Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho Guide

Located mainly in northern Utah with smaller parts extending into southeastern Idaho and southwestern Wyoming, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a treasure of mountains, waterfalls, streams, and more. Mount Timpanogos, towering over 11,750 feet, is one of the most prominent features of this national forest with acres of heavily wooded mountain terrain. Campers and guests can enjoy the Mt. Nebo Scenic Byway, family camping, horseback riding, fishing, cycling, snowmobiling, and hiking. The Uinta National Forest and the Wasatch-Cache National Forest combine as one unit as the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

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Shape Hiking Trails

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho Hiking Trails

  • Limber Pine Trail

    This nature trail is a short and interpretive hike to the Logan Scenic Byway in Logan Canyon. The Limber Pine Trail introduces you to one of the oldest conifer species in Utah. On this trail, you will see large and lofty trees. The Limber Pine Trail's name comes from what was once believed to be the oldest and largest living limber pine trees in this forest. It is a good trail for families with children and dogs. 

    Length: 1.4 miles

    Intensity: Easy

  • Devils Kitchen Trail

    The Devils Kitchen Trail leads to a platform that overlooks a pocket of red sandstone known as "The Mini-Bryce Canyon." It is located near Nephi, Utah, and is known for its beautiful wildflowers. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. It is best to hike this trail from May to October when picnic tables, bathrooms, and the small parking lot are available.

    Length: 0.2 miles

    Intensity: Easy

  • Silver Lake Trail

    This trail is located at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon, which offers spectacular scenic views of the mountain. It loops around Silver Lake, where you can enjoy fishing and watch wildlife. Stop by the visitor center to find out more information about the area, wildlife, plants, and things to do locally.

    Length: 0.75 miles

    Intensity: Easy

  • Current Creek Nature Trail

    This nature trail is in the Heber-Kamas Ranger District. You can enjoy fishing, hiking, and viewing a variety of wildlife, from deer to elk. It is also located near Currant Creek Campground.

    Length: 1.25 miles

    Intensity: Easy

  • Cascade Springs Trail

    Cascade Springs Trail is a great trail for families and children. It is an interpretive hike with signs and information about the animals you will pass along the way. You can access this trail from the Alpine Scenic Loop. It follows a boardwalk and loops around the cascading springs. Cascade Springs contains several springs that produce over 7 million gallons of water daily. This water flows over a series of ledges and pools into the Provo Deer Creek.

    Length: 0.9 miles

    Intensity: Easy

  • Bell Canyon Trail

    If you enjoy watching the sunrise, then you should take a morning hike on the Bell Canyon Trail. You can see the morning sun coming over the mountaintop on this trail. Bell Canyon Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall and two reservoirs. However, most hikers turn around after reaching Lower Falls. This trail is mainly used for running, hiking, and snowshoeing.

    Length: 4.6 miles

    Intensity: Moderate

  • Donut Falls Trail

    Donut Falls Trail is a short drive from Salt Lake City and has a beautiful waterfall. You should start at the beginning point of the trail to prevent from going two miles out of the way. This trail is exposed to sunlight, and about half is shaded. You have to do a climb to get to the waterfall. Donut Falls Trail is popular and tends to get a lot of traffic. As you go up further, the trail becomes less crowded.

    Length: 1.5 miles

    Intensity: Easy

Things to Do

Activities in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho

  • Identifying Flora and Fauna

    Identifying Flora and Fauna Icon

    The Uinta Mountains rise at different elevations at the summit of Kings Peak on Henry’s Fork Trail, which offers a diverse array of fauna and flora. Sagebrush shrub varieties are found in the area of the Hardware Ranch. They include mountain big sagebrush, silver sagebrush, and low sagebrush. Other shrubs include curl-leaf mahogany, snowberry, bitterbrush, chokecherry, serviceberry, birch-leaf mahogany, and rabbitbrush. 

  • Fishing

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    A variety of streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs makes up the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Anglers can enjoy fishing in Blacks Fork River, East Fork Bear River, North Fork Provo River, and more. The sportfish varieties include grayling, golden rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and brown trout. Warm-water fish include crappie, bluegill, catfish, tiger muskie, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. 

  • Nature Watching

    Nature Watching Icon

    This national forest has various wildlife viewing areas, including the Beus Canyon Trail, North Arm Watchable Wildlife Trail, and the Spring Canyon Trail. You can enjoy bird watching on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. The different bird species include brown creeper, golden eagle, American three-toed woodpecker, and Hammond’s flycatcher. You can also expect to see elk, mountain lions, black bears, and rattlesnakes in the area. 

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How to get to Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho

Address: 857 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095

Fee: Three-Day Pass $6.0

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers a variety of opportunities for scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. You can go hiking, fishing, and watch animals in their natural environment. Because the forest covers areas in three states, an RV is an ideal way to travel as you can pull up stakes and move around without having to worry about making reservations or sacrificing your comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho

Is Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho open all year round?

Yes, Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Idaho is open year-round. In the summer months, visitors can drive the Mt. Nebo Scenic Byway, camp, ride horses, fish, cycle, and hike. In winter, they can go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho?

Yes, you need a permit to hunt in the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Idaho. If you are 14 years old or older, you need a fishing license to fish in Idaho as well.

Is there a fee to get into Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho?

No, there is no fee to get into the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest in Idaho. However, many day-use areas do have a fee. Some recreational activities may also require an additional permit or fee.

Does Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho offer free camping sites?

Yes, many areas of Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Idaho allow dispersed camping, which is free. However, there are some restrictions. Dispersed camping is not allowed in wet meadows or saturated soil conditions, or where vegetation limits vehicle travel. You may be able to backpack in to these areas, but you may not drive to them.

Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho?

Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Idaho. You may camp for 14 days in any 30-day consecutive period. After that time, you must move off forest land.

Campgrounds Near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Idaho