Activities \ Franklin County
Fishing and boating at Twin Lakes boasts must be inspected $10 to $15 at Twin lakes when used at twin lakes / day pass $5 per car
Fishing licenses are required for 15 years old and up.
Life jackets are required for years 14 and under for any river floating, kayaks, canoes, boating see rules.
The Bear River Hot springs formerly known as the Riverdale Hot Springs Resort
Activities and Recreation for Franklin County, Idaho, offers a variety of outdoor and historical recreation options, particularly in the areas of Preston, Clifton, Riverdale, and Mink Creek. Many activities are centered around natural features like reservoirs, trails, and historic sites. Below is a categorized list with available details. Note that some are public areas without specific business operations.Outdoor Activities and Trails
Twin Lakes Reservoir (near Clifton): Bass and trout fishing, camping, RV parking, group camping sites. Open April through September. Phone: N/A (managed by Idaho Fish and Game). Website: idfg.idaho.gov.
Oneida Narrows Reservoir (near Preston): Fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch; boating; float the Bear River. Campgrounds: Maple Grove Campground and Redpoint Campground (overnight fees apply). Phone: N/A (public recreation area). Website: idahohighcountry.org. River floats
Johnson Reservoir (3 miles north of Preston): Fishing for bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, tiger muskie. Boat ramp, dock, vault toilet. Phone: N/A (Idaho Fish and Game). Website: idfg.idaho.gov.
Highline Trail (near Preston to Soda Springs): 55-mile trail at 9,000 ft elevation for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Phone: N/A (Montpelier Ranger District for maps). Website: idahohighcountry.org.
Cub River Canyon Trails (near Preston): Over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails; summer hiking, biking, ATV riding, horse riding, dirt biking. Phone: N/A (public trails). Website: idahohighcountry.org (ArcGIS interactive map).
Mink Creek Trailhead (near Mink Creek): Snowmobiling, ATV riding, hiking, horse riding, dirt biking, mountain biking. Phone: N/A (public trailhead). Website: idahohighcountry.org (ArcGIS interactive map; Idaho State Parks Snowmobile Trail Map).
Bear River Hot Springs Water Park (Riverdale Valley, 5 miles north of Preston): Natural mineral hot springs with four pools; family fun, reunions, birthday parties. Accommodations: Hotel rooms, cabins, RV/tent sites. Hours: Vary seasonally (check website). Phone: N/A (contact via website). Website: bear-river-hot-springs.business.site.
Preston Golf and Country Club (Preston): 18-hole semi-private golf course with tree-lined fairways. Affordable rates for golfers, families, juniors. Hours: Vary (open daily). Phone: (208) 852-2408. Website: prestongolfcc.com.
Day Mountain Ranch Resort (near Preston): Luxury cabins, horseback riding, hiking, gun range, event pavilion. Phone: (208) 852-0374. Website: daymountainranch.com.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Bear River Massacre Site (northwest of Preston): Historic landmark of the 1863 event; interpretive site. Hours: Open daily (daylight hours). Phone: N/A (National Historic Landmark). Website: nps.gov/places/bear-river-massacre-site.htm.
Pioneer Historic Byway (through Preston): Scenic drive with historic sites (Oregon Trail ruts, Mormon settlements). Hours: Open year-round. Phone: N/A. Website: idahobyways.gov/byways/pioneer-historic.
Oneida Stake Academy (Preston): Historic 1890s building; tours available. Hours: Vary (call ahead). Phone: (208) 852-2151. Website: oneidastakeacademy.org.
Napoleon Dynamite Sites Tour (Preston): Self-guided tour of film locations (Preston High School, houses). Phone: N/A (Preston Chamber). Website: prestonidaho.net/community/tourism.
Franklin County Fairgrounds Events (Preston): Rodeo, parades, festivals (e.g., That Famous Preston Night Rodeo, Festival of Lights). Hours: Event-specific. Phone: (208) 852-0400. Website: franklincountyidaho.org/fairgrounds.
Bird Watching and Wildlife
Oxford Slough (near Clifton/Oxford): Bird watching (snowy egrets, ibis, gulls). Hours: Open year-round. Phone: N/A. Website: idahobirdingtrail.com.
Scout Mountain/Mink Creek Birding (near Mink Creek): Raptors, hummingbirds, warblers, owls. Hours: Open year-round. Phone: N/A. Website: idahobirdingtrail.com.
