and high peaks and deserts add to the picturesque scenery.

There is camping and picknicking at over 30 campgrounds and picnic areas. Most are fee sites and are open from May 30 to September 15, weather permitting. Most campgrounds are run by private concessionaires. There are over 1,100 miles of trails served by over 30 trailheads. Hiking, horseback riding, ATV and motorcycle use are popular. Some restrictions do apply in some areas and for certain kinds of uses. Hunting big game and fishing are quite popular over most of the forest. Hunting and fishing licenses are required. Winter activities include x-country and downhill skiing with snowmobiling being very popular in the Island Park and Ashton areas.

Water is abundant throughout the forest. Big Springs, one of the largest in the U.S. and headwaters of the Henrys Fork, is reached by SR 84 from US 20 at Macks Inn and issues from the base of a high plateau at a constant 52 degrees. Schools of rainbow trout protected by closure to fishing can be seen here year-round. Fishing is permitted several miles below the spring. Along a national recreation water trail near Big Springs (five miles long), moose, trumpeter swans, ospreys and bald eagles often can be seen, and an excellent 3 to 5 hour canoe/float trip can be taken. Further down the Henrys Fork, boaters must portage around several sections of dangerous water between Macks Inn and Ashton.

Trout fishing is excellent throughout the forest: Palisades Reservoir, Henrys Lake, Island Park Reservoir, Henrys Fork, and South Fork of the Snake are noted spots.

Points of interest include, Howard Springs at Targhee Pass on State Highway 20, Sawtell Peak on the Continental Divide accessed by a gravel road from US 20, Big Springs near Macks Inn is one of the largest springs in the United States, Island Park Reservoir, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are two of a few remaining undisturbed major water falls in the Columbia system, Fall Creek Falls, and Palisades Reservoir on the South Fork of the Snake River. There are two wilderness areas - Winegar Hole borders Yellowstone National Park and Jedediah Smith borders Grand Teton National Park. The Charcoal Kilns is an interesting historical site in the Birch Creek Valley.

If you would like more information or detailed maps on the Targhee National Forest, please contact:

FOREST SUPERVISOR
Targhee National Forest
420 N.Bridger Street
P.O. Box 208
St. Anthony, ID 83445
Phone 208-624-3151