Posted in Idaho Hiking, Nature, Waterfalls August 17, 2022 by Jennifer
Easy, peaceful, and full of scenic rewards – sometimes, those are our favorite trails to explore. Especially when those trails offer year-round beauty and hidden surprises! Skip the crowds at Idaho’s most popular destinations in favor of a trip to a quiet, pristine river in Eastern Idaho. Here, an idyllic walk along the canyon rim of an ancient caldera to a secret waterfall is the perfect way to spend a day basking in Idaho’s incredible beauty and wild hidden gems.
Nestled on the Eastern Idaho border just minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone NP, Island Park is home to some of the state’s most sweeping and untouched scenery, complete with wild Yellowstone grandeur thrown in.
This humble town lies in the center of one of the world’s largest calderas – a unique valley formed by volcanic eruptions eons ago – and is beautifully edged by snow-capped peaks even in summer.
The heart of this region is undoubtedly the Henry’s Fork branch of the Snake River. Vibrant and idyllic, this scenic tributary alternates between two types of riverscapes. Some stretches gently wind through sweeping landscapes and offer world-class fly fishing, and then there are churning, coursing waters that surge through volcanic canyons and over rocky rapids.
There are countless ways to explore the beauty offered in this overlooked slice of Idaho, but a walk along the Henry’s Fork Box Canyon is a stunning place to start.
The four-mile trail starts at the confluence of Henry’s Fork and the Buffalo River near Box Canyon Campground; however, there are multiple entrance points if you’d like to modify the distance.
This easy, scenic hike will take you on a gentle stroll through the towering evergreen trees that line the canyon rim.
Breaks in the trees will offer mesmerizing views of the rocky scenery below.
You can also walk across the Buffalo River dam to get a breathtaking view downstream.
Wildflowers are abundant here, even well into July. But every season is worth a visit!
As you near the end of the trail, keep your eyes out across the water for the simple and sweet Rosie’s Waterfall gushing from the rocky canyon wall.
Humble but beautiful, this gentle cascade is just a taste of the beauty found in this region.
You’ll also find a small bench to rest, take in the canyon views, and enjoy the quiet, woodsy surroundings.
There are various opportunities throughout the hike to access the river bank and see the falls up close, so long as you are careful and plan ahead. Scout out the canyon in advance to plan your descent.
Feel free to stay for sunset or enjoy a waterfront picnic lunch before hiking back the way you came.
With little elevation gain and only moderate rocky surfaces to navigate, this sweet trail with its hidden waterfall is an easy hike for all ages. Be sure to keep a safe eye on little ones around the canyon edge, pack out all trash, and stay bear-aware. This is grizzly country!
Looking for more epic things to do in the Gem State? Try hiking a volcano in Southern Idaho!
