Summary
The park boasts of a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife including elk, moose, and bison.
Some of the main points of interest in the park include the Henry's Fork River, Harriman Fish Pond, and the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The river is famous for trout fishing, while the Harriman Fish Pond is a great place for birdwatching. The two Mesa Falls are also worth a visit and offer stunning views.
Interesting facts about Harriman State Park include its history as a cattle ranch and the fact that it was once owned by railroad magnate Edward Harriman. The park was established in 1977 and covers over 11,000 acres. It is also part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The best time of year to visit Harriman State Park is in the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and the activities are in full swing. However, visitors can also enjoy the park's beauty in the fall when the foliage is changing colors.
Overall, Harriman State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. With its diverse range of activities and stunning scenery, it is a place that should not be missed when visiting Idaho.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bishop Mountain Cabin
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Box Canyon
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West End Campground
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West End
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Box Canyon Campground
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Pole Bridge
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