Henrys Lake

Henrys Lake sits at an elevation of 6,476 feet and is fed by springs that emerge around its shoreline near Staley Springs, Pintail Point, and Kelly Springs. The water body spans roughly 8 square miles and is surrounded by forested terrain.

The lake was named after Andrew Henry, an early American fur trapper and explorer from the early 1800s. The region later saw military movement when troops passed through during conflicts with the Nez Perce.

The area has long held significance for the Nez Perce people who lived and traveled through these lands. Today, the surrounding region continues to reflect this heritage through local traditions and land use patterns.

The lake can be accessed from surrounding roads with several entry points along the shoreline. The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are passable and weather conditions are favorable.

The lake lies just 16 miles west of Yellowstone National Park and serves as a crucial breeding ground for white pelicans, mallards, and trumpeter swans. These bird populations rely on the lake annually for nesting and rearing young.