Payette National Forest

Payette National Forest


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

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.

Facilities: Payette National Forest provides several picnic areas and campgrounds.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to visit Payette National Forest. Reservations may be accepted or required for campgrounds and other recreation sites within the forest.

Best Time To Visit: Payette National Forest is open year round with a variety of recreational opportunities. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow play are popular winter activities.

Fees: Parking, camping, and/or entrance fees may be charged at some of the recreation sites within Payette National Forest.

Accessibility: Areas within the Forest are accessible.

Rules: Check the local fishing, hunting, and fire regulations. Do not leave campfires unattended. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the forests. Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites. Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to the Boise National Forest unless otherwise specified.

Directions: Payette National Forest spans over 2.3 million acres of some of west-central Idaho's most beautiful and diverse country. It can be accessed from Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston Idaho, as well as Libby Montana.

Attractions Near
Payette National Forest

National Forest Service - Idaho

Address

Payette National Forest Supervisor's Office

800 West Lakeside Ave.

PO Box 1026

McCall, Idaho 83638

Phone
General: (208) 634-0700

Website

Email this page to a friend!

Back to Boise