3. Henrys Lake State Park
Henrys Lake State Park is on the Idaho/Montana border and is about 16 miles from West Yellowstone, Montana, which sits next to Yellowstone National Park. Henrys Lake is a perfect base camp for exploring Yellowstone but offers its own unique setting. This 6,000-acre alpine lake sits at an elevation of 6,476 feet. The campground sits on the lake with spectacular sunset views and light bouncing off the nearby mountains. Fishing is the main attraction at this park with renowned trout fishing on the lake. You can fish from the pier or shore with a loaner rod if you don’t bring your own. If you want to go fishing on the lake, you must bring your own boat and registration is required. There are boat inspection sites on all roads in Idaho, so be prepared with your paperwork. Unfortunately, even though this lake is beautiful, leeches prevent it from being a fully enjoyable swimming lake.
The surrounding area is filled with trees and mountains though the park itself is flat and open. There are asphalt roads and wide trails near the campground. The park has several miles of hiking trails that go up into the aspen forest. The shortest loop is 1.39 miles and skirts the base of the forest. Another 1-mile loop goes through the forest. For those who want a view, take the half-mile Overlook View trail out of the forest. This is bear country, so be on the lookout and carry bear spray. Moose are sometimes seen in the forested area as well. Summertime also brings hoards of mosquitos, so be armed with bug repellent. Springtime brings out a beautiful display of wildflowers. For those who want longer wilderness hikes, Yellowstone is only 15 miles away.
Sitting by the lake, you’ll see an amazing array of birds. White trumpeter swans can be seen and heard on the lake along with plenty of ducks and gulls. Eagles, hawks, and osprey are plentiful. The shoreline area sports cranes and herons that migrate there in the summer. Binoculars are a valuable item if birding is to be part of your fun.
Editor’s Note: See our best binocular picks for any budget here.
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