Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the scenery and varied landscape of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
- If on a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Rapid River Trailhead
Trailhead for trail #4007 Rapid River.
Reynolds Trailhead
Reynolds CUA Trailhead
Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District
Site Open
Salmon-Cobalt Ranger DistrictThis Ranger District is expansive and takes in the Salmon river mountains and most of the forest that one can see from the town of Salmon. From boating at Williams Lake…
Sawmill Canyon Area
This area can be accessed by Road #101.
Seafoam, Marsh Cr., Langer & Soldier Area (MF3)
This area encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation sites that are generally accessed from the Seafoam area on the Middle Fork Ranger District. The Seafoam “bubble” is…
Sleeping Deer Area (MF1)
This area encompasses trails, trailheads, and other recreation options originating mainly around the Sleeping Deer Road #086, a “cherry-stem” road west of Twin Peaks Saddle that is surrounded by…
Squib Trailhead
This is a rustic trailhead with few amenities. There is a multi-vehicle parking area with an information board. There are two hardened sites at the trailhead.
Star Hope Campground
The Starhope Campground has 21 units in a beautiful wooded setting with Starhope Creek flowing through it.  There are two handpumps to provide potable water, three vault toilets are available,…
Stoddard Trailhead
The Stoddard Pack Bridge is closed - this is the main access point for the Stoddard Trailhead
Twin Peaks Transfer Camp
Twin Peaks Trailhead sits in the saddle between Twin Peaks. There is an unloading ramp as well as hitch rails and informational signing for the Frank Church RNR Wilderness Area. Trail #4104, Warm…