Middle Fork Ranger District

Area Status: Open
Cramer Rapid August 2010

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 land, including over 900,000 acres of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (FC-RONRW) area, one of the last intact wild places in the lower 48 states.

A land of steep mountains, deep canyons, and wild rivers, the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness is the second largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states at 2.4 million acres. The FC-RONRW provides outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation experiences and is home to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, a world-renown whitewater river.

The District oversees the management of the Middle Fork, 104 miles of free-flowing whitewater, where every bend reveals a new dramatic vista and a challenge to boaters’ skills. Visit our Floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River page.

Trails of the Middle Fork District - click here to access the Trail Condition Report, Trail Maintenance Accomplishment Reports, and other trail work documents.

 

We are in the process of updating this site to provide you with the most current information. If you cannot find the information you need here, please call our offices at 208-879-4100 for assistance.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Operational Hours: Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please call our offices at 208-879-4101 for assistance.
Reservations: Required for river permits. Visit www.recreation.gov for permit availability and reservations.

General Information

Directions:

The Middle Fork District Office is located in Challis, Idaho, just north of Main Street along US Highway 93.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Middle Fork Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Middle Fork Ranger District

Lake and Pond Fishing

Must obtain and carry an Idaho Department of Fish and Game license.

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Middle Fork Ranger District

River and Stream Fishing

Must obtain and carry an Idaho Department of Fish and Game license.

Some streams and rivers are catch-and-release only and require barbless hooks. Please read regulations carefully.

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Middle Fork Ranger District

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Middle Fork Ranger District

Backpacking

Please check MFRD Trail Condition Report to see when last maintenance was performed.

Areas for Backpacking at Middle Fork Ranger District

Horse Riding

Please check MFRD Trail Condition Report to see when maintenance was performed. Not all trails are suitable for stock.

Areas for Horse Riding at Middle Fork Ranger District

Big Game Hunting

Must obtain and carry an Idaho Department of Fish and Game license.

Areas for Big Game Hunting at Middle Fork Ranger District

Game Bird/Waterfowl

Must obtain and carry an Idaho Department of Fish and Game license.

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Middle Fork Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Middle Fork Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map before heading out.

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Middle Fork Ranger District

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Middle Fork Ranger District

Scenic Driving

Skiing/Snowboarding

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Snowmobiling

Areas for Snowmobiling at Middle Fork Ranger District

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
44.50489

  Longitude : 
-114.22348