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South Fork of Snake River

The majestic South Fork of the Snake River flows for 66 miles across southeastern Idaho, through high mountain valleys, rugged canyons, and broad flood plains to its confluence with the Henrys Fork of the Snake near Menan Buttes.  Since 1985, the river has been eligible for inclusion in the nation's Wild and Scenic River System. 

The South Fork of the Snake River supports the largest riparian cottonwood gallery forest in the West and is among the most unique and bio-diverse ecosystems in Idaho.  The South Fork is also home to 126 bird species, including 21 raptors (birds of prey) which resulted in its "National Important Bird Area" designation.  The river also supports the largest native cutthroat fishery outside of Yellowstone National Park.  The corridor is also home for an impressive array of wildlife including moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, river otter, beaver, fox, and mink. 

Recreational opportunities abound!  The South Fork is known throughout the country as a premier blue ribbon trout fishery, and was selected as the host site for the 1997 World Fly-Fishing Championship.  The river receives over 300,000 visits each year, with recreationists enjoying fishing, camping, hiking, and boating.

There are ten developed boat access sites, three developed campgrounds, numerous dispersed sites, and a number of private facilities along this stretch of river.  Nearby BLM Boat Access Sites include Conant, Byington and Lorenzo.  Please refer to the "Access" link for a list of all the boat access sites on the South Fork.

South Fork of Snake River Boat Launch Sites

Boat Launch	Location	Facililities
Conant	Swan Valley. ID; about 40 minutes east of Idaho Falls.	Flush and vault toilets, running water, parking areas, trash collection, raft launch, accessible boat launch, observation point, picnic tables, visitor center
Byington	25 miles east of Idaho Falls	Vault toilets, raft launch, accessible boat launch, parking areas, accessible fishing pier, floating docks, picnic tables, trash collection, running water, dump station for river boaters' portable toilets
Lorenzo	Lorenzo, ID; about 20 minutes north of Idaho Falls	Vault toilets, parking area, non-motorized access points to BLM lands, accessible boat launch area, trash collection

Click on each numbered yellow box below for more specific maps of each river section:

A boater's guide (including maps and additional information about the South Fork) is available for sale.  It can be purchased at one of the following outlets: Eastern Idaho Visitor Information Center (208-523-1012), Conant and Byington (Thursday-Monday), BLM Upper Snake Field Office (1405 Hollipark, 208-534-7500) and Palisades Ranger District (3659 East Ririe Highway, 208-523-1412).