Harriman State Park lies within an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Moose, Elk, and Sandhill Cranes are common, as is North America's largest waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan. Known as one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation, the Henrys Fork meanders for eight miles through Harriman. Over 20 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross county skiing. Guided horseback tours are offered by a park vendor, Dry Ridge Outfitters, 208-558-RIDE (7433).
The Park Today
Harriman State Park has significant renovation projects currently under way as a part of the Experience Idaho project set in motion by former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne. Governor Kempthorne dedicated 30 million dollars to Idaho State Parks for improving facilities, park visitor services, and addressing major maintenance needs. Harriman is a benefactor of this project and will be going through major renovations and maintenance work during the 2008 season.
Once this project is finished, Harriman State Park will have two additional rental facilities available and have completed major restoration work to two of the park’s most significant historic buildings. Projects to be completed during this work include:
• The Bunkhouse, once sleeping quarters for ranch hands, will be restored and serve as a small group overnight facility, utilizing the existing cookhouse
• The Middle Dude Barn will be restored and serve as the dining facility for the existing dormitory. The middle dude barn is adjacent to the dormitory.
• The South Dude Barn will be remodeled to serve as a Retreat Center, hosting a conference center and small cabins accommodating approximately 20 people.
• The historic Harriman Cottage will be completely restored and continue serving as an interpretive/museum building.
• A new roof will be placed on the Jones House Visitor Center.
Due to the construction projects within the park, the Horseback Rental Program has been temporarily relocated to the Horse Barn, at the north end of the historic ranch. After completion of the park construction projects, the Horseback Rental Program will be moved to its new location at the Ranchview Parking Area.
This construction is currently taking place and is planned to wrap up June 15th, 2009. We are trying to keep impacts to a minimum in order not to affect your visit with us. Construction work will be primarily from Monday through Thursday and most will halt from Friday through Sunday. Once these projects are completed we will have additional facilities to accommodate groups larger groups and have provided needed maintenance to the park’s historic buildings. Because of this construction the historic tours are limited this year. If you have any further questions please call us here at the park at 208-558-7368.
Park Conditions
October 4th, 2008
Wow - cool temperatures and frosty mornings have indicated to us that summer is over and fall is here. The park is very peaceful and chances are you will find yourself in total solitude on the trails. Aspens are golden yellow and the undergrowth is taking on it's fall color pallete. The elk are back in the refuge and bugling can be heard every evening and morning. We are in bear country so hike "bear aware", carry spray and bear bells. Historic tours are finished this season and will start up again May long weekend.
"Haunts" of Harriman is just around the corner and will take place on Saturday October 25th. Our theme this year is "Classic Hollywood Horror". Draculas, werewolves, zombies, and witches have decided to have their annual haunting here at Harriman this year. If you would like to participate give us a call, we would love your assistance!! We are asking for food bank donations for admission into the event.
Trail Maps
Travel Planning Links
Island Park Weather
Idaho Road Conditions
About the Ranch
Owned by Union Pacific Railroad investors from 1902 to 1977, the park acreage served as a cattle ranch and private retreat of the Harriman and Guggenheim families. Today, Harriman State Park provides the perfect setting to enjoy the park's unique history in a beautiful natural setting.
During the summer there are regular tours of the Railroad Ranch buildings, offered Saturdays at 10:30am and 2:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Tours will take place until August 31st. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are other ways to experience the beauty of the area. Don’t forget to bring your camera. There are breathtaking wild flower displays in the sage meadows and pasture land which dominate the landscape. Visitors often see elk, deer and moose, particularly in the morning and evening. The views of the Teton Mountain Range are spectacular.
During winter months guests can enjoy Nordic skiing and the Jones House warming hut—open on weekends, offering views of the Henrys Fork, bald eagles and trumpeter swans.
Park Restrictions:
Harriman State Park is a Wildlife Refuge and has the following rules concerning pets:
For overnight visitors - NO PETS ARE ALLOWED!
For Day Use Visitors – PETS MUST BE LEASHED AND ARE ALLOWED IN THE DAY USE PARKING LOTS ONLY.
Harriman Trails are non-motorized
Mesa Falls Recreation Area
Mesa Falls Recreation Area is owned by the US Forest Service and is co-managed with Harriman State Park, Idaho State Parks and Recreation. In the winter, Scenic Byway 47 does not remain open to vehicles but is groomed for snowmobile traffic. The falls are only accessible by snowmobile or cross-country skies and visitors can park at Bear Gulch on Scenic Hwy 47 east of Ashton and ski or snowmobile the packed road 5 miles to Mesa Falls. Snowmobilers can also reach Mesa Falls from Hwy 20 via Scenic Byway 47, which is a 14-mile scenic ride. The Big Falls Inn is open on weekends from 10:00am to 3:00pm from the first week in January to the second week in March and you can go in and warm up by the fire. The trail down to the falls is very snow packed and icy and visitors should use extreme caution if attempting this scenic view.
For more information on Mesa Falls click here.