Salmon–Challis National Forest, United States

Salmon–Challis National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in Lemhi County, Idaho, the Salmon-Challis National Forest is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 4.3 million acres, this national forest offers a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and meandering rivers.

For those seeking adventure, the Salmon-Challis National Forest is a paradise for hiking, backpacking, and camping. With over 1,000 miles of trails, visitors can explore the rugged backcountry and discover hidden gems along the way. One of the most popular trails is the Middle Fork Salmon River Trail, which winds through stunning canyons and provides access to world-class fly fishing spots.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of animals that call this forest home. From majestic elk and deer to elusive wolves and black bears, there's always a chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers will also have a field day, as the forest is home to a wide variety of avian species, including bald eagles and ospreys.

If you're looking to cool off during the summer months, the Salmon-Challis National Forest boasts numerous pristine lakes and rivers. The Salmon River, known as the "River of No Return," offers thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. Alternatively, you can simply relax by the water's edge, enjoying a picnic or casting a line in hopes of catching a trophy trout.

For history buffs, the forest is rich in cultural significance. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Education Center is a must-visit, offering insights into the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Native American tribes of the region. You can also explore remnants of the past, such as old mining towns and homesteads, which tell the stories of those who once called this rugged landscape home.

As the sun begins to set, the Salmon-Challis National Forest transforms into a stargazer's paradise. With minimal light pollution, the night sky comes alive with a dazzling display of stars, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Alternative names: Area: 6618.55 mi²Elevation: 5643 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°36'47"N, 114°11'46"W

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IdahoUnited States

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Salmon–Challis National Forest Top Attractions

Salmon–Challis National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Salmon–Challis National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Borah Peak, Merriam Lake, Leatherman Peak, Standhope Peak. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Borah Peak
Borah Peak, also known as Mount Borah or Beauty Peak, is the highest mountain in the U.S. state of Idaho and one of the most prominent peaks in the contiguous United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Merriam Lake
Merriam Lake is a lake situated in the Lost River Range in Idaho, surrounded by mountains over 12,000 ft high. In 2007 the state authorities planted tiger muskies in the lake to better manage the fisheries.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Leatherman Peak
Leatherman Peak, at 12,228 feet above sea level is the second highest peak in Idaho and the Lost River Range. The peak is located in Salmon-Challis National Forest in Custer County. It is 4.5 mi southeast of Borah Peak, its line parent.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Standhope Peak
Standhope Peak, at 11,878 feet above sea level is the fourth highest peak in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho. The peak is located in Salmon-Challis National Forest and Custer County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Old Hyndman Peak
Old Hyndman Peak, at 11,775 feet above sea level is the eighth-highest peak in the Pioneer Mountains of the U.S. state of Idaho. The peak is located on the border of Sawtooth and Salmon-Challis National Forests as well as Blaine and Custer counties.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Breitenbach
Mount Breitenbach, at 12,140 feet above sea level, is the fifth-highest peak in the U.S. state of Idaho and the fourth-highest in the Lost River Range. The peak is located in Salmon-Challis National Forest in Custer County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Pyramid Peak
Pyramid Peak, at 11,628 feet above sea level is the 13th highest peak in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho. The peak is located in Salmon-Challis National Forest and Custer County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Smiley Mountain
Smiley Mountain is a 11,427-foot peak in Custer County, Idaho, USA, and one of the higher points in the Pioneer Mountains. It is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest about 15 miles west of Lost River.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Donaldson Peak
Donaldson Peak, at 12,023 feet above sea level is the eighth-highest peak in the U.S. state of Idaho and the seventh-highest in the Lost River Range. The peak is located in Salmon-Challis National Forest in Custer County. It is 0.65 miles east of Mount Church, its line parent and 1.4 miles west of Mount Breitenbach.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Kent Peak
Kent Peak, at 11,664 feet above sea level is the second highest peak in the Boulder Mountains of Idaho. Located on the border of Blaine and Custer counties, Kent Peak is about 0.75 miles south of the range's highest point, Ryan Peak.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
North Fork Lake
North Fork Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located in the Boulder Mountains in Salmon-Challis National Forest. While no trails lead to the lake, it is most easily accessed from a trail from the end of forest road 128.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Church
Mount Church, at 12,200 feet above sea level is the third highest peak in Idaho and the Lost River Range. The peak is located in Salmon-Challis National Forest in Custer County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Big Creek Peak
Big Creek Peak, at 11,350 feet above sea level is a peak in the Lemhi Range of Idaho. The peak is located in Lemhi County on the border of Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Bell Mountain
Bell Mountain, at 11,612 feet above sea level, is the second highest peak in the Lemhi Range of Idaho. The peak is the highest point in Lemhi County and located 0.2 mi north of the border with Butte County.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Flatiron Mountain
Flatiron Mountain, at 11,109 feet above sea level is a peak in the Lemhi Range of Idaho. The peak is located in Lemhi County on the border of Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hot springs
Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs is a hot spring located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest about 20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho. The spring is along Warm Spring Creek and there are about six waterfall-fed pools.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain pass
Lemhi Pass
Lemhi Pass is a high mountain pass in the Beaverhead Mountains, part of the Bitterroot Range in the Rocky Mountains and within Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Goat Mountain
Goat Mountain, at 11,913 feet above sea level is the second highest peak in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho. The peak is located on the border of Sawtooth and Salmon-Challis National Forests as well as Blaine and Custer counties.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Brocky Peak
Brocky Peak, at 11,839 feet above sea level is the sixth highest peak in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho. The peak is located on the border of Sawtooth and Salmon-Challis National Forests as well as Blaine and Custer counties.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Salmon–Challis National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: D. O. Lee Peak (White Clouds Wilderness), Born Lakes (White Clouds Wilderness), Merriam Peak (White Clouds Wilderness).

41 milesSW
Natural attraction, Mountain
D. O. Lee Peak, White Clouds Wilderness
D. O. Lee Peak, also known as Lee Peak, at 11,347 feet above sea level, is the third-highest peak in the White Cloud Mountains of the U.S. state of Idaho. It is one of the White Cloud Peaks and the 56th-highest peak in Idaho.
44 milesSW
Natural attraction, Lake
Born Lakes, White Clouds Wilderness
The Born Lakes are a chain of eleven alpine and glacial Paternoster lakes in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located in the White Cloud Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
43 milesSW
Natural attraction, Mountain
Merriam Peak, White Clouds Wilderness
Merriam Peak, at 10,920 feet is one of the peaks of the White Cloud Mountains of Custer County, Idaho. It was named for John H. Merriam who played an instrumental role in protecting the area from being mined for molybdenum. Merriam Peak is located in the middle of the range just north of Castle Peak, the highest point in the range.
44 milesSW
Natural attraction, Mountain
Castle Peak, White Clouds Wilderness
Castle Peak is a mountain in the western United States, the highest peak in the White Cloud Mountains of central Idaho and the Idaho Batholith. Located in Custer County, it is the 25th highest peak in the state, and the ninth most prominent. Castle Peak is within the Cecil D.
43 milesSW
Natural attraction, Lake
Quiet Lake, White Clouds Wilderness
Quiet Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located in the White Cloud Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. While no trails lead to the lake, it can be accessed from Sawtooth National Forest trail 047.