Payette National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Valley County, Idaho, Payette National Forest is a true sanctuary for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its vast expanse of over 2.3 million acres, this national forest offers a plethora of activities and attractions that will leave visitors in awe.

One of the highlights of Payette National Forest is its stunning landscape, characterized by dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic alpine meadows. Hikers and backpackers will find themselves immersed in a world of tranquility as they explore the numerous trails that wind through the forest. From easy strolls to challenging treks, there is a trail for every skill level, offering breathtaking vistas and the chance to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and even black bears.

For those who prefer to explore on wheels, Payette National Forest boasts an extensive network of off-road trails that cater to ATV and mountain biking enthusiasts. These trails provide a thrilling adventure, taking riders through rugged terrain, across rushing rivers, and up to stunning viewpoints that showcase the forest's natural beauty.

Water lovers will also find their paradise in Payette National Forest. The forest is home to countless pristine lakes and rivers, perfect for boating, fishing, and even paddleboarding. Whether you're casting a line in search of trout or simply enjoying a leisurely boat ride, the tranquil waters of Payette National Forest offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Camping is a popular activity in Payette National Forest, with numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the area. Whether you prefer a rustic backcountry experience or the convenience of established campsites, there is an option to suit every camper's preference. Fall asleep under the starry night sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, and wake up to the crisp mountain air and the promise of another day of adventure.

Alternative names: Elevation: 5000 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°54'39"N, 116°6'11"W

Location

IdahoUnited States

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Payette National Forest Top Attractions

Payette National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Payette National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Brundage Mountain, Hells Canyon, Sheep Rock, Carey Dome. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Ski area
Brundage Mountain
Brundage Mountain Resort is an alpine ski area in the western United States, located in west central Idaho in the Payette National Forest. Brundage first opened in November 1961 and is eight miles northwest of McCall, a twenty-minute drive in average winter conditions.
Nature • Natural attraction • Canyon
Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon is a ten-mile-wide canyon in the western United States, located along the border of eastern Oregon, a small section of eastern Washington and western Idaho.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Sheep Rock
Sheep Rock is an overlook of Hells Canyon in the Payette National Forest about 45 miles northwest of Council, Idaho. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976.

Tower
Carey Dome
The Carey Dome Fire Lookout is a fire lookout tower complex located in Nez Perce National Forest, 9 miles north of United States Forest Service Burgdorf Guard Station, near Burgdorf in Idaho County, Idaho.
Cemetery
Chinese Cemetery
Chinese Cemetery, also known as Chinese Cemetery, Warren Mining District, is a cemetery located near Warren, Idaho. It is the only ethnic Chinese cemetery in Idaho that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was listed on March 29, 1994.
Park
Ah Toy Garden
Ah Toy Garden is a garden located within Payette National Forest. The garden was established by the Chinese American community in order to grow fruits and vegetables to maintain a traditional Chinese diet while Chinese immigrant laborers worked in the mines.
Park
Chi–Sandra Garden
Chi–Sandra Garden, also known as 10IH1779, is a garden located within Payette National Forest. The garden was established by the Chinese American community to feed migrant laborers who worked in the mines. There are three other Chinese-American gardens in the Warren Mining District.
45°12'58"N • 115°34'16"W
Celadon Slope Garden
The Celadon Slope Garden, also known as Hays Station, in Payette National Forest in Idaho County, Idaho in the vicinity of Warren, Idaho, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
45°16'14"N • 115°41'35"W
Chinese Mining Camp Archeological Site
The Chinese Mining Camp Archaeological Site near Warren, Idaho is an archaeological site which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
45°13'0"N • 115°33'47"W
Old China Trail
The Old China Trail is a packed dirt trail along China Creek near its confluence with the South Fork of the Salmon River in the Payette National Forest, near Warren in Idaho County, Idaho. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Day trips

Payette National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Payette National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Lake Cascade (Cascade), Canyon Outfitters (Halfway), Cecil D. Andrus Wildlife Management Area.

27 milesS
Dam
Lake Cascade, Cascade
Lake Cascade, and is the fourth largest lake or reservoir in the state. The closest cities are Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall, all in the Long Valley of Valley County.
49 milesW
44°52'36"N • 117°6'22"W
Canyon Outfitters, Halfway
Natural attraction, Tours, Canyon
40 milesW
Locality
Cecil D. Andrus Wildlife Management Area
Cecil D. Andrus Wildlife Management Area is a 23,908 acres Idaho wildlife management area in Washington County, 18 miles from Cambridge, Idaho.
36 milesNW
Natural attraction, Natural feature
Seven Devils Mountains, Hells Canyon Wilderness
The Seven Devils Mountains are notable peaks in the western United States, located in west central Idaho in the Hells Canyon Wilderness. They are above the east bank of the Snake River, which forms the Idaho-Oregon border.
37 milesN
City
Riggins
In addition to its reputation for whitewater rafting, Riggins is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding mountains and forests provide ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.

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Best Time To Visit Payette National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to Payette National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Payette National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in Payette National Forest are: