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
Lola Creek Campground
Lola Creek Campground sits adjacent to Marsh Creek. Marsh Creek Trailhead is a short distance away as is the trailhead to Lola Lakes. Each of the 21 campsites is equipped with picnic tables and…
Loon Creek Area (MF2)
This area encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation sites surrounding the Beaver-Loon Road #172, the Loon Creek Road #007 and the Indian Springs Road #004. This area is roughly…
Lost River Ranger District
Site Open
Lost River District
Mackay Mine Hill Area
This is the area directly above the town of Mackay that contains the historic White Knob Mining District
Marble, Sheep and Brush Creek Area (MF5)
This area generally encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation opportunities that are west/northwest of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. It is roughly bordered by the river on…
Marsh Creek Transfer Camp Trailhead
This trailhead provides access for the Marsh Creek Trail #4237, the Bear Valley-Marsh Creek Trail #4010, and the Middle Fork Trail #001.
Meadow Lake Campground
Updated August 29, 2022The water system has been shut down for the season.Meadow Lake Campground is located on the Leadore Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This high alpine…
Middle Fork Ranger District
Site Open
The Middle Fork Ranger District office is located in Challis, Idaho. It is one of six districts that comprise the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It administers and oversees over one million acres of…
Middle Fork Transfer Camp & Trailhead
Trailhead for the Middle Fork Trail #4001.Toilet, stock holding facilities and ramp. Long-term parking area.A few campsites are located in the trees above the parking area, along with picnic tables…
Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground
Mill Creek Campground and Trailhead consists six camp sites available in a wooded setting along scenic Mill Creek. There is one accessible vault toilet, hitching rail, and unloading ramp.  No…