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Trip Reports

July 14, 2024

Overview

Hype:

The Big Springs Water Trail in Island Park, Idaho, offers a serene and scenic paddle through crystal-clear waters fed by one of the largest freshwater springs in the country. This peaceful water trail is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, as it winds through lush greenery and provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, eagles, and fish. The gentle current and pristine surroundings make it an ideal outing for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Along the way, paddlers can enjoy breathtaking views and connect with the natural beauty of the area, making the Big Springs Water Trail a must-visit destination in northeastern Idaho.

Time: 2-3 hours

Length: 4.4 miles one way

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Features:

Rivers and Streams
Mountains
Paddling
Swimming
Swimming - Outdoor
Wildflowers and Vegitation
Wildlife and Birding
Fishing
Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
Access Road is 2WD Accessible
Viewpoint, Overlooks, Vistas
No Restrooms
Marked Trails
Non-potable Water - filterable
National Trail

Maps

Closest City or Region: Island Park, Idaho

Coordinates: 44.497097, -111.271428

Interactive Guide Map

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July 14, 2024 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Kingston Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner, Calliope Wagner,

Logistics

Start: 2:50 pm

Finish: 5:20 pm

Story

We had lunch then most of the group kayaked down the Big Springs Water Trail. We stopped at Big Springs and the cabin first, but we were worried about finishing the kayak trip in time, especially with a possible thunderstorm in the evening, so we didn't go inside the cabin.

We got loaded up and headed down the river. Ari's kayak didn't have a flat bottom so she kept dragging in the shallows. We did a lot of waiting. The river was very scenic and fun.

The only downside was that it got kind of cold and windy, but it wasn't too bad. Killian had a rough time of it after he tipped his kayak and got wet. We finished up the float, shuttled vehicles back and went, and went back to camp. Ondy started feeling sick at the end of it.

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