| The Payette National Forest spans over 2.3 million acres of some of west-central Idaho's most beautiful and diverse country. In one day visitors can travel from hot desert grasslands through cool conifer forests to snow capped peaks. This land is bordered by two of the deepest canyons in North America: The Salmon River Canyon on the north and Hells Canyon of the Snake River on the west. To the east lies the 2.4 million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the largest congressionally designated Wilderness in the 48 states. To the south, the Payette National Forest is bordered by the Boise National Forest.The Payette National Forest offers many recreation opportunities. It includes a large portion of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Pristine, high mountain lakes lie along the ridge between the South Fork Salmon River and the North Fork Salmon River drainages. Lakes are scattered along the Lave Ridge-Hard Butte area east of the Little Salmon River drainage.The Payette National Forest supports sizeable big game herds, game bird populations, and a wide variety of non-game species. Spring through Fall the Payette National Forest provides fishing, hunting, hiking, backpacking, camping, picnicking, pleasure driving, sightseeing, horseback riding, off highway vehicle driving, nature study, and forest product gathering. Heavy winter snow pack is popular for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow play. Two downhill ski areas are located on the Payette National Forest. |
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