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
Upper Salmon River Road Access
These trails are accessed from Highway 75, generally between the towns of Clayton and Sunbeam.Â
West Fork Transfer Camp Trailhead
This trailhead offers a vault toilet, hitching rails and dispersed campsites.
West Fork Upper Pahsimeroi Trailhead
This trailhead has minimal development, providing access to Merriam and Pass Lake Trails. One metal fire ring, a picnic table and a two-sided latrine are on site.
Westward Overlook - Lemhi Pass CDT Access
Lemhi Pass, a National Historic Landmark, is in Beaverhead and Salmon National Forests, and marks the boundary between Idaho and Montana. The Forest Service has signs at Lemhi Pass during the summer…
Wildhorse Canyon Area
This area includes the Wildhorse Developed campground and numerous trails in the vicinity of Wildhorse Guard Station.
Williams Creek Summit Trailhead
Trailhead
Yankee Fork Drainage
The Yankee Fork of the Salmon has a rich history in it's many uses by settlers and prospectors. Custer Townsite and the Yankee Fork Dredge are two major attractions. You can stay at one of many…
Yellowjacket Guard Station Rental Cabin
Yellowjacket Guard Station is a historic Forest Service Ranger Station. Originally constructed in 1925 and remodeled in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the structure is eligible for listing…