Harriman State Park lies within a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, the park offers 22 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails that meander along riverbanks and snake through meadows and lush evergreen forests. Some of the best fly-fishing waters in the nation flow for eight miles through Harriman, known by anglers the world over as “the Ranch.” Moose, elk and Trumpeter swans, the world’s largest waterfowl species, are common sights here.
Uniquely situated at the floor of the Island Park Caldera, Harriman welcomes thousands of visitors each year who are awestruck by the area’s diverse habitat and wild recreation experiences. A great way to see the park is on horseback. You can reserve a one-hour, two-hour or half-day horseback ride with Dry Ridge Outfitters beginning in June.
The park acreage was owned by Union Pacific Railroad investors from 1902 to 1977, and it served as a cattle ranch and private retreat for the Harriman and Guggenheim families. Today, the historic ranch and residences—as well as two Mongolian-style yurts—are available for overnight lodging:
Ranch Manager’s House–A four-bedroom, fully furnished log home with a modern kitchen, rustic knotty-pine living room, stone fireplace and enclosed sun porch. Perfect for that once-in-a-lifetime fly-fishing vacation.
The Laura Clarke Scovel Education Center–A group facility with 10 cabins and a conference center surrounding a courtyard.
Railroad Ranch Dormitory & Dining Hall–Groups of 15 to 40 can reserve the rustic log dormitory and original Railroad Ranch Cookhouse. A great option for reunions.
These unique facilities are perfect for family vacations or reunions, events, weddings, retreats and learning conferences. You can make reservations by calling 1-888-922-6743 or visiting http://idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com.
On summer weekends and holidays, park rangers lead interpretive nature programs and tours of the historic Railroad Ranch buildings. Winter activities include more than 24 miles of groomed Nordic skiing trails, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The historic Jones House serves as a warming hut on weekends, offering views of Henrys Fork and its wintering wildlife.
Location
28 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana
130 miles north of Pocatello, Idaho
258 miles north of Ogden, Utah
Nearby Recreation Opportunities
Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Henrys Lake State Park, Mesa Falls Recreation Area, Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (Idaho Highway 47), Big Springs Nature Trail, golf, snowmobile trails, Yellowstone National Park.
Published on April 30, 2015
