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Star Valley is surrounded by three National forests: the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Caribou National Forest and the Targhee National Forest. The average elevation of Star Valley is 6000 feet, and it is approximately 50 miles long and 10 miles wide.
Alpine, Afton and Thayne are the only incorporated towns in the Valley. Other communities include Etna, Freedom, Grover, Smoot, Fairview, Osmond, Auburn, Bedford and Turnerville.
Star Valley is one of our country's most beautiful treasures. In addition to being historically and culturally rich, Star Valley boasts an abundance of wildlife, outdoor recreational opportunities, and spectacular scenery.
The Snake River, Salt River and the Greys River meet at Alpine to form the Palisades Reservoir, a 20 mile long lake with some of the best trout fishing in the west. Just south of Alpine is the Wyoming Elk Refuge and feed ground, where approximately 1000 elk spend the winters.
Head east through the town of Afton to reach one of western Wyoming's most awesome natural features this side of Yellowstone. The largest of only three fluctuating springs known in the world can be found 5 miles up the road, which is gravel upon entering the National Forest. Now alternately called Periodic Springs, the Intermittent Spring was called "the spring that breathes" by Native Americans who frequented the area before settlement by Mormon pioneers.
Though not intermitting during the winter, spring, and early summer months, the Spring puts on a good show starting in late summer through the fall when groundwater tables are lower. The fluctuation in flow, which seems very mysterious, is caused by the siphon effect of a cavern that fills with water and the crevices that feed and expel it.
Star Valley is full of mystery and beauty, and living here is a dream come true. So come try for yourself. You won't be sorry.
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