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It’s mid-summer—berries are ripening, the days are long, and there’s always the chance of an afternoon shower. We could use the rain, so every drop is welcome. Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “very high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Please use extreme caution.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) is a favorite among birds and wildlife. Native Americans used the berry to make pemmican—a dried fruit and meat bar that stored well. Serviceberries and huckleberries pair nicely in baked goods, too. The shores of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park were a favorite camping spot for Native tribes, thanks to the central location and abundance of useful plants. Many of those plants were gathered and preserved for winter food. One such plant is blue camas, which grows in northern Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Tribes would roast the bulbs and mix them with dried meat and serviceberries.
On another note, if you’re out on the water, remember it’s everyone’s responsibility to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. All watercraft transported into Wyoming must be inspected—and it’s mandatory to get checked when entering Grand Teton National Park. There are also plenty of water recreation options outside the park, but the same rules apply. Inspection locations are listed at the link below.
In July, zebra mussels were found on a boat during a routine check. These mussels filter large amounts of plankton and can wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems. So far, none have been found in Jackson Hole or anywhere in Wyoming—but they’re getting close, with sightings in South Dakota. Let’s all do our part to keep our waterways healthy.
Learn more: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/fishing-boating/aquatic-invasive-species-prevention
This summer has been less smoky than in past years, but fire danger remains very high—so be extra careful and enjoy these summer weeks.
Happy Hiking,
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
Bridger-Teton Forest Plan Update: Public Input Needed
The Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) spans 3.4 million acres, making it the third-largest national forest in the lower 48. Right now, the BTNF is in the process of revising its forest plan—which has been in place since 1990. This is a multi-year effort, and public input is a key part of shaping the forest’s future.
Public comment is open through August 24, 2025, so now’s the time to get involved. Striking a balance between conservation and multiple uses—like recreation, wildlife habitat, and grazing—is no easy task. Your voice can help shape a vision that works for everyone who depends on or enjoys this land.
The revised plan is expected to be completed by 2028.
Learn more:
SPIRIT
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
— Marcel Proust
Join a Naturalist in Jackson Hole
We take pride in our guides – their commitment to providing excellent service is the key to our success.
Each of our staff members has chosen guiding as a profession in order to share his or her expertise and passion for nature. Their dedication, depth of knowledge, loyalty, and strong work ethic is what makes our tours memorable, safe and fun!
Nature Awaits You!
Backcountry Tips
- Always check the weather forecast before heading out. In the high country, temperatures can drop quickly—especially by late August. Wind can make things feel even colder, so it’s smart to pack a ski hat and light gloves for late summer adventures.
- Check current trail and area conditions before venturing into the hills. Two great resources in Jackson are the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on North Cache, and the Craig Thomas Discovery Center in Grand Teton National Park.
Field Facts
- August is berry season! While many wild berries are edible, only eat them if you can positively identify the species. As a general rule, avoid shiny red or white berries, which are often toxic. Some delicious and safe options (when properly identified) include huckleberries, thimbleberries, serviceberries, raspberries, and gooseberries.
- Now is the time to remove flower heads from invasive plants before they go to seed. Keep an eye on your favorite trails—or consider volunteering with Teton County Weed and Pest to help on a larger scale. Be sure to throw removed flower heads in the trash—if dropped on the ground, they’ll likely reseed.
👉 Habitat Hero Volunteer calendar here »
Tour Suggestions
August is a perfect time to head for the high country—wildflowers are still blooming, and the cooler temps make for ideal hiking weather. Taking the aerial tram from Teton Village up to Marion Lake is always a solid August adventure. Or, for a real stunner, hike Table Mountain in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness—it’s absolutely magnificent this time of year.
With the warmer weather, it’s also a great month for a swim. String Lake in Grand Teton National Park is a fun spot to paddleboard, especially later in the day around 4:30 or 5 when the crowds thin out.
So many ways to enjoy the season—get out there and have fun!
