Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

Mesa Falls is split into two sections, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The Upper is fabulous, you don’t want to miss it. After parking at the trailhead, walk over to the small Visitor Center. Inside you’ll find rangers, information, and restrooms. A short walk from the visitor center is an easy, short (.6-m round trip) trail that leads down to the viewing platform for a closer look at the Upper Mesa Falls.

Lower Mesa Falls is just a mile or two up the road. There is a pullout with an overlook and you see the cascade from there. The waterfall is large and impressive, but it is very far away from this viewpoint.

Big Springs and johnny sack cabin

Take in the crystal clear water and feed the trout at Big Springs on your way to Johnny Sack's historic log cabin. 

Big Springs produces 120 million gallons of water per day. The crystal clear pools are filled with trout. A paved trail leads to historic Johnny Sack's cabin, which is open for tours during the summer.

Park in the paved lot to the north of the wooden bridge. From the bridge, continue south and follow the signs for Johnny Sack's Cabin (open in the summer from 10:00 to 4:00). Keep an eye out for waterfowl and minx.

Box Canyon

Box Canyon can be floated in a canoe, raft, drift boat, kayak, or pontoon boat. This section of the Henrys Fork starts at Island Park Dam near Box Canyon Campground. The river is popular for fishing and excellent views of the surrounding villages and mountains. The take-out is located near Last Chance and Highway 20. It’s great for families.

Fish the henry’s fork

The Henry’s Fork runs through Island Park. It has a reputation for trophy trout and spectacular views. Public access is plentiful. Try Harriman State Park, Riverside Campground, or the Henry’s Lake outlet.

Watch a show at the yellowstone playhouse

Yellowstone Playhouse is a family-friendly dinner theater featuring live musical comedy. Their calendar fills up quickly, so don’t hesitate to make reservations.

Want to relax in a hot tub after a day of exploring? Our suites have a private patio with a hot tub as well as a kitchen or kitchenette. Explore our Suites

Sawtelle Peak scenic drive

The Sawtell Peak Scenic Drive is a short, twelve-mile route that climbs to the top of the 9875-foot summit of Sawtell Peak. Don’t miss the incredible views of the Island Park Caldera, nearby Yellowstone National Park, Island Park Reservoir, and Henrys Lake.

If you are heading into Island Park on Highway 20 from the north, take a right onto Sawtelle Road. It’s about 13 miles to the top of the mountain.

Watch for ATVs and drive slowly. The Sawtell Peak Road is closed between November 1st and June 1st.

hit the trails on a rzr

Rent a RZR from High Mountain Adventures, located next to Sawtelle Mountain Resort. Pick up your RZR at 8:30 AM and turn it in at 4:30 PM. You have the entire day to explore Island Park’s incredible trail system. During summer months you can also rent a raft, paddle board, kayak, or float tube.

During winter, rent a snowmobile. With over 220 inches of deep powder snow each year, Island Park is a snowmobiler’s paradise.

Visit https://highmountainadventures.com/summer-rentals to reserve your RZR or snowmobile. They also rent kayaks, rafts, float tubes, paddleboards, and electric bicycles.

visit Yellowstone national park

Visit one of America’s most loved National Parks, known for it’s striking views and abundant wildlife. View geysers, hot pools, mud pots, alpine lakes, and more. Photograph waterfalls, vistas, bison, bears, moose, and more. Go for a hike. For Things to Do in Yellowstone and Yellowstone Travel Itineraries, visit https://www.sawtellemountainresort.com/yellowstone.

Harriman State Park

Harriman State Park has something for everyone, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, birding, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Opportunities to view moose, elk, trumpeter swans, and waterfowl are abundant.

Hike the Sheep Falls Trail

This is a quick, fun hike. 1.1-mile easy, out-and-back trail. Beautiful views when you arrive at the falls. Lots of shade. This is a relatively unknown hike, so it should not be crowded. Great for kids.

If you’re traveling with kids, ask for the play tent. It comes complete with a plush firepit and smores. Explore more amenities just for kids