Land of the Yankee Fork
Experience the Present
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
If you’re looking for a
big empty spot on the map to get
lost in, try the River of No Return. At 2.4
million acres, it’s the largest designated wilderness
in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Mountain lions, black bear,
moose, elk and wolves roam the
canyons, peaks and meadows.
Take your pick of 3,000 miles
of backcountry trails or float
the Middle Fork of the Salmon River through the
heart of the wilds.
1983 Borah Peak Earthquake
The most sever earthquake ever
recorded in Idaho sent
shock waves across the
landscape from the base of Idaho’s highest peak
(elevation 12,662). The October 28, 1983 quake measured 7.3
on teh Richter sale. In Challis, buildings collapsed and two
children died. You can see the 21-mile-long fault at the base
of Mt. Borah.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
More than 400 lakes
gleam in the basins
of four mountain
ranges within the
Sawtooth NRA. Alpine
springs merge to become the
Salmon River. The state of Rhode Island could fit within
the boundaries of this national treasure. For ideas on where
to go, stop in at the headquarters’ Visitor Center eight miles
north of Ketchum.
Campgrounds
The Forests offer 55 developed campgrounds,
ranging from two units to more than 40 unites.
Plan on driving a half hour to three hours
from the main highways to reach many of
the campgrounds. You dont’t need to make
reservations, but sites fill fast on holidays.
Forest Service Ranger Stations
Seven ranger districts provide excellent sources
of information on where to camp, what to see,
and how to get there as you travel across the
region. For specific information on each
district, contact the ranger stations at Challis,
Leadore, Mackay, North Fork, Salmon,
Stanley and Clayton.
RV Attractions & Dump Sites
Traveling by RV is easy along many Forest
main roads. You’ll find ample parking in
picnic and campgrounds, and conveniently
located dump sites.
