Of all the outdoor treasures in the region, one of our favorites is the majestic Henry's Fork of the Snake River. For tourists and locals alike, Henry's is more like a convoy of streams. It has at least six distinct stretches, and it offers up a collection of beautiful lakes, scenic trails, wildlife sanctuaries and world class trout-fishing.
For a photographer, the watershed is nothing short of a visual Shangri La.
Here's a list of five great cases in point:
Location: Island Park Reservoir
Photo Op: Morning and evening light on this lake mesh beautifully for stunning panoramas of the water and nearby mountain ranges.
Tip: Calm mornings are by far the best for glassy, reflective compositions.
Location: Harriman State Park
Photo Op: Birds of various stripes can be found here, but we prefer shooting the river itself, especially with a dose of fly-casting above the water.
Tip: Study the surface for the rhythmic rise of a trophy-sized trout. Once you see it, lock down your tripod and shoot in bursts.
Location: Lower Mesa to Bear Gulch
Photo Op: Thick forested scenes and wildlife subjects abound here. The secluded canyon section requires a small kick boat or drift boat to access.
Tip: Be cautious outside of your boat. True to its name, this is bear country.
Location: Fishermans Drive
Photo Op: Overlooks and riverside vistas from Ashton to Warm River.
Tip: Pull over carefully, and use a wide-angle lens. The overlooks are incredible, as are the pastoral scenes of quaking aspen and resident cabins.
Location: Coffeepot Trail
Photo Op: Shallow, pristine river vistas with lots of birds and other wildlife.
Tip: Try this spot in late June, and pack a macro lens. Aquatic insect hatches drape the river like falling cotton.