Did you know there are seven national forests in Idaho and that they cover nearly 40% of this beautiful state? We’ve explored 6 of these areas but nowhere near everything in each one. In other words, there is plenty of adventuring and discoveries to make for many years to come!
According to the forest service website (fs.usda.gov), there are almost 400 campgrounds (with many more boondocking areas) and 250 trailheads. Do you enjoy exploring on ATVs or other motorized vehicles? Well then, you’re in luck because Idaho has almost 13,000 miles of trails just for you! Prefer non-motorized exploring? Don’t feel left out! Idaho has almost 11,000 miles of trails for you including almost 5,000 miles of snow trails!
We are always interested in the peoples who first lived in these areas. According to anthropologists, there were two Indian cultural groups in Idaho; the Plateau and Great Basin. These were broken up into other groups including the Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribe, the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) tribe, the Lemhi-Shoshone tribe, and the Shoshone-Bannock tribe.
Here are some interesting facts about these forests:
Salmon-Challis
Covers over 4 million acres in east-central Idaho and includes a big piece of the beautiful Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
Each year thousands of people head to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to float. This float trip is internationally recognized, has class III and IV+ rapids, and is known for the spectacular scenery along the route. You will need a permit to enjoy this activity so prepare in advance.
There is a ghost town to visit (Custer), hot springs to soak in, hiking and backpacking opportunities, and the Lewis & Clark and Nez Perce National Historic Trails to enjoy.
Boise
This national forest covers 2.5 million acres of adventure in Boise’s backyard. You will find numerous natural hot springs, hiking trails, winter sports of all sorts, and white water rafting.
According to the website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/boise), there are over 250 bodies of water in the form of lakes and reservoirs, almost 10,000 miles of rivers/streams, as well as over 500 trails to explore.
There are scenic byways to drive, countless places to camp (both improved and dispersed areas), and many memories to be made. This is our go-to area when we need a quick escape!
Sawtooth
Located in south-central Idaho, this is our personal favorite. With many recreational opportunities including hiking/backpacking to beautiful alpine lakes, fishing, camping, and natural hot springs hopping in the 2 million+ acres it covers, you will never be bored. Some of the pine trees located here are up to 1,000 years old and about 50% of the area is forested.
There’s plenty to do all year ’round so don’t feel left out if you prefer winter sports. Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular recreational activities to enjoy in this area. Winter is one of our favorite times to camp honestly. There’s nothing like snowshoeing into a hot springs and soaking in the hot water while watching the river rush by with ice chunks in it!
Did you know there are 10 mountain ranges located in this national forest? No wonder this is a favorite destination for hiking and exploring! It also includes both the Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth National Recreation Area within its borders.
Caribou-Targhee
This national forest neighbors Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park as well as the Bridger-Teton National Forest. It is located in southeast Idaho and extends into Wyoming. The 3 million+ acres includes opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and has arguably one of the best waterfalls in Idaho – Upper Mesa Falls.
Do you enjoy fishing? If so, you should try your luck at fishing for cutthroat trout in the many streams and rivers here. It is known to be one of the best places in the world to fish for these….well, fish.
The are over 1,600 miles of trails to explore and you can experience some spectacular scenery. It’s a short just over 2 mile hike and minimal elevation gain to see the Mesa Falls – AND it’s accessible most of the year.
Idaho Panhandle
This national forest covers 2.5 million acres and has some of the state’s largest lakes including Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and Priest Lake.
As the name implies, this forest is located in the panhandle of northern Idaho. There is much history here – explore abandoned mining towns or follow military wagon roads used during the Civil War era.
Like the other forests in Idaho, you can count on rivers and lakes for some world-class fishing (even in the winter) or other water adventures including boating and whitewater rafting!
There are plenty of areas to hike, camp, ski, or enjoy other outdoor adventures. And with over half of Idaho’s surface waters being located here, you can bet you are never far from a refreshing dip!
Nez Perce-Clearwater
Parts of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness are located in this 4 million acres of forest. Did you know that over half of this national forest is “designated wilderness?” (https://www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater/)
Like the other forests in Idaho, there are many opportunities to see wildlife, take in the beautiful scenery, and participate in all sorts of outdoor recreational activities. The terrain is mountainous, generally in the 5,000-7,000 foot range.
There are many hiking/backpacking trails, three rivers popular with whitewater rafters – the Salmon, Selway, and Lochsa – and many places to camp. You can try fishing for trout in the North Fork Clearwater River or take a dip in some well known hot springs (Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek).
Did you know that in 2018, part of the documentary, Gold Rush was filmed at the Penman Mine, an abandoned gold mine located in this national forest?
Payette
This forest acts as a gateway to the other national forests in the area and covers 2.3 million acres. It includes the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area with the canyon itself having a depth of 8,000 feet in some places and reaches almost to 9,400 feet in elevation at He Devil Mountain. Hells Canyon was carved by the Snake River.
There are many trails to enjoy hiking, biking, and even horseback riding opportunities with other trails being designated for motorized vehicles. You can camp pretty much year ’round due to the varying low and high elevations throughout this forest.
Enjoy rivers, streams, and alpine lakes. Fish for steelhead on the Salmon river or trout in the higher mountain lakes. Keep your eyes open for over 300 different wildlife species including deer, elk, bear, mountain lions, mountain sheep, and moose. Smaller wildlife include osprey, grouse, otters, and snowshoe hares.
Regardless of where you choose to explore, the benefits of being in the outdoors will follow you. Breathe in the cool mountain air, swim in pristine waters, observe wildlife in many forms, and enjoy the peace and freedom that comes from being in the wilderness.
No matter where you choose to explore, please remember to recreate responsibly. Plan ahead and leave the areas you explore better than you found them.
See you out there!
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