With its proximity to the Palisades Reservoir, the South Fork of the Snake River, and the Caribou National Forest, the home of the infamous square ice cream cone delivers the ultimate mountain adventure.

But it’s not just about the search for wild trout – brown, rainbow, and cutthroat, Swan Valley’s adjacency to public lands makes it an ideal destination for horseback riding, hiking, biking, four-wheeling, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. More laid-back itineraries can include hot springs and floating.  

The South Fork of the Snake River serpentines from Wyoming to the Palisades Reservoir in Idaho, its tailwaters continuing 64 miles below the reservoir to the confluence with the Henry’s Fork. This beloved stretch of the live water has something for everyone including photographers and artists as they take in the rural valley’s endless vistas and especially the 60-foot descent of Fall Creek Falls into the Snake River. 

Staying overnight in Swan Valley is a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world, with multiple guest ranch options at Granite Creek Ranch, Hansen GUest Ranch, River Retreat Lodge, Sleep J Cabins, South Fork Lodge, and the Lodge at Palisades Creek where visitors can enjoy a homestead experience with bonfires, trail rides, and gourmet dining.

Pronghorn, bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, mountain lions, moose, and deer populate Swan Valley, and the surrounding mountains can be hunted, season permitting. Experienced hunting guides and outfitters can provide you or your group with more information regarding tags and bag limits. A variety of waterfowl and upland bird species with ample populations are also available for wing shooters. 

Recognized as a “National Important Bird Area” by the Audubon Society, it hosts 126 bird species, including 21 raptors. In early Spring, be on the lookout for bald eagles fishing the river waters, Trumpeter Swans tending their nests, and Sandhill Cranes whooping it up. Songbirds are also prolific, so bring your binoculars and look for Willet, Long-billed Curlew, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer.

Enjoy the epitome of Western lifestyle at its finest without the hassle. Swan Valley is an easy jumping-off point that makes side trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks or Jackson Hole easy while maintaining all the tenets of a Rocky Mountain getaway. Swan Valley’s versatility matches budgets built around modern luxury as well as thriftier itineraries.

Be sure to stop by the Swan Valley General Store for all your sundries and the Little Moose Lodge is a perfect way to end the day. With rainbow trout with a lemon caper cream sauce, smoked Duck breast with peach BBQ glaze, or just a simple “Dam Burger” named for the earth-filled Palisades Dam that was completed in 1957.

Spanning 25 square miles with 70 miles of shoreline, anyone can recreate the way they wish whether that’s swimming, paddleboarding,  boating, fishing, or just enjoying the shoreline to bathe in the sun. Stop by Swan Valley Sports→ to rent boats, boards, skis, or bikes before heading out into the great outdoors!

Pick up your fishing license, any needed gear, flies, clothing, and more at the Swan Valley Fly Shop located at the corner of  Highways 26 and 31.