23.258.419.04/00

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USDA Department of Agriculture • Forest Service

Intermountain Region • Ogden, Utah

Southwestern

Explore, experience, and 

enjoy the . . .

Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth

National Forests From arid valley fl oors to majestic alpine peaks, visitors to the Boise, 

Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests can explore, experience, 

and enjoy activities ranging from “wild” undeveloped backcountry to highly 

developed recreation resorts. These National Forests offer four seasons 

of recreation opportunities, limited only by a person’s time and interest. 

Seven million acres (2,834,008 hectares) of America’s fi nest public lands are 

contained within the borders of these three National Forests.

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SAWTOOTH NATIONAL FOREST PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST BOISE NATIONAL FOREST
To explore, 

experience, 

and enjoy 

the history 

of National 

Forests, join a 

Passport in Time (PIT) project. 

The PIT program gets the 

public involved with historic 

preservation projects on National 

Forests such as archaeological 

excavation, fi eld survey, and 

historic structure restoration. 

Call: PIT Clearinghouse 1-800-

281-9176 for information, or visit 

www.passportintime.com.

Chinese miner, Rocky Bar

Civilian Conservation Camp, 1930s

Camping party, 1911

The horse-logging era

Forest Service Lookout, 1937

Pictographs, Payette NF

Heritage 

resources . . . 

ties that bind Waiting silently in the hollows, mountains, 

and river valleys of our National Forests 

are reminders of the centuries-old relationship 

between people and the land. Whether it is Native 

American paintings hidden deep in a rock shelter 

or a Forest Service lookout perched high on a 

mountain peak, these artifacts open windows on 

the past and doors to the future.

The Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests 

have a rich history of cultural diversity. Descendants of the Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and 

Shoshone-Paiute tribes were the fi rst to call the 

mountains of southwestern Idaho home. Later, 

Lewis and Clark’s explorations, Oregon Trail emigration, and gold discoveries brought people from 

all over the world to Idaho. In the 1870’s, for 

example, Chinese immigrants comprised one-third 

of Idaho Territory’s population.

During your journey through the National Forests, 

please take a moment to ponder the diverse peoples who were here before you. The remnants 

of their lives – the artifacts revealing their presence – make the past come alive and link us to 

contemporary cultural traditions. Help us protect 

and preserve this precious legacy for the enjoyment of future generations by leaving these artifacts undisturbed.

Polly Bemis, Idaho’s most famous Chinese sojourner

Centerville, one of many mining camps on the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests
Kayaker enjoying spring runoff

Shooting star in full bloom, Sawtooth NF

Bighorn Bridge, Payette NF

Carpet of wildflowers in highcountry meadow

Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, Payette NF Camping at Alice Lake, Sawtooth NF

Fishing at Trinity Lakes, Boise NF

Hiker exploring waterfall, Payette NF

Lush meadow, Payette NF Paddlers enjoying an afternoon on Bull Trout Lake, Boise NF

High mountain lake, Payette NF

A new awakening . . . 

experience the beauty

Fields of wildflowers across breathtaking vistas are dispersed throughout the extensive trail systems of the forests in southwestern Idaho. The elevation on the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth 

National Forests ranges from the rugged mountain peaks to high alpine 

meadows and crystal blue mountain lakes, down to deep river canyons 

and high desert landscapes. These vast, ever changing ecosystems offer 

recreation opportunities for everyone.

Under the warm 

sunshine . . . enjoy 

the opportunities

Visitors can take advantage of the long days of summer by enjoying a scenic drive, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, bird watching, or viewing other wildlife. Endless adventures 

await those who treasure the outdoors. While breathing in 

the ever-fresh air in southwestern Idaho, they may stay in a 

developed campground or in a rustic unimproved campsite 

or venture into the remote backcountry. By recreating with 

thoughtfulness and care, visitors can help protect the forest’s 

unique natural resources.
Aspen in their golden prime, Boise NF

Hikers enjoy the fall sunshine, Sawtooth NF Fall fishing on one of Idaho’s many wild and scenic rivers, Payette NF Fall explodes in Lick Creek Canyon, Payette NF

Autumn view, Sawtooth NF

Backcountry skiing, Boise NF

Snow sculpture at McCall, Idaho winter carnival

Enjoying the winter, Payette NF

Majestic winter scene, Sawtooth NF

Showshoeing, Payette NF

When the snow flies . . .

explore the possibilities 

Snow-clad evergreens against a skyline of whitened peaks set the stage for a wide variety of winter recreation pursuits. Winter enthusiasts 

enjoy snowmobiling, Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, 

klondike camping, ice fishing, and photography. While this is a beautiful time 

of year to visit the forests, visitors must be prepared for wintry conditions 

and avalanche danger.

Vibrant vistas . . . 

experience the change

Colorful panoramas fill the scenery on the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests during crisp autumn days. Trees 

and shrubs display a brilliant hue of colors enjoyed by those who 

participate in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities during 

the fall season. 
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BOISE NF

SAWTOOTH NF

PAYETTE NF

HELLS CANYON

NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

FRANK CHURCH - 

RIVER OF NO RETURN

WILDERNESS

SAWTOOTH

NATIONAL

RECREATION

AREA

CITY OF ROCKS

NATIONAL RESERVE

CRATERS OF

THE MOON

NATIONAL

MONUMENT

Mountain Home

Twin Falls

Buhl

Emmett

Weiser

Council

Cambridge

Yellow

Pine

Cascade

McCall

New Meadows

Idaho

City

Boise

Arrowrock

Reservoir

Anderson Ranch

 Reservoir

Lake Cascade

Deadwood

Reservoir

Payette Lake

Middle

Fork

South Fork

River

Weiser

River

Payette

Payette

River

Boise

South

South

Fk

Boise

Middle

Fork

Fork

River

Ketchum

Stanley

Challis

Mackay

Lowman

Salmon River

River

Salmon River

Boise

Boise

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, 

color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all 

prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 

information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider and employer.

Stay alert and drive with caution on mountain 

roads. Weather conditions, dust, potholes, ruts, sharp 

curves, and lack of visibility can be dangerous. Make 

sure your vehicle is designed for the kind of roads 

you will be traveling. Call ahead for road conditions.

Power Plant Campground

South Fork of the Boise River

Some photos provided by David Ede, Ravi Miro Fry, Dale and Judy Russell, Karen Wattenmaker, and 

Idaho State Historical Society.

IDAHO

Mountain meadow wildflowers

For more 

information

Boise NF Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-373-4007

TDD 208-373-4265

 <http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise>

Payette NF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-634-0700

TDD 208-634-0728

<http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/payette>

Sawtooth NF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-737-3200

TDD 208-737-3235

Sawtooth National Recreation Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-727-5013

800-260-5970

<http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth>

National Recreation Reservation Service Toll- Free 877-444-6777

TDD 877-833-6777

International 518-885-3639

Bureau of Land Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-373-4000

<http://www.id.blm.gov/>

Idaho Dept. of Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-334-4199 

www.idahoparks.org 

<http://www.idahoparks.org/>

Idaho Dept. of Fish & Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-635-7820

208-334-3700

www.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html 

<http://www.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html

Idaho Dept. of Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208-334-8000

www.state.id.us/itd/itdhmpg.htm 

<http://www.state.id.us/itd/itdhmpg.htm>
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SCENIC BYWAYS

Regularly traveled major roads 

that offer unique combinations 

of recreational adventures and 

scenic attractions. 

Explore, experience, and enjoy the 

Scenic Byways . . .

Taste the flavors of the National Forests in this corner of Idaho. Travel along the Scenic Byways that weave in and out of the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests. Within a few minutes of travel, visitors 

may find lush forests, deserts, clear mountain lakes, wild rivers, and abundant wildlife. There are many places 

along the way offering information about historic sites, side trips, and events. Self-guided audio tours are available 

for some of the routes.

While traveling the Scenic Byways, one will come upon overlooks, picnic areas, walkways, hiking trails, campgrounds, and restrooms. Best of all, these roads pass through some of the most breathtaking and intriguing 

landscapes in the west. Don’t forget the camera. The opportunities to capture the flavor of this great land are 

virtually unlimited and will satisfy everyone’s hunger to experience the outdoors.

1 Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

2 Payette River Scenic Byway

3 Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway

4 Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

5 Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway

6 Thousand Springs Scenic Byway

7 City of Rocks Backcountry Byway

8 Sawtooth Scenic Byway

9 Salmon River Scenic Byway

TREAD LIGHTLY

• Travel only where permitted and obey travel 

regulations.

• Respect the rights of 

others.

• Educate yourself 

about public and private land boundaries.

• Avoid non-durable surfaces, stream sides, 

and waterways.

• Drive your ATV safely 

and responsibly. 

SAFETY TIPS

• Avalanche hazards 

exist–check ahead for 

local conditions.

• Plan for variable 

weather.

• Respect wildlife–give 

them plenty of space.

• Carry drinking water 

and emergency 

rations.

• Plan travel route, call 

ahead for road conditions.

• Always confine, attend, 

and fully put out campfires.

Upper Hazard Falls, Payette NF

Pinnacle near Monumental Summit, Payette NF

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Scenic Byways in 

southwestern Idaho

IDAHO
A young bear enjoys the sunshine, Boise NF

Mule deer browse in open area, Boise NF

Elk feed in meadow, Payette NF Two bighorn sheep nibble on grass, Payette NF

A sign denotes the presence of salmon in rivers of southwest Idaho

Wildfire burns through a mixed conifer forest, Boise NF

A recently burned area is host to new lush vegetation

Aircraft and ground forces are available to aid in fire suppression efforts

A beautiful view 

depicts the 

mosaic 

landscape 

created by 

wildfire

Regeneration . . .

experience new beginnings

Throughout history, lightning-ignited wildfire has helped shape the landscape of the forests in southwestern Idaho. Areas that appear 

to be devastated by wildfire soon give way to a panorama of new life. 

Burned areas become green and verdant with the growth of tender new 

grasses and shrubs that nourish wildlife. Fire cleansed landscapes provide 

opportunities for trees to mature with less competition. 

At home in 

the forest . . . 

enjoy the

wildlife

Awide variety of wildlife such as moose, bighorn sheep, 

mountain goats, elk, deer, mountain 

bluebirds, birds of prey, trout, and 

salmon make southwest Idaho their 

home. Seeing a wild animal in its natural 

environment can be an unforgettable 

experience. Visitors may come across 

young black bears eating berries in the 

summer or hear Rocky Mountain elk 

bugling in the fall. Always be aware, and 

give wildlife plenty of space to ensure 

personal safety. 
LEAVE NO TRACE • Plan ahead and prepare properly.

• Camp and travel on durable surfaces.

• Pack out what you bring into the forests.

• Properly dispose of what you can’t pack out.

• Leave natural things where and how you found them.

• Minimize the use and impact of campfi res.

Explore, experience, and enjoy 

adventures in special places

Remote backcountry, challenging whitewater, natural hot springs, and historic structures are some of the unique features of the national forests in southwestern Idaho. This broad range of recreation opportunities 

entices visitors to explore further and defi ne their own special places on the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth 

National Forests.

Land that is Wild

Wilderness areas are lands set aside to preserve their wild, natural qualities where human development is limited 

or nonexistent. The quiet isolation of the untrammeled wilderness fuels the spirit. Hearty hikers can experience 

what it was like to tread across these lands since little has changed in the last century. Travel in wilderness areas 

is limited to foot or horseback.

Experience the past with a stay in a rustic ranger’s cabin. In the old days, forest rangers lived 

and worked in the forests they patrolled. Some of 

their remote, rustic cabins are available for rent.

Enjoy a soak at Kirkham Hot Springs! Southwest Idaho 

is dotted with natural hot springs. Water heated in 

the earth’s interior breaks through the crust creating 

special places for relaxation.

National Recreation Areas

National Recreation Areas (NRA) are set aside to highlight and 

enhance different kinds of recreation. They also provide for the protection of the scenic and natural values that draw people to these areas. Two 

National Recreation Areas are located in southwestern Idaho:

• Hells Canyon NRA surrounds the deepest gorge in North 

America. The dry, barren desert-like river bottom climbs steeply 

to towering, forested peaks some 7,000 feet above. The extremes 

in elevation create a diverse community of plants and animals, 

including some plant species found nowhere else on earth!

• Sawtooth NRA was established not only because of its outstanding recreation and scenic beauty, but to preserve historic 

properties and the wildlife habitat within its boundaries. Four 

mountain ranges cross the Sawtooth NRA enhancing the natural 

beauty and diversity: Sawtooth, Boulder, White Cloud, and Smoky.

LEA LEAVE NO TRACE LEAVE NO TRA VE NO TRA VE NO TRA VE NO TRA VE NO TRACECE

Salmon River in the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, Payette NF

Ten Lake Divide, Sawtooth NRA