Salmon-Challis National Forest - Idaho

Tel: (208) 756-5100

Go rafting in the whitewater capital of the world! Salmon-Challis National Forest has 1.8-million-acres of canyons, depths of 5,000 feet, towering mountains, and whitewater which beckon rafters from all over the world!

The Salmon-Challis National Forest wilderness areas are teeming with wildlife from Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and mules, to white-tailed deer, moose, marten, lynx, coyotes, and wolverines. Besides the awesome opportunities for wildlife-watching, rock climbers can indulge in sheer rock walls and hikers can explore over 1,200 miles of trails, through canopies of ponderosa and lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, sub-alpine fir, western larch and grand fir.

Fishermen are sure to perk up when they see the Kokanee salmon and trout-filled streams and lakes on the forest. And if visiting in the winter months, be sure to check out the Lost Trail Ski Area, located 46 miles north of Salmon-Challis, which provides opportunities for downhill skiers and snowboarders. Camping is available in 34 developed campgrounds. Choose from backcountry (permitted in most areas of the forest), or from five A-frame and cabin rentals.

The Salmon-Challis stretches from the Beaverhead National Forest on the Montana border, westward to the Bitterroot, Payette, Boise and Sawtooth National Forests. U.S. Highway 93 and State Highways 75 and 28 provide the primary paved access through the area.