About

At the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, you can spend your time enjoying some of the best natural beauty in the region.

I have visited several times during several seasons, and I cannot state enough that there is so much to enjoy here. The forest itself spans 3 million acres, and it runs from the southern portion of Idaho all the way into Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, providing lots of room to explore.

The forest is very diverse. There are some of the best rivers in the area for fishing, lots of wildlife just about everywhere, and rugged mountains that some of the best climbers can be challenged by.

In addition to this, the surrounding area is just stunning when it comes to its overall beauty. My favorite experience is during the spring months when the flowers are blooming, and the area comes to life with baby animals of all types.

The area has several key areas where you’ll likely want to visit. The Big Spring Warming Hut is open throughout the year. You can also climb the Brimstone and Buffalo River Cross-Country Ski Trail throughout the year, though it’s only groomed during the winter months. The Cherry Springs Nature Area is an excellent choice for those who are looking to do some birdwatching.

Another fun place to visit at the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is the Warm River Cabin, which is about 20 miles from Ashton.

It was first built in the 1930s and was used through the 1950s as a fish and game hatchery. The cabin is open to visitors and is about a six-mile walk from Bear Gulch Trailhead.

No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, I can say with confidence that the Caribou-Targhee National Forest will delight you!

Fun Experiences At The Caribou-Targhee National Forest

There is something magical about taking a horseback ride up the mountain trail. If you get the chance to do so, make this a priority during your trip, as it creates such a serene experience it is hard to imagine anything more peaceful.

And if you’re like me, I love to get in the water. At the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, there are so many ways to do so. For example, the streams are perfect for wading for anglers, or if you prefer to swim, there are tons of places to enjoy! And canoeing is also a welcome activity here. It’s easy to want to spend your entire trip in the water like this.

One really cool thing is if you visit during the right season, you can spend some of your time picking wild berries (the best assortment is in late spring if the animals don’t get to them first).

And if you are visiting during the winter months, make sure you go snowmobiling. This was truly one of the most invigorating experiences here I have found.

Getting There

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a short drive from the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. The area is very accessible, but it’s also large. It’s accessible to the East of R-2 and Harriman State Park.

Local Tips

Do your part to minimize the risk of fires, and be sure you know what the risks are in the area when you visit—the local rangers can help you.
The weather is really dependent on where you visit since there are so many different area elevations. If you’re climbing, you’ll need warm clothing.
There’s always a threat of storms in the afternoon, so be prepared for them no matter when you visit.
There are bears here, and you’ll need to be prepared to manage that type of encounter.

Staging environment