The Forest lies almost entirely within "the Greater Yellowstone Area" or "the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem," an area of over 12 million acres and the largest remaining block of relatively undisturbed plant and animal habitat in the contiguous United States. The area continues to gain prominence for its ecological integrity. The United Nations has identified the area as a Biosphere Reserve.
Fishing in our lakes, rivers, and other waterways continues to be a favorite pastime of forest visitors. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is home to scores of native fish.
State fishing licenses are required and can be obtained from a local state fish and game office or sporting goods store. Make sure that you use the permitted type of bait and fishing gear for the area you plan to fish. There may be a limit to the number, size, and kind of fish that you can keep. You can obtain a copy of the state regulations that cover these points at the time you get your license.
If you plan to use a boat or watercraft when fishing, check with your destination office to see what kind of watercraft is allowed there. Always adhere to cautions and procedures for cleaning your watercraft so that you don't promote the spread of non-native species to the next body of water you may visit with your boat. Use proper dumping stations instead of tossing refuse into the water.
Please follow all visitor rules and practice good safety when visiting the National Forest.
Most trails have some type of regulation, fee or seasonal restriction, so it's wise to find out more about the specific trail you wish to explore before showing up at the trailhead. Parking, horse unloading facilities, and comfort stations exist at most trailhead locations.
Many recreation sites include paved trails to provide wheelchair access. Guided hikes may also be available at some locations.
Use of Non-Motorized Trails is limited to hikers and horses, with some trails open to mountain bikes. Wilderness trails are closed to all types of motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, hang gliders, and bicycles. Trail hiking is an easy way to discover the great outdoors and is available to recreationists of almost any age and ability level.
Please follow all visitor rules and practice good safety when visiting the National Forest.
Hiking and Backpacking:
Throughout the Forest, hundreds of miles of trails are available during the summer for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and off-highway vehicle riding. Trails range from steep, rugged climbs to relatively flat paths blanketed in pine needles. Please don't use trails in areas where it is not permitted.
Most trails have some type of regulation, fee or seasonal restriction, so it's wise to find out more about the specific trail you wish to explore before showing up at the trailhead. Parking, horse unloading facilities, and comfort stations exist at most trailhead locations.
Many recreation sites include paved trails to provide wheelchair access. Guided hikes may also be available at some locations.
Use of Non-Motorized Trails is limited to hikers and horses, with some trails open to mountain bikes. Wilderness trails are closed to all types of motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, hang gliders, and bicycles. Trail hiking is an easy way to discover the great outdoors and is available to recreationists of almost any age and ability level.
Please follow all visitor rules and practice good safety when visiting the National Forest.
