Damage Potential to the Henry’s Fork at the Grandview Access

Anglers treasure the reach beginning just below Lower Mesa Falls Campground and ending at the Stone Bridge below the Warm River confluence. Waters of the reach host bountiful rainbow and a few brown trout with individuals ranging to several pounds. During springtime large stonefly emergences one of the most popular float and fly-fish trips on the Henry’s Fork is through here. From here also begins a water trip to experience one of the most remote reaches of the Henry’s Fork. This reach of the Henry’s Fork is also much valued by wildlife photographers, rafting enthusiasts, and sightseeing tourists. For several decades, beginning in the mid twentieth century, its use has been a significant part of Fremont County economy. Users rent lodging and vehicles, hire guides, and patronize eateries and other retail outlets within the County. Access to float the river here begins just below Lower Mesa Falls Campground and requires portaging boats, rafts and such for a few hundred yards down a steep and erosion prone slope. Through decades of use over multiple descending routes the slope has suffered erosion to the degree that sediments from it threaten to enter the river to foul water quality and fish habitat. Finally observing damage to the slope through portaging all types of boats downward over these routes, but realizing the public popularity of its use, the United States National Forest Service (USFS) studied potential here for environmental impact. Results of the study indicated that a trail down the slope, not to quicken descent, but to establish a single pathway for portaging soft-sided boats only will minimize chances for sediment eroding into the river. Hard sided boats, usually weighing much more and being more rigid than soft sided boats, dig deeper into the slope and move down it more quickly thus increasing potential for erosion. The USFS therefore established the lowest impact pathway with maintainable water bars down the slope to the river. The USFS also provided soil for plant material to re-vegetate the slope that would provide a natural barrier for impeding sediment from entering the river. The USFS will monitor the effects of use on this pathway on the slope. Although this is a hazardous route to the river and not advocated by the USFS, plans are to keep it open after discussions with fishing guides and other users. Despite establishment of the restrictive trail down the slope, it now appears that some users are pioneering trails to portage hard sided boats down to the river. Such actions make increased potential for sediments to enter the river. In an effort to prevent misuse down the slope, the Snake River Cutthroats and the Upper Snake River Fly-Fishers of Idaho Falls and Rexburg respectively are combining to establish signing at the top of the established pathway to indicate that restrictions are in place and the reasons for them being established. Members of these clubs and Trout Unlimited encourage other anglers and users to honor the restrictions here and to assist the USFS in policing the established trail. Any observed violation of this trail to the river should be reported to the USFS Ashton District Ranger Station: 208-652-7442.