Recreation

Photo taking while looking down the canyon through the arch.

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.


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. This website is still under construction so please be patient while we get the information you want in the places that will help the most.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

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Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
Iron Bog Campground Closed to Visitor As of May 17, 2012, the bridge leading to Iron Bog Campground has been damaged and the campground in not accessible.
Middle Fork of the Salmon River   
Morse Creek Campground Closed to Visitor Road culvert is washed out
Stoddard Trailhead Closed to Visitor Stoddard Pack Bridge currently under replacement

Spotlights

Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Welcome

Boundary Creek Campground/Complex

Boundary Creek Campground

Boundary Creek Campground is located within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, adjacent to the boat launch for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. It has been recently updated, with 15 units containing new fire rings, picnic tables, and resurfaced parking spurs. There is a comfort station and drinking water available at four hydrants throughout the campground. Generally, the site provides overnight camping for boaters awaiting the next days launch on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  Five units are now reservable through Recreation.gov.