Outdoor Science and Learning
Positioned between the Great Basin and the northern Rocky Mountains with prominent geologic features like the Salmon River Canyon, Challis Volcanics, and the Idaho Batholith, the Salmon-Challis National Forest supports a wide range of different ecosystems. The variety of geology and isolating steepness of the terrain mean this area is home to dozens of endemic plant species—plants that exist here and nowhere else. From sagebrush steppe and ponderosa pine savanna at lower elevations to cliff face rock gardens, camas meadows, whitebark pine groves, and alpine plant communities on mountain ridgetops, each ecosystem hosts its own unique selection of plants and animals.
The Salmon River is made up of a vast network of cold, clear, and free-flowing rivers and streams. High mountain lakes, wetlands, and meadows provide habitat for native wildlife and plants. The forest is home to four Endangered Species Act listed fish species: sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. Since the Chinook salmon's identification as "Threatened" on the Endangered Species List in 1992, the upper Salmon River ecosystem has become a proving ground for a variety of habitat restoration and improvement techniques.
If you're visiting with an aspiring environmental scientist, be sure to stop by our Ranger Stations or the Public Land Office in Salmon for Educational Materials and Junior Ranger Books before heading out to explore the Forest this season.
Cultural Sites/Exhibits
- The Forest Service has a long history of preservation and discovery through management of cultural resources across 193 million acres of national forests.
- These remains of human history include ancient Indian villages and rock art, travel routes and markers, military forts, and abandoned mines and mills. Together, they are part of the nation’s historic and cultural atlas.
- Humans have made eastern Idaho home for over 10,000 years. The Nez Perce and Shoshone tribes, as well as other peoples used the lands around the Salmon-Challis since before recorded history. These groups often moved seasonally or with their dominant food source (bighorn sheep, salmon, bison or others depending upon the era).
- Since our establishment in 1908, the Salmon-Challis National Forest has built, staffed and maintained up to 50 different lookouts on the mountaintops and ridgelines of eastern Idaho. These lookouts were built for the long-term - many are still used nearly a century after their construction.
- All lookouts, active and historic are accessible by the public.
- The SCNF typically staffs six lookouts - Three lookouts on the North Zone of the forest (Long Tom, Stein Mountain and Middle Fork Peak) and three on the South Zone (Roughneck, Twin Peaks, and Pinyon Peak).
- Granite Mountain Lookout is accessible by most highway vehicles from US Highway 93 near Gibbonsville. Users are advised to park at the junction of Road #092 and the Granite Mountain Lookout spur.
- There are two lookouts in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (Sagebrush and Sleeping Deer Mountain)
- Please use Leave No Trace principles when visiting or enjoying these historic lookouts. Leave them as you found them to be enjoyed by future visitors for years to come.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits
- The Salmon-Challis National Forest uses interpretive areas to educate and engage the public about the natural and cultural resources of national forests, often through signs, exhibits, and programs.
- Interpretive areas serve to inform visitors about the history, ecology, and cultural significance of a particular place, encouraging respect for the environment and promoting responsible recreation.
- The ghost town of Custer and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, operated by local historical associations, feature preserved dwellings and workspaces from the mining heritage of our area.
- Custer Ghost Town
Viewing Wildlife
- The USDA Forest Service manages vast areas of national forests and grasslands, offering opportunities for viewing scenery, wildlife, and plants, with resources like nature viewing areas, trails, and information about specific plants and wildlife.
- Know Before You Go and Enjoy the Outdoors
Viewing Plants
The unique topography of the Salmon-Challis National Forest spans many elevations, ecosystems and geologic areas. These conditions foster a variety of native plant communities, including many that are endemic to this area. These species are so specifically adapted to our unique soils, wildfire regime and climate conditions that they are present nowhere else on earth (for example, the Salmon Twin Bladderpod and local populations of Davis' Stickseed). Blooms usually start in late-March at our lowest elevations in the Salmon River canyon, progressively moving up the mountains as snow melts, until our high mountain meadows bloom with lupine in July. The most avid bloom chasers will check for recent rainfall and coordinate their plans based on when blooms may be at their peak.
- Plant database
- The USDA Plants Database is a great resource for learning more about specific plants found in national forests.
Viewing Scenery
Eastern Idaho and the Salmon-Challis National Forest are home to some of Idaho's Scenic, Historic and Backcountry Byways. From rugged mountain passes to historic mining and stage routes, these highways, byways and routes will show you the special places, spectacular views and amazing nature that Idaho has to offer.
Before setting out on your overlanding adventure, be sure to stop by one of our Ranger Stations for a copy of the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and ask about any specific closures or regulations along your route.
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
Visitor Centers
- Before you hike, bike, ride a horse or backpack, call the respective USDA FS Visitor Center. The helpful staff can give you updates on trail conditions, road closures and other information that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Visit the historic Custer Ghost Town and enjoy the history of miners on the American frontier
- You can also visit the USDA Forest Service website for more information.
- FS – Visit us
- FS – Find a Forest
Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities
Antelope Canyon Area
Arco Pass Area
Bench Creek Campground
Big Bayhorse Campground
Big Bayhorse Day Use Site
Bonanza Group Campground
Boundary, Sulphur, Pistol, Indian Creek Area (MF4)
Broad Canyon Campground & Trailhead
Cape Horn Area (MF6)
Challis Area
