Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the scenery and varied landscape of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. 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. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
- If on a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Bonanza Group Campground
This group campground is an ideal setting for large groups and family reunions. The site overlooks Bonanza Ghost town and is 2 miles from Custer ghost town. Plenty of hiking trails are in the area.…
Boundary, Sulphur, Pistol, Indian Creek Area (MF4)
This area encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation opportunities on the District that are generally reached from or near the Dagger-Boundary Road #568, the Artillery Dome Road…
Broad Canyon Campground & Trailhead
This site has eight camp units in a beautiful wooded setting. There is one accessible vault toilet and several hitching rails. No drinking water is available. Nearby attractions include Broad…
Buster Lake Trailhead
This is the trailhead for trail #4153, Fanny's Hole and #4152, Buster Lake Trail. There is one campsite above Buster Lake available for overnight camping. The road is narrow and steep; 4wd…
Cape Horn Area (MF6)
This area generally encompasses trails, trailheads, campgrounds and other recreation opportunities in the Cape Horn Country that are outside the Wilderness boundary. Campgrounds in this area include…
Challis Area
The area around Challis provides many opportunities for day hikes and drives as well as camping and backpacking. You can check out the Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive center just south of the…
Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District
Site Open
The Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District provides a multitude of opportunities for recreation year round. We are in the process of updating this site to provide you with the most current…
Clear Creek Trailhead
Clear Creek Trailhead
Copper Basin Area
 road 138
Dagger Falls Campground
Eight sites are located along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River away from the busy Boundary Creek launch area. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The campground amenities include a vault…