Discover History
The first people to use the lands that are now the Sawtooth National Forest occupied this area between 8,000–7,000 BC. More recently (after 1,700 AD) the Shoshone—or Sheepeater people—lived in small bands on the northern end of the forest, harvesting roots and tubers, fish and game, and timber and rocks for tools.
Trappers and explorers arrived in southern Idaho by the early 19th century and by 1849 immigrant trails were established through the southern end of the forest. Mining in Idaho started in the early 1860s and peaked in the 1880s, occasionally rebounding over the next 100 years. Cattle and sheep grazing was the primary large-scale land use on the forest for much of the 20th century. Logging activities focused on timber and firewood for homesteaders and miners.
It wasn’t long before the area became popular with visitors who were drawn by the impressive scenery and recreational opportunities.
Important Dates in Sawtooth National Forest History
The Sawtooth Reserve, comprised of 1,947,520 acres, was created by the proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Cassia Forest Reserve was established.
All forest reserves names were to changed to reflect that they were, instead, national forests.
Minidoka National Forest formed by the consolidation of the Cassia and Raft River national forests.
Minidoka National Forest consolidated with the Sawtooth National Forest. The respective forest headquarters offices in Burley and Hailey combined in a new, singular forest headquarters on Addison Avenue in Twin Falls, Idaho.
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area was established by Public Law 92-400. The area comprised 754,000 acres, 217,088 acres of which made up the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Sawtooth National Forest headquarters moved to Kimberly Road location in Twin Falls, Idaho.
White Clouds Wilderness, comprised of 90,319 acres, and the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness, comprised of 67,998 acres, were established on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
White Clouds Wilderness renamed by Congress to Cecil D. Andrus–White Clouds Wilderness in honor of the late Idaho Governor who also served as Secretary of Interior from 1977-1981.
Sawtooth National Forest headquarters moved to it current location in Jerome, Idaho.