Caribou-Targhee National Forest

If your pupster wants to get back to their wild roots, plan a trip to Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This massive pawperty sprawls across 2.6 million acres in southeastern Idaho and borders Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It’s full of rugged peaks, green valleys, rivers, and wildlife. This place will bring out the animal in your pooch!

If your hound loves to hike, then they will be in heaven here. With more than 1,600 miles of trails, this place is just waiting to be explored. The Jedidiah Smith Wilderness rests against the western slope of the Teton Range. So if your furry pal wants epic mountain views and doesn’t mind traipsing across rocky terrain, this is a great place to hike. Winegar Hole Wilderness is on the northern end of the forest. It borders Yellowstone National Park. Both of these areas are high in elevation and have beautiful pine, fir, and spruce forests. The other sections of the forest also have woofderful trails. 

As you and your pal meander through the mountains, keep an eye out for wildlife. The forest is teeming with critters like bears, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, and mountain lion. Dogs can be off leash when not in a parking lot or a near trailhead. So if you do happen to see an animal, make sure your pal doesn’t harass them.

Caribou-Targhee National Forest has dozens of campgrounds to choose from. There are also plenty of places to backpack. Make a weekend out of your visit and stay a night or two in the great outdoors. Pack your fishing pole and stop by one of the many rivers, streams, or lakes. Have a leisurely picnic, go for a scenic drive, or just enjoy being in nature with your pup. When it comes to having a pawsome time, the sky is the limit!