US Department of Agriculture • Forest Service

Intermountain Region • Ogden, Utah

23.258.419.04/00

hree National Forests spread across a diverse ecosystem in southeastern 

Idaho and western Wyoming: the Bridger-Teton, Caribou, and Targhee. These 

forests are rich in natural wonders ranging from grasslands to dense stands 

of timber, lush canyons, pristine wildlands, clear lakes and wild rivers, alpine 

meadows, caves, craggy ridges and towering mountain peaks. Within the 

three forests’ boundaries are 6 million acres of America’s public lands.

A scenic journey through the

BRIDGER-TETON, CARIBOU, and TARGHEE National Forests T

TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST 

IDAHO

WYOMING

Southeastern

Western

Southeastern

Western

BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST CARIBOU NATIONAL FOREST 
SAGAS OF

BYGONE DAYS . . .

on a scenic journey

Long before humans left their mark upon 

the land, wind and water 

shaped the face of the forests. Geological monoliths 

rose from the valley fl oors 

where erosion exposed 

ridges and peaks of hard 

naked stone. Crystal lakes 

collected water on the 

mountain tops to feed the 

rivers and streams below. 

Fertile soil encouraged 

trees and other vegetation 

to fl ourish in canyons and 

valleys while animals fi lled 

the forests with new life. 

Today the National Forests 

in southeastern Idaho and 

western Wyoming are rich 

in nature’s heritage.

Ahistory of human  infl uence is apparent on these National 

Forests. Explorers, 

trappers, mountain men, 

miners, and farmers 

followed in the footsteps 

of Native Americans 

who occupied the land 

for centuries. Pioneers 

seeking a new life in the 

West left evidence of 

their journey along the 

Oregon Trail. The sagas 

of this cultural heritage 

is preserved in ancient 

campsites, grave markers, abandoned mines, 

and historic structures.

History carved in spruce tree on the 

Lander Trail, Bridger-Teton NF

An early industry: charcoal was 

produced in kilns on the Targhee NF

Estella Brown was laid to rest 

along the Lander Trail

Rough hewn logs were used 

for this cabin on Pass Creek, 

Bridger-Teton NF

A well trodden path 

on the Lander Trail, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Tracks carved by covered wagons are still 

visible on the Oregon Trail

Mountain men and trappers blazed 

trails across the West

Rock work lasts a lifetime on the Lander Trail, Bridger-Teton NF
Summer in southeastern 

 Idaho and western Wyoming offers a myriad of 

outdoor delights to forest 

visitors. This is the busiest 

time of year on the Bridger-Teton, Caribou, and 

Targhee National Forests 

as trails, campgrounds, 

picnic areas, lodges, and 

resorts receive extensive 

use. Caving, “ATVing,” 

rock climbing, mountain 

biking, and whitewater 

rafting are popular activities for the robust adventurer. Other visitors enjoy 

photography, watching the 

abundant wildlife, camping, 

and hiking. If professional 

assistance is needed, a list 

of outfi tters and guides is 

available from Forest offi ces. Using the land safely 

and with respect ensures 

there will be recreation opportunities in the future.

STARTLING

SPRING . . .

warm awakenings on a

scenic journey

STUPENDOUS

SUMMER . . .

hot destinations

for a scenic journey

Nothing is more beauti ful than spring in 

the western forests. It is 

heralded by rushing rivers, lush green grasses, 

budding trees, brilliant 

sunshine, and clean, crisp 

air. Animals emerge from 

their winter shelter and 

give birth to their young. 

It is time to begin fi shing, 

hiking to the snowline, 

wandering the grasslands, 

and driving the Scenic Byways. Visitors may choose 

to ride horseback, spend 

a day in nature with their 

camera, fl oat down a rushing river, or take a leisurely 

hike. Spring is a sensitive 

time for forest ecosystems. 

Visitors can protect these 

natural wonders by recreating with thoughtfulness 

and care. If the roads and 

trails are muddy or wet, 

leave the area and come 

back another day.

A hearty backpacker hikes 

in the cool mountain air, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Fishing on Green 

River Lake 

beneath Square 

Top Mountain, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Huckleberries 

make a sweet 

summer treat

Warm River Campground

on the Targhee NF

Wildfl owers 

attract the 

camera lens 

throughout 

the seasons in 

southeastern 

Idaho and 

western 

Wyoming

Shhh–babies sleeping

Nesting site of a sandhill crane

on the Caribou NF

Soaking tired muscles in Granite 

Hot Springs, Bridger-Teton NF
SIZZLING

SCENERY . . .

autumn’s splendor in

a scenic journey

Snow and ice turns the  Bridger-Teton, Caribou, and Targhee National 

Forests into a virtual winter 

wonderland. Downhill 

and cross-country skiers, 

snowboarders, sledders, 

snowmobile and snowshoe 

enthusiasts can indulge 

in their favorite “cool 

experience” in the versatile terrain of the forests. 

Visitors need the proper 

clothing and equipment for 

cold, changeable weather 

to keep themselves safe, 

dry and warm. Check avalanche conditions before 

venturing into the backcountry.

SNOWY

SPLENDOR . . .

cool experiences for a

scenic journey

Autumn nights bring  freezing temperatures 

and spectacular fall colors 

to the National Forests 

and Grasslands in southeastern Idaho and western 

Wyoming. A breathtaking 

array of incandescent red, 

gold, and orange leaves 

contrast with the yellow 

grasses and luminous 

green pines refl ected in 

crystal blue lake waters. 

There are fewer visitors 

on weekdays, but campgrounds and trails are 

actively used by hunters, 

hikers, and other adventurers on the fall weekends.

Hunting and exploring on 

horseback, Bridger-Teton NF

Whooo can resist watching a 

beautiful saw whet owl?

A whole new 

world emerges 

on a snowmobile 

expedition, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Barking and cheering fi ll the 

air during a sleddog race, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Crosscountry 

skiing is fun 

for everyone, 

Caribou NF

Snowghosts on Two Top, 

Targhee NF

A hunter 

takes a 

breather 

during the 

fall hunt, 

BridgerTeton NF.

A marmot peeking over a rock 

on the Caribou NF
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national 

origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all 

programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, 

etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To fi le a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Offi ce of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Bridger-Teton National Forest .............................................(307) 739-5500

TDD (307) 739-5503

www.fs.fed.us/btnf/welcome.htm

Jackson Hole Visitor Center .........................................................................

www.fs.fed.us/jhgyvc

Caribou National Forest .......................................................(208) 236-7500

www.fs.fed.us/r4/caribou

Targhee National Forest .......................................................(208) 624-3151

www.fs.fed.us/tnf/

National Forest Campground Reservation System ..........1-877-444-6777

TDD 1-877-833-6777

Bureau of Land Management ............Idaho Falls, Idaho - (208) 524-7559

Kemmerer, Wyoming - (307) 828-4500

Pinedale, Wyoming - (307) 367-5300

National Park Service ...................................................................................

Fossil Butte NM - (307) 877-4455 - www.nps.gov/fobu

Grand Teton NP - (307) 739-3300 - www.nps.gov/grte

Yellowstone NP - (307) 344-7381 - www.nps.gov/yell

National Elk Refuge - (307) 733-9212

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation .......................(208) 334-4199

Idaho Falls Visitor Center ....................................................(208) 523-3278

Idaho Division of Tourism ....................................................(208) 334-2470

Backcountry Avalanche Hotline ..........................................(307) 733-2664

www.untracked.com/forecast

www.avalanche.org

SE Idaho Avalanche Hotline ................................................(208) 239-7650

For More Information ✔ Travel only where permitted and obey travel regulations. ✔ Respect the rights of others. ✔ Educate yourself about public and private land boundaries. ✔ Avoid non-durable surfaces, stream sides and waterways. ✔ Operate your ATV safely and responsibly.

photo by Mel Lewis

One of the most photographed 

scenes in the nation, Square Top, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Brilliant fall colors brighten up 

Green Basin, Caribou NF

The 

cascading 

waters 

of Sheep 

Falls on 

Warm River, 

Targhee NF
Leisure driving along 

the Scenic Byways of 

southeastern Idaho and 

western Wyoming provides 

visitors unsurpassed 

views of nature’s diverse 

offerings. A number of 

Scenic Byways meander 

in, out, and around the 

Bridger-Teton, Caribou, 

and Targhee National Forests. It takes about 2-1/2 

hours to drive the 111.3-

mile Bear Lake - Caribou 

Scenic Byway from the 

Utah border to Montpelier, Soda Springs, Henry, 

and Freedom, Wyoming. 

The Wyoming Centennial 

Scenic Byway is a beautiful 161-mile high-altitude 

highway stretching from 

Dubois to Moran (US 26 

and 287); from Moran 

through Jackson to Hoback Junction (US 26, 89, 

and 191); and from Hoback 

Junction to Pinedale (US 

191). Although not designated as scenic byways, 

other highways through 

the Bridger-Teton National 

Forest also offer spectacular mountain scenery. 

(continued on next page)

SCENIC

BYWAYS . . .

for a spectacular journey

SCENIC BYWAYS

Regularly traveled 

major roads that offer 

unique combinations of 

recreational adventures 

and scenic attractions.

Allow 2.5 hours to drive the 

68.9 miles from Swan Valley 

to Ashton, Idaho, on the 

Teton Scenic Byway. The 

route is open year round 

and fall foliage is spectacular. The Mesa Falls Scenic 

Byway is only 28.7 miles 

long. Allow one hour for 

this drive. The road from 

Bear Gulch to US 20 is a 

groomed snowmobile route 

in the winter. The main attractions are the Upper and 

Lower Mesa Falls (104 and 

76 feet respectively), which 

are the last major undisturbed waterfalls in Idaho. 

Trailheads, campgrounds, 

picnic areas, and pull-outs 

for scenic overlooks are 

conveniently located along 

these travelways. Call 

ahead for road conditions 

during the winter.

View from the Teton Scenic Byway 

near Driggs

Mesa 

Falls 

Scenic 

Byway, 

Targhee 

NF

Spectacular scenery abounds on 

Teton Scenic Byway, Targhee NF

Bright red/orange fl ags of 

Indian paintbrush wave 

from the forest fl oor

The end of a perfect day, 

Caribou NF

Spelunkers joy: exploring 

Minnetonka Cave, Caribou NF
Big Springs National

Recreation Water Trail

Remember “Safety  First” as you will 

be visiting the homes of 

wild animals living in the 

National Forests. Prior to 

your visit, learn about the 

resident wildlife and how 

to conduct yourself in 

their territory. Awareness 

is the key to your personal safety. Never approach 

wild animals–give them 

plenty of space.

Curlew National 

Grassland

TO AVOID CONFRONTATIONS WITH BEARS . . .

● Travel in pairs or groups and make plenty of noise when hiking

● Learn to recognize bear signs and 

avoid those areas

● Be cautious in dense timber or 

brush and along creeks

● Always remain alert; bears do not 

like surprises

● Carry bear repellent pepper spray

● Cook and store food and toiletries 

where they are unavailable to bears 

and at least 100 yards from sleeping 

areas

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A 

BEAR . . .

● Slowly back away, keep calm, avoid eye contact, and speak in a soft 

voice

● Never run and do not try to climb a tree

SPECIAL PLACES . . .

on a scenic journey

Aleisurely fl oat on the  Big Springs National 

Recreation Water Trail 

gives visitors a chance to 

watch for abundant wildlife 

such as Canada geese, 

trumpeter swans, sandhill 

cranes, muskrats, moose, 

and kokanee salmon. 

Beautiful rainbow trout live 

year-round in the 52 degree 

springs at the headwaters 

of Henry’s Fork.

Humans and animals have 

shared the grassy plains 

and perennial streams of 

the Curlew National Grassland for more than 2,000 

years. Prehistoric sites 

reveal the history of aboriginal people who feasted on 

bison and other game, and 

took their fi ll of fresh water 

from the springs. Later, 

ranchers and homesteaders used the Grassland for 

farming and cattle grazing. 

Today, the unique values 

of the Curlew National 

Grassland are recognized 

and conserved. It is a literal 

outdoor classroom featuring precious water, valuable 

minerals, wildlife, native 

plants, cultural sites, wildlife and quiet serenity.

Sighting a trumpeter swan thrills 

birdwatchers, Bridger-Teton NF

Launch at Big Springs for a day of 

boating fun, Targhee NF

Sawtell Peak provides the perfect backdrop for Big 

Springs National Recreation Water Trail, Targhee NF.

A bobcat 

hunts for 

prey in the 

grasslands, 

Caribou NF

The Curlew National Grassland, with its unique ecosystem, has a beauty all its own.

A bighorn sheep 

walks easily 

through craggy 

snow speckled 

rocks

Moose fi nd abundant 

food in riparian areas, 

Bridger-Teton NF

Give this big, 

black fellow 

plenty of space 

when you visit 

his home.

Backcountry areas of the Bridger-Teton offer solitude

in the wildlands where there is little evidence of human presence.
SWEEPING

STATURE . . .

a neighborhood of attractions for 

a scenic journey

The Bridger-Teton,  Caribou, and Targhee National Forests 

are surrounded by a 

neighborhood fi lled with 

wondrous diversity. Rugged plains, high deserts, 

and pastoral low country fringe national and 

state parks and monuments, wildlife refuges, 

sand dunes, lava fl ows, 

waterways and a menu 

of National Natural 

Landmarks administered 

by the Bureau of Land 

Management. Everyone 

is welcomed as they 

journey through this 

Idaho/Wyoming neighborhood and partake 

in the feast of outdoor 

adventures.

Steam gushes 

into the air as 

Old Faithful 

erupts

right on 

schedule at 

Yellowstone 

National Park.

Lower Yellowstone Falls in 

Yellowstone National Park The Tetons in the winter

National Elk Refuge near Jackson, 

Wyoming

Mt. Moran and Snake River in 

Teton National Park

Harriman State Park,

near Targhee NF

Nowhere else on earth are there more 

stark rugged peaks than the Teton Range 

where Grand Teton National Park and 

the Bridger-Teton National Forest are 

neighbors.