The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho. Included within the boundaries of the Forest is 1.3 million acres of the Frank Church-- River of No Return Wilderness Area, the largest contiguous wilderness area in the Continental United States. Rugged and remote, this country offers adventure, solitude and breathtaking scenery. Passed into law on August 7, 2015, is the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area covering approximately 116,898 acres which is administered by the Forest and the BLM Challis Field Office. The Forest also contains Borah Peak, Idaho's tallest peak, the Wild & Scenic Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The area is a highly desired destination for hunting, fishing, white-water rafting and many other popular recreational pursuits. Please refer to the Visitor Guide for more information on the variety of opportunities on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Continuing our service to you during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Salmon-Challis National Forest asks the public to please recreate responsibly. Law enforcement and/or search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High-risk activities such as rock climbing, etc. or backcountry activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided. We also encourage you to follow public health guidelines regarding physical distancing while you recreate in National Forests. For more information about how the Forest Service is responding to COVID-19, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates.
Our office, with the exception of mission-critical activities, is operating virtually. To protect the health and safety of our employees and customers, we are scheduling face-to-face meetings only if business cannot be resolved via the virtual environment. Be prepared to meet outdoors. However, continuing our service to you during this time is very important. We are ready and available to help you! Please contact us at: 208-756-5100 for immediate assistance.
Maps can be purchased online at: https://store.usgs.gov/maps -- Annual Passes can be purchased online at: https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes -- Need a personal-use fuelwood permit? Call 208-756-5100 or your local district office to arrange for one to be picked up or mailed to you.
Discover your National Forest~~Your National Forests are full of life with abundant animals, plants & water. Almost everything we do has an impact on nature & the environment. This is where the water you drink comes from. Take time to learn more about your National Forest. Discover your National Forest.
2021 Jackie Caivano Memorial Scholarship
Date(s): March 15, 2021
The Salmon-Challis National Forest employees will award four $1,500.00 scholarships in 2021, one to each of the four local high schools (Salmon, Leadore, Challis, and Mackay).
View the application instructions for eligibility, requirements. Good luck to all those who apply. We are extending the deadline for Applications to April 23, 2021. You can also submit your application via email to Janelle Brown at Janelle.brown@usda.gov.
Recreational Drone Tips
The following tips are for responsible, hobby
or recreational use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “Drones” on National Forest System Lands
-Know where to fly
-Follow FAA guidelines
-Protect Wildlife & the Environment
-Fly Safely, Stay in Control