Recreation

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.

Are you planning a trip to the SCNF this summer for a day hike or a backpacking trip? We have an interactive map just for you! Click here --> https://bit.ly/23Trails and you can find out if the trail you were planning to hike will be maintained during the 2023 field season!

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.

Heading out to go camping this weekend?

Thousands of bears live in our forests and mountains.

Hot Springs:  The Salmon-Challis National Forest has many hotspring across the Forest.  The water and pools associated with the springs may be near or above the boiling temperature and can cause severe, possibly even fatal, burns. PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS AND TEST THE WATER TEMPERATURE BEFORE YOU ENTER!!

Current Recreation Conditions

Spotlights

Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Welcome to the remote and rugged mountains and rivers of Central Idaho. Each year, approximately 10,000 people float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The Middle Fork is a 104-mile free-flowing river in the heart of the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, originating 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, at the confluence of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks.

It was one of the original eight rivers in the nation designated as Wild and Scenic on October 2, 1968. The river moves through a variety of climates and land types; from alpine forest to high mountain desert to sheer, rock-walled canyon, the third deepest in North America.

The Middle Fork is administered under a permit system to provide a quality wilderness experience and to protect the river corridor from excessive human impacts. Part of that protection asks you, the user, to learn and practice Leave No Trace ethics. Because of its remote location, man's presence in the area was somewhat limited, leaving it in the condition we see today.

Only a few trails, landing strips, private ranches and Forest Service stations are evidence of man's intrusion. The Middle Fork is now an internationally recognized whitewater/wilderness float trip, known for its scenic beauty and crystal clear whitewater. It is a non-motorized floating experience with many technical rapids. These class III and IV+ rapids offer boating excitement for both families and experienced adventurers.

Hiking away from the river offers a taste of the wilderness experience and visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of how past inhabitants lived.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is usually not floated during the winter due to harsh conditions, low water levels and access difficulties. The river freezes over and ice and snow bridges are to be expected on the river and its tributaries during this time.

In the spring, road access to the Middle Fork is usually limited by snowdrifts and trees across the road. Depending on the amount of snow, spring weather and temperatures, the road to Boundary Creek may not open until sometime in mid-June. High water levels are also a concern once the runoff begins.

Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District

Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District

This Ranger District is expansive and takes in the Salmon river mountains and most of the forest that one can see from the town of Salmon. From boating at Williams Lake to hiking into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, there is a wide variety of activities to choose from when recreating in "Salmon's Backyard".