Celebrating 120 Years of Idaho’s National Forests
Originally established in 1906 as the Salmon National Forest Reserve, now known as Salmon-Challis National Forest encompasses over 4.3 million acres across most of east-central Idaho, representing one of the largest contiguous blocks of public land in the lower 48s.
History
Today's Salmon-Challis National Forest is the result of early 20th-century conservation efforts under President Theodore Roosevelt. Its lineage began in November 1906, originally designated as the Salmon River Forest Reserve before transitioning to Salmon National Forest status in 1908. Shortly after, Challis National Forest was established to further manage the region's large timber, water, and rangeland resources.
For nearly a century, each of these two forests operated independently, both developing its own distinct administrative history, trail systems, and roots in the surrounding mountain communities.
In 1996, the U.S. Forest Service launched an administrative program to merge the management of both Salmon and Challis forests. This program aimed to streamline both forests' operations, reduce overhead costs, and manage both ecosystems under a unified strategy. Formally finalized in February 1998, the merger officially created what is now the Salmon-Challis National Forest which is managed today from its headquarters in Salmon, Idaho.
The Landscape
The now combined Salmon-Challis National Forest protects a vastly diverse and dramatically mountainous regions that holds some of Idaho's most iconic natural landscapes.
Most notably:
Borah Peak considered the highest point in Idaho, stands at 12,662 feet within the Lost River Range.
Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, which is almost completely encompassed by a multitude of national forests' boundaries and is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the United States lower 48s at roughly 2.4 million acres.
Salmon River, a rugged river carve through deep canyons, offering miles of world-renowned whitewater rafting mixed with some of the most scenic views of the state. This river is also home to a critical habitat for wild salmon species including Steelhead and Chinook.
When to Explore
September is likely most rewarding times to explore Salmon-Challis National Forest, when the height of summer begins to fade into fall's changing colors. The mid-summer crowd start to thin out as the temperatures drop, and the many surrounding mountains begin to take on a shade of gold as the aspens begin to shine their fall colors. The early fall is also an ideal time to enjoy the national forest's extensive hiking trails, alpine lakes, and quiet mountain towns surrounding the area without the rush of peak summer crowds.
The crisp morning air and comfortable slow afternoons make September a great time for camping at Wallace Lake Campground, casting your fly rod in the Salmon River, or finding that perfect trail to explore. While some higher elevations may see early snowfall and some roads may become difficult to access any later in the season, September offers a little window between seasons to experience Idaho's rugged backcountry before winter settles in.
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