Sawtooth Wilderness Regulations
Wilderness areas, like the Sawtooth Wilderness, are special because they represent untamed nature. They offer refuges for wildlife, provide opportunities for solitude and adventure, and a serve as a reminder of our connection to the natural world.
Before entering the Sawtooth Wilderness, visitors should familiarize themselves with the Sawtooth Wilderness Occupancy and Use Order, which outlines all the prohibited activites in the area. We also recommend checking out our Safety and Outdoor Ethics pages to learn more about recreating responsibly.
Rules and Regulations
- All Sawtooth Wilderness users must possess a free Wilderness Use Permit, which outlines the regulations detailed on this page.
- Permits are acquired through self-registration at the trailhead or wilderness boundary.
- Groups of eight or more hikers or those intending to use stock overnight must contact a Forest Service Office to obtain a permit.
- Groups may not exceed 12 people and 14 head of stock May 1 - November 31 and are limited to 20 people and 14 head of stock December 1 – April 30.
- Oversized groups must be separated by a drainage or a day apart.
- Use proper stock containment methods. If you must tie to live trees limit it to periods of less than one hour.
- Stock are not to be tethered within 100 feet of springs, lakes and streams, nor grazed within 200 yards of lake shores except at Agency-provided tie-ups. Keep bacteria out of water sources and protect fragile lake and stream shores.
- Grazing of equine stock is not allowed in the Salmon River drainage (east side of the wilderness). Feed is very limited.
- Carry pelletized feed. Packing in loose hay or straw is prohibited. Prevent introduction of weeds.
- No stock are allowed in the Goat Creek drainage (tributary of the S. Fk. of the Payette) or Alpine Creek drainage (near Alturas Lake). Help protect these fragile areas.
- Equine stock are not allowed overnight at Edith Lake. Help protect this fragile area.
- Stock are allowed in campsites only when loading and unloading. Respect other users.
- Groups are limited to 14 head of pack or saddle stock.
- Stock closure areas and no grazing zones are shown in the Sawtooth Wilderness Regulations Map.
- Dogs must be on leash while on trails from July 1 through Labor Day. Control your pet. Loose dogs can harass wildlife and stock and disturb other visitors.
- Dogs are not allowed in the Goat Creek drainage (tributary of the South Fork of the Payette River).
- Camp at least 100 feet from trails, lakes, and stream.
- Camp on already impacted surfaces, and never camp on meadows or green vegetation.
- Use existing camps in high-traffic areas. Good campsites are found, not made.
- No ground campfires are allowed anywhere within the Sawtooth Wilderness. All campfires must be a Leave-No-Trace fire on a fire pan or fire blanket.
- Areas closed to campfires are shown in the Sawtooth Wilderness Regulations Map. Campfires are not allowed:
- more than a quarter of a mile off-trail from July 1st through Labor Day;
- in the following drainages: Alice/Twin Lakes, Toxaway/Farley Lakes, Goat Creek (tributary of the South Fork of the Payette River), or Alpine Creek (Near Alturas);
- within 200 yards of Sawtooth Lake, Goat Lake and Alpine Lake near Iron Creek, Alpine and Saddleback Lakes in the Redfish drainage, and Scenic Lakes.
- Ashes need to be cold to the touch and spread away from camping site.
- Wood-burning camp stoves are prohibited in areas closed to all fires.
- Pack out all trash. This includes food scraps. Help remove evidence of your stay and keep the area clean.
- Wash 150 feet away from lakes and streams. Even "biodegradable" soap pollutes. Keep it pure!
- Bury human waste at least 100 feet from water sources. Human waste is a threat to the fragile alpine environments found in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Dig catholes 6 to 8 inches deep and cover with soil. Given our rocky terrain, we strongly recommend digging tools. Waste Alleviating Gel Bags, better known as WAG Bags, are also encouraged to carry out all waste.
- Properly dispose of toilet paper. Toilet paper should never be buried and needs to be carried out with users. Doubled plastic bags work great for this.
- Do not disturb natural features. Leave them for others to enjoy.
- Stay on the trail. Cutting switchbacks cause erosion.
- Respect the quiet that wilderness offers. Shouting, music and other loud noises disrupt solitude and disturb wildlife.
- Remember, as in all wilderness, motorized equipment and mechanized travel is not allowed. This includes use of bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, carts, and drones. Protect primitive wilderness characteristics from the effects of ever-expanding civilization and mechanization.