The Ririe Reservoir covers 1,500 acres and has 32 miles of shoreline. There is also a clearly defined season for one water-based activity: fishing season runs from late May through November. Facilities at the reservoir also include restrooms, a boat ramp with a dock, a campground, swimming areas, and a visitor center. Fishing is therefore one of several ways to enjoy the water.
Waterways and fishing spots
The Idaho Falls River Walk offers a different perspective on the water. It stretches for five miles along both sides of the Snake River, making the river part of an extended exploration of the city. The South Fork of the Snake River is home to the largest native cutthroat trout fishery outside Yellowstone National Park. Fall Creek Falls also leads to the Snake River: the waterfall plunges 60 feet into the river.
These places offer different ways to encounter the landscape: a trail along the river, a notable fishery, and a waterfall. Visitors interested in rivers will find more than just a single viewpoint. Each description highlights something different, from a longer walking trail to a fishery and a waterfall.
Art, animals, and recreation in Idaho Falls
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is located on the Greenbelt trail overlooking the Snake River and houses five galleries. Since 2002, the museum has focused on visual art through exhibitions and educational programs. In addition to the galleries, it has an interactive art learning area for children, as well as spaces for classes and workshops. The museum thus combines exhibitions with designated learning and work areas.
The Idaho Falls Zoo also combines a compact layout with an international diversity of species: about 130 species from around the world live across approximately ten developed acres within Tautphaus Park. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The approximate area and species count describe two different aspects of the visitor attraction—its size and the range of its animal life.
Another place to enjoy the water in Idaho Falls is the Wes Deist Aquatic Center. It has a heated indoor pool with a 25-yard pool, eight swimming lanes, three slides, and a hot tub. The numbers make its facilities concrete: from the pool and lanes to the slides and hot tub. In addition, Idaho Falls has more than 50 parks and 26 miles of multi-use trails.
Trails through the landscape—even in winter
In winter, Bonneville County Parks and Recreation maintains more than 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The network runs through the Brockman, Skyline Ridge, Fall Creek, Bear Creek, and Wolverine Canyon areas. Because seasonal grooming conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.
Other landscape experiences have their own setting. Morgan Meadows offers a viewpoint on the southern border of Bonneville County, overlooking the changing landscape. In summer, camping at McCoy Creek Campground provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and swimming. The Hell's Half Acre Wilderness Study Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is also in Bonneville County. Together, these destinations showcase different facets of the area: a viewpoint, seasonal campground activities, and a BLM-managed protected area.
When choosing a base for your trip, you can focus on the experiences that interest you most: river trails and art in Idaho Falls, water activities at Ririe Reservoir, or seasonal outdoor offerings. For snowmobile trails, changing grooming conditions are a practical planning consideration; for fishing at Ririe Reservoir, the season from late May through November is the key timeframe.
Discover more destinations: Idaho Falls, Swan Valley, Boise, Owyhee, Lewis County, Bannock County, Boundary County, Gem County.
For the main travel overview: Idaho.
