Salmon-Challis National Forest

Rapid River Trail

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.

Link to: Idaho Forest Service COVID-19 Closed Recreation Sites Map

Our office, with the exception of mission-critical activities, is operating virtually until further notice. This means most employees are teleworking and we are no longer doing any business in person. 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.

These lands are a gift. Congress began conserving these lands back in 1891 for all of us. More than 100 years later, this gift continues to inspire, restore, and provide. From offering nearly endless ways to play to providing water, clean air, and resources for millions, each of the 174 forests and grasslands highlights the best of America’s public lands heritage. The U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation work to steward these lands on your behalf. So pick a spot, choose an activity, and go. play. Visit http://www.itsallyours.us/ for more information.

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.