Salmon-Challis National Forest

The golden glow of autumn colors Salmon-Challis National Forest.

A mountain goat in Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Welcome Lake in Salmon-Challis National Forest.

The Salmon and Challis forests merged recently and offer a wealth of recreational activities.

The remote 2.5 million-acre Challis division hosts outstanding whitewater, lodgepole pine forests, high mountain deserts and a unique history told by its ghost towns, gold rush relics and Native American pictographs.

One of its jewels is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which cascades 100 miles through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The river provides a whitewater challenge to thousands of rafters and kayakers each summer.

The river winds through forests, desert and an impassable canyon gorge. The striking landscape is home to more than 370 wildlife species.

The western area of the forest contains the Salmon River Mountains and the eastern region contains the western Lemhi, Lost River, White Knob, northern Pioneer and northern Boulder mountain ranges.

Horsepackers and backpackers enjoy the forest's extensive network of trails and spectacular views.

The Salmon area is a harsh region with a short growing season, rough topogaphy and miles of streams full of big fish.

The namesake of the forest, the chinook salmon, once had prolific fall and spring runs, but is now threatened. The U.S. Forest Service is working to improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic life in the forest.

Sacajawea, famed guide to the Lewis and Clark expedition which passed here in 1805, was born nearby. You can experience the Lewis and Clark route by traveling the National Back Country Byway and Adventure Road by Tendoy. The Salmon River Road winds its way along the Salmon Wild and Scenic River for 47 miles.

The Salmon provides opportunities for day floats or week-long rafting and kayaking adventures that take you down the River of No Return.

The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, covering 2.36 million acres, is nearby and extends 97 miles along the Salmon River. Wildlife include bobcats, deer and bighorn sheep.