Salmon-Challis National Forest

The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho. Included within the boundaries of the Forest is 1.3 million acres of the Frank Church-- River of No Return Wilderness Area, the largest wilderness area in the Continental United States. Rugged and remote, this country offers adventure, solitude and breathtaking scenery. The Forest also contains Borah Peak, Idaho's tallest peak, the Wild & Scenic Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The area is a highly desired destination for hunting, fishing, white-water rafting and many other popular recreational pursuits. The Salmon-Challis National Forest is a land of rugged mountains split by untamed rivers. Escape into the backcountry in the Lemhi, Bitterroot, Pioneer, or Lost River Mountain Ranges. Visit the Bighorn Crags within the legendary Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness and see a fantastic collection of granite peaks and alpine lakes. Raft the Wild & Scenic Rivers. Climb Idaho’s highest peak, Mount Borah. Relax at one of our campgrounds, or fish for trout or steelhead in our many lakes and streams. Enjoy miles of scenery while driving along Scenic Byways. The forest is rich with America’s heritage. Historic cabins, ranger stations, lookouts, mining ghost towns, and the Lewis & Clark and the Nez Perce National Historic Trails link today’s visitor with the past. Visit the ghost town of Custer and tour the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge while travelling the Custer Motorway. Visit the Mackay Mine Hill to see a glimpse of the area’s copper mining legacy. For more information about recreation activities, select one of the AREAS (divided into six Ranger Districts), or one of the RECREATION ACTIVITIES you want to do from the tool bar on the left, then view the opportunities within each of the Districts. This website is still under construction so please be patient while we get the information you want in the places that will help the most.