Note about things to see while visiting Island Park. I have tried to include many of the wonderful things to do and see in our area. Although we are close to Yellowstone National Park there is much to do and see right in our own backyard.

Written by our friend Sandy Briggs a long time resident of Island Park and images taken by Teara.

Cliff and Wade Lakes

These amazing lakes are about 45 minutes from the cabin in Montana. The road to get there is dirt part of the way, but well maintained. Head towards West Yellowstone on US-20, take the exit to Ennis, Montana (by Henry’s Lake) and once you get to the turnoff for Quake Lake or Ennis, go left toward Ennis. About two miles after the turn, you’ll see a sportsman’s access sign to Three Dollar Bridge. Follow this road to Cliff and Wade Lakes. It’s a great spot for picnics but be warned the water is cold.

Harriman State Park, US-20, south of Last Chance

Harriman State Park is a wildlife refuge spanning 11,000 acres. The Henry’s Fork of the Snake, one of the country’s best fly-fishing streams, flows through it and there are more than 20 miles of trails. The view of the Grand Tetons from the ranch is one of the best around. If you are lucky, bears can be seen in the spring and moose most of the summer. Harriman features horse back riding, hiking, bike riding, etc. It is famous for Millionaire’s Pool which is a section of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake on the ranch named for the ultra-rich American’s who have fished there.

Johnny Sack Cabin, South Big Springs Loop, off US-20 at Mack’s Inn

Situated at Big Springs, the cabin can be found at the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake. Visitors can reach the cabin by a paved short walking path. The unique furnishing, construction, and location offers visitor’s a view into the past. Johnny was an artist in his use of natural materials. The Big Springs itself are amazing to see. Beautiful crystal-clear water and if you are lucky, you can feed some of the giant rainbow trout who spawn there. There is no swimming or wading in this area. Bring quarters for trout food dispenser. Please don’t feed fish bread or other food.

Quake Lake, Montana

Quake Lake is about 45 minutes from the cabin and a wonderful drive. This lake was created when a mountainside slide and dammed up the Madison River due to an earthquake. There is a great visitor’s center that tells you the history of the lake that is worth a stop. Just a short drive up the road from Quake Lake, near Cabin Creek, is one of the best breakfast and lunch restaurants around, Campfire Lodge. You sit in a small quaint restaurant on the banks of the Madison River. Take cash as they do not accept credit cards. They do have an ATM, but it isn’t always working. They also have a fly-fishing shop attached to the restaurant.

Red Rock Road and Wildlife Refuge, off US-20 north of Island Park

This is one of our favorite drives. Be aware the grade up and over the summit can be rocky so go slow if your vehicle doesn’t have a lot of clearance. Good tires are a must, too. Once you are over the summit, the road is quite nice. You will see several old homesteads that are fun to look around and imagine living there years ago. The wild-life refuge is a fun place to see trumpeter swans and keep an eye out for moose. One of the biggest racks I have ever seen on a bull moose was in this area. Borrow our spotting scope from the back room, it does come in handy. Just please remember to return it when you leave so it is there for the next renter to use.

Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (off US-20) south of Last Chance

Just about half an hour by car you will find yourself at Upper Mesa Falls. This beautiful waterfall is on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, 114 feet high, and 200 feet wide. If you hit it just right, there will be a rainbow over the spray. There is a visitor’s center with interesting information in an old cabin at the top of the stairs leading to the falls. There is a parking fee to access the falls, but it is minimal.

Lower Mesa Falls can be accessed from the road. It is not as spectacular as Upper Mesa Falls, but worth a look. It is a little further down the road from Upper Mesa Falls and viewed from a parking lot off the road.