| Sawtooth National Forest comprises more that 2.1 million acres of public land, most of it in south-central Idaho, with one unit in northern Utah. The forest headquarters is located in Twin Falls, Idaho. The Sawtooth National Forest is made up of four administrative units: the Minidoka, Ketchum and Fairfield Ranger District, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.The Sawtooth National Forest offers a combination of environmental settings for recreation opportunities. Units of this forest rise from the slat flats of the historic Great Salt Lake in the south to the 12,076-foot, glacially-formed Hyndman Peak in the north. The Sawtooth National Forest's 1,100 lakes and more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams provide native trout and annual runs of salmon and steelhead. Major rivers, such as the Salmon South Fork of the Payette, and the Wood River, offer experiences ranging from primitive to highly developed water recreation. The Forest's Redfish Lake is one of the outstanding large mountain lakes accessible by vehicle with family camping opportunities.The Sawtooth National Forest provides habitat for 354 wildlife species and 25 species of fish, including runs of steelhead and salmon from the Pacific Ocean. One-third of Idaho's mountain goat population is found here, as well as one of the state's most important deer herds. Hunters come here for deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat, bear, and mountain lion. The Sawtooth National Forest also offers wing shooting for duck geese, chukar, and Hungarian partridge, and forest grouse.Sightseers, bird watchers, hikers, horse riders, and trail and mountain bikers add to recreational traffic on the Sawtooth National Forest. So do skiers and snowmobile operators. Cross-country skiing is a rapidly expanding winter use of the Sawtooth's abundant high country snow.The congressionally designated 754,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area is part of the Sawtooth National Forest. This area offers outstanding opportunities for recreation and viewing wildlife in a pastoral setting.Developed recreation sites include ski areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, scenic overlooks, trailheads, interpretive sites, and visitor centers. Combined these sites have a total capacity of 24,920 people at one time. Most of the popular sites, such as the campgrounds at Redfish Lake, are consistently full in July and August.The Sawtooth National Forest includes large tracts of undeveloped country. The Sawtooth Wilderness and other high country areas such as the White Clouds, Boulders, Pioneers, and Smoky's each with its own distinctive characteristics, attract thousands of hikers and riders annually. |
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