Climbing and Caving
The Salmon-Challis National Forest is a popular area for mountain climbing. Home to the highest point in Idaho, Borah Peak (12,662'), among other peaks, there is ample opportunity for even the most adventurous climber. In addition to mountains, there are caves throughout the Forest that recreationists often attempt to explore.
However, persons who choose to participate in either of these activities should be sensitive to their own safety, the safety of others, and Forest regulations. Always familiarize yourself with local regulations and permit requirements before climbing or caving in any national forest.
Please observe the following safety precautions:
- Have proper gear, and knowledge of climbing techniques.
- Awareness of potential hazards like rockfall and avalanche risk is crucial.
- Prepare for self-rescue and extended stays.
- Leave your itinerary and estimated time of return with a third party.
- Go up slowly to acclimate to the higher elevation.
- Increase fluid intake and carbohydrate consumption.
- Avoid alcohol consumption and drug use.
- Responsible climbers follow best practices to avoid damaging natural and cultural resources, as well as the Wilderness Act.
Exploring open caves is exciting, but at the same time fraught with peril. Caves are inherently dangerous environments with many hazards that most people are not accustomed to dealing with, given our above ground experience. Preparation will help make your exploration more enjoyable.
- Check with the local ranger district on the status of caves before exploring.
Caving
- Exploring open caves is exciting, but at the same time fraught with peril. Caves are inherently dangerous environments; with many hazards we are not accustomed to dealing with given our above ground experience. Preparation will help make your exploration more enjoyable.
- The National Speleological Society publishes useful information about caving.
- Check with the local ranger district on the status of caves before exploring.
- Other info:
- Never go caving alone.
- A caving group should include a minimum of four people and a maximum of eight.
- Children should never explore caves without an adult.
- If someone gets hurt, at least one person should stay with the injured person while two others go for help.
- Read all the information you can on a cave before going exploring. It will help you plan your day.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you will return.
- As with all activities in the great outdoors, make a plan, share that with a responsible adult who is not going with you, then stick to it.
- If your group has not returned within six hours after the designated time, that responsible adult should call the Forest Service or the local Sheriff's office to report that you have not returned as designated.
- Dress for success.
- Wear sturdy, ankle high boots to support your ankles. Also, gloves for hand protection and knee and elbow pads for crawling.
- Wear layers of clothing so you can moderate your body temperature. Remember that cotton absorbs cold and water.
- Wear a hard hat with a chin strap and attached light. Low ceilings are common even in short, easy caves.
- If you plan to be part of a guided tour, check the forest or ranger district for information about appropriate clothing.
- Carry the right equipment.
- Carry at least three light sources and enough spare parts, such as batteries, for each person. One light should be attached to your helmet to free up your hands and another should be a waterproof flashlight.
- Candles and matches in a sturdy, waterproof case.
- Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
- Don't forget food and water.
- Don't drink cave water. Bring enough water to last beyond the estimated length of your expedition.
- Pack high-energy foods that can survive the tight confines of a cave.
- Remember to never leave your trash in a cave. Take out what you bring in.
- Move with care.
- Do not run or jump in a cave. Plan each move carefully.
- Do not enter a cave when there is rain predicted in the area. Cave often flood suddenly.
- Never touch or damage stalactites or other cave formations. These take thousands of years to grow.
- Look, don’t touch.
- Remember the Leave No Trace principles apply to caves, too.
- Take photos and leave footprints only when necessary.
- Never go caving alone.
Mountain Climbing
The Salmon-Challis National Forest encompasses at least 9 mountain ranges. In the humble East Salmon River mountains, the ridge road can bring you close to summits and great vistas. Visitors to the rugged Lost River Range traverse steep trails to the highest summits in Idaho, often requiring hikers and scramblers to climb a vertical mile to reach these challenging summits.
Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town, as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps.
- Variety of terrains:
- The mountains within the Salmon-Challis have diverse climbing options ranging from beginner-friendly crags to technical alpine routes on high peaks.
- Weather considerations:
- Always check the weather forecast before climbing, as conditions can change rapidly in mountainous areas.
- Safety precautions:
- Proper gear, knowledge of climbing techniques, and awareness of potential hazards like rockfall and avalanche risk are crucial.
- Prepare for self-rescue and extended stays.
- Leave your itinerary and estimated time of return with a third party.
- Go up slowly to acclimate to the higher elevation.
- Increase fluid intake and carbohydrate consumption.
- Avoid alcohol consumption and drug use.
- Responsible climbers follow best practices to avoid damaging natural and cultural resources, as well as following the Wilderness Act.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing opportunities may also be found on the forest. As the popularity of this sport increases, it remains important that everyone help prevent resource damage. Removable hardware and temporary anchors are preferred. Pack it in; pack it out. Climbers are responsible for making sure they are on public land open to climbing. Remember, your safety is your responsibility when recreating on National Forest System lands.
- Development of any new rock climbing, bouldering or rappelling areas and development of any climbing routes involving the permanent installation of new fixed anchors or new trail construction requires prior Forest Service authorization.
- No new climbing routes using fixed anchors are allowed in certain areas. However, maintenance or replacement of existing approved fixed anchors is allowed by non-mechanized means.
- Contact the nearest ranger station for more information.
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