| Sawtooth Wilderness protects the Sawtooth Mountains with approximately 40 granite peaks reaching 10,000 feet, topped by Thompson Peak at 10,776 feet. In this area lie the headwaters of the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Boise River, the South Fork of the Payette River, tributaries of the Salmon River and an astonishing 300 lakes. Lakes drain down turbulent streams with about 85 percent of the water comes from snowmelt. Many come for the outstanding scenery, trout fishing, mountain climbing, hunting, hiking and camping.A forest dominated by pine, spruce, fir and sub-alpine meadows provides homes for elk and deer, Black Bears, mountain goats, as well as many species of smaller animals. Abundant summer wildflowers blanket the landscape. 42 wilderness trails cover about 270 miles. Some remarkable regions of the wilderness are only accessible by off-trail route finding. Be sure to bring bug repellent as mosquitoes are present all summer. |
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