Salmon-Challis National Forest:
The Old West at its Wildest
To explore even portions of the 4.3 million-acre Salmon-
Challis National Forest is to glimpse the wilderness that
was all of Idaho not so long ago. Here, too, you can
imagine hiking over mountain passes and fording
streams in a quest for gold up the Yankee Fork. It might
take you more than a summer vacation to visit the Forest’s
250 lakes, 1000 miles of fishing streams, 2,900 miles of
trails (have in wilderness), and 14 of Idaho’s highest peaks!
Custer Motorway Adventure Road
For the full Yankee Fork story, retrace the 35-mile stage
route from Challis (road #070 off of Highway 75) to the
ghost towns of Custer and Bonanza. Interpretative displays
along the way highlight the colorful history. The gravel
road is not recommended for low-clearance autos, large
motorhomes, and travel trailers. Before taking off, pick up
a driving brochure from the Land of the Yankee Fork
Interpretative Center.
Mosquito Flat Reservoir
Locals and tourists alike don’t let the name bug them. When it
comes to fishing for rainbow trout, Mosquito Flat Reservoir is a
hot spot. You can easily dip your boat down the ramp into the
water (note that five horsepower motors are allowed). Enjoy a
picnic on the reservoir edge or camp
just two minutes away.
Wildlife is Watching You
You may not always see the deer, elk, moose,
bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears,
eagles, marmots and songbirds that inhabit
the part of Idaho. To improve your luck, try
stopping at specific viewing sites featured in
the Idaho Wildlife Viewing Guide. And
remember, your chances of seeing wildlife
are bvest around sunrise and sunset.
