Payette National Forest - Idaho

Enjoy a big forest in a small package! The scenic beauty and diverse recreation opportunities found in the Payette National Forest encourages visitors to return for adventures time and time again.

Spanning 2,323,226 acres, Payette National Forest is a land of mountains and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. This forest is home to two of the deepest canyons in North America: the Salmon River Canyon and Hells Canyon on the Snake River, which carve their way through the rugged mountains, meadows and crystal blue lakes. The Payette National Forest has 200 miles of trails in "developed" areas, 1,200 miles in "undeveloped" backcountry, and 700 miles within the Payette's portion of Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

Visitors to Payette National Forest can take the Warren Auto Tour, followed by a walking tour of historic Warren or alternatively, can fish for rainbow trout, brook and lake trout, and Arctic grayling and whitefish, all found in several of Payette's lakes and streams. Visitors are also welcome to spend the night at one of 30 campgrounds and spend the morning on the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River, indulging in world-class river rafting. If visiting in the winter, downhill skiing, backcountry skiing and snowmobiling trails are excellent at Brundage Mountain Ski Area. Highways 95 and 55 cross the Forest and meet in New Meadows.