Harriman Wildlife Refuge

The telling word on this sign is still: fly fishing still is allowed. The refuge was drawn around the old Railroad Ranch for wildlife first, and anglers fish it as guests. Its size is less settled than the sign makes it. The sign and the state's own history of the gift give 16,000 acres; the same state page, a few lines on, gives 11,700, and other sources put the refuge near 11,000. The sign stands at the Last Chance fishing access on US 20, upstream of the park entrance, where the Henrys Fork comes down toward the ranch meadows.

What the plaque says

Harriman Wildlife Refuge Henry's Fork meanders through a 16,000 acre wildlife refuge that retains diverse habitats for many kinds of birds and animals. Lodgepole pine forests and open meadows provide many opportunities to enjoy wildlife here, and fly fishing still is allowed in this region of scenic beauty. Moose, deer, and elk find plenty of food and shelter, while eagles, hawks, and owls thrive in open hunting grounds. Access is through Harriman State Park. 461

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Harriman State Park — 3.0 mi
  The Harrimans would give Idaho their ranch only when Idaho had a parks department fit to run it. The state built one.
• Mesa Falls — 12 mi
  The inn went up with a dam in mind. The dam never came, and the Henrys Fork still drops 114 feet untouched.
• Warm River — 17 mi
  Union Pacific built the Yellowstone Branch for tourists. At the bottom of this canyon it turned the engines that pushed them uphill.

More markers nearby

• Harriman State Park — 3.8 mi
• Caldera Lookout — 5.5 mi
• Volcanic Calderas — 12 mi
• The Three Tetons — 18 mi