Henry Lake State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Henrys Lake State Park — One of Idaho’s highest-elevation state parks at 6,470 feet, surrounded on three sides by the Continental Divide — just 15 miles from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Henrys Lake State Park sits in a high mountain valley in Fremont County, eastern Idaho, offering access to one of the premier trout fisheries in the American West. The park’s stunning setting — surrounded on three sides by the Continental Divide — provides a dramatic backdrop for fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing just minutes from Yellowstone.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fremont County, ID — 15 miles W of Yellowstone entrance |
| Elevation | 6,470 feet |
| Season | Late May (Memorial Day weekend) – mid-October |
| Day-Use Fee | $7 per vehicle (Idaho residents $5) |
| Contact | (208) 558-7532 |
Fishing
Henrys Lake is legendary among western anglers — one of the top trophy trout lakes in the region.
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout | Native species — the lake’s signature fish |
| Brook Trout | Abundant, often caught from shore |
| Cutbow Hybrid (“Henrys Lake Lunker”) | Rainbow-cutthroat hybrid — can grow 5+ lbs |
The park features a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and access for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. An Idaho fishing license is required.
Camping & Cabins
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Campsites | Serviced sites with hookups available |
| Cabins | Reservable — book well in advance |
| Facilities | Restrooms with showers, dump station |
| Trails | Aspen Loop Trail (hiking/biking) |
Getting There
Located on US-20, approximately 15 miles west of West Yellowstone, Montana, and 40 miles north of Idaho Falls. The park is well-signed from the highway.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park | 15 miles E | West Entrance — geysers, wildlife, hot springs |
| Mesa Falls | 30 miles S | Two dramatic waterfalls on the Henrys Fork |
| Harriman State Park | 25 miles S | Fly fishing, wildlife refuge, historic ranch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henrys Lake good for fishing?
Henrys Lake is one of the premier trout fisheries in the American West. It holds native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, brook trout, and the famous “Henrys Lake Lunker” — a rainbow-cutthroat hybrid that can exceed 5 pounds. The park provides a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. An Idaho fishing license is required.
How far is Henrys Lake from Yellowstone?
Henrys Lake State Park is approximately 15 miles west of the West Yellowstone entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It’s a popular alternative base camp for Yellowstone visitors, often with better campsite availability and lower costs than staying inside the national park.
When is Henrys Lake State Park open?
The park typically opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes in mid-October. At 6,470 feet elevation, the high mountain setting means the season is limited by weather. Water hookups and the dump station may be unavailable early and late in the season.
