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Nearby Attractions

So much to see... So little time …

Island park is a mountainous recreational community sitting inside a large caldera formed in prehistoric times.
With miles of fishing streams, lakes, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities.  The Henry's Fork of the Snake River is
world-famous for fly fishing.  Drive the beautiful Mesa Falls Scenic Byway or visit Historic Harriman State Park.  Most of all don't forget Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Your options are endless.

Harriman State Park

The site of the old Railroad Ranch, this state park, a gift to Idaho's Citizens from the Harriman family, is also a wildlife preserve, home to trumpeter swans, elk, moose, grizzly bear, sand hill cranes and more.  The Henry's Fork of the Snake River meanders through the park, and is world famous for its catch and release fly-fishing.  Enjoy hiking the many miles of trails, take a horseback trail ride and have a picnic lunch while visiting.

Henry's Fork of the Snake River

One of the most famous fly fishing rivers in the world is within walking distance of Grandma's Cabin.  Know as one of the finest trout streams in the lower 48 states and offers some of the best dry fly-fishing in the Country.  Anglers can hire superior outfitting and guide services right in Last Chance.  Guides are skilled in challenging the experienced angler or providing lessons to beginner fly-fishermen and women.

Island Park Caldera

Island Park is actually the world’s largest crater, 23 miles in diameter, created from a volcano which collapsed in prehistoric times. Now covered in a dense forest of pine and wildflowers, it is a Mecca for hiking & fishing in summer.  Use the Island Park driving tour located in Grandma’s book case and explore this wonderful area.

Big Springs & National Water Trail

This spring produces over 120 million gallons of water each day and is  a Natural National Landmark, is one of the 40 largest natural springs in the world. The springs create the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River creating the spectacular scenery at Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.  With a constant temperature of 52 degrees and protected from fishing the spring supports enormous rainbow trout, a resident muskrat, ducks, moose and deer. It is not unusual to see osprey and eagles dive for a meal of fresh fish from the springs.

Johnny Sack Cabin

The Johnny Sack Cabin, located at Big Springs, was placed on the on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.  A short walk from the Big Springs bridge to the unique location and picturesque setting visitors admire the log and stone structure as well as the building's colorful creator. Today many of the individually hand crafted pieces of wood furniture remain in their original location.  Johnny's cabin and nearby water-wheel staffed by volunteers is available mid-June to Mid-September.

Island Park Reservoir

Island Park Reservoir which is formed by the Island Park Dam. Fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, coho salmon, yellow perch, and bluegill. Other recreational activities on the reservoir include boating, kayaking, canoeing and other water sports.

This large reservoir with five boat launch sites is popular for boating, fishing and water-skiing. The reservoir is situated above Box Canyon, which provides excellent fly-fishing opportunities and scenic float trips.

Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

Together form the largest undisturbed falls in the entire Columbia River System and just a few miles from Grandma's Cabin, the Henry's Fork of the Snake River plunges through a deep rocky canyon the upper falls drops 114 feet and and the lower drops 65 feet.  The upper falls is where the historic Big Falls Inn has been restored as a visitor center and the lower falls are easily viewed from an overlook along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.  The falls are protected from future hydroelectric development due to efforts of several organizations and concerned citizens.

Nature Conservancy Flat Ranch

The Flat Ranch Visitor's Center  is open to the public each summer and offers opportunities for fishing, easy hiking, an abundant amount of bird watching, and nature study.  We enjoy wild flowers there each year.

Sawtelle Peak Scenic Drive

This scenic drive that is a twelve-mile route that climbs to the top of the 9878-foot summit of Sawtelle Peak.  The route follows a well-conditioned gravel road.  From the summit, the views of the surrounding area are magnificent.  You will have views of Yellowstone National Park,  Henry’s Lake, the Madison Centennial Valleys in Montana and the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.  The FAA maintains the road and operates a flight traffic control radar station from the summit.  The road is accessible June 1st through October 31st.