Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Cross-Country Skiing Photos: Methow Valley, Washington

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Winter recreation enthusiasts delight in two ski resorts on Targhee serving the public with excellent skiing terrain and snow conditions: Kelly Canyon and Grand Targhee. In addition, there are cross-country and snowmobile trails on several districts. Some of the trails are groomed. Most trailhead parking areas are plowed.

Be sure to check with ranger stations for other trails and additional information. The Island Park district offers three cross-country ski trails. Buffalo River Trail is an easy, scenic 2.6-mile interpretive trail. Its trailhead is at the ranger station. Brimstone trail is moderately challenging, a 9.1-mile scenic trail that includes loops. Trailhead is at the Buffalo River. The Harriman connector's moderately challenging 10.5 miles has trailheads at Buffalo River or Harriman.

Ashton district's cross-country trails are the easy Canyon Rim trail, consisting of two loops and a spur, which means the outing can range from four to 10 miles. Trailhead for this scenic trail is at Bear Gulch or Low Mesa. The Fall River Ridge trail, moderately challenging, can range from 1.5 miles to 8 miles, depending on which loops you take. Trailhead is at Cave Falls Road.

Island Park has 391 miles of groomed snowmobile trails interconnecting north to West Yellowstone, south to St. Anthony, and east to Flagg Ranch. The Two Top National Recreational Trail offers scenic views, is rated moderate, and is heavily used. Its trailhead is located at Big Springs. Dubois district has no groomed trails, but does offer areas suitable for snowmobiling. Cross-country skiing is available in the Spencer-Stoddard Creek area. Visitors should check with the Ranger office for information. Targhee offers other snowmobiling opportunities. Visitors should inquire at Forest headquarters or ranger stations.

Special note to snowmobilers: State law prohibits operation of a snowmobile on any road that can be used by a wheeled vehicle. All plowed roads are closed to snowmobiles. Snowmobiles must be licensed through the county assessor's office.