Summary
The forest covers an area of over 2.5 million acres, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching.
One of the main attractions in Challis National Forest is the Salmon River, which is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and fishing. The forest is also home to several hot springs, including Goldbug Hot Springs and Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, which offer a relaxing and scenic soak.
Other points of interest in the forest include the historic mining town of Custer, the scenic drive along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the stunning views from the top of the Lost River Range.
Interesting facts about Challis National Forest include that it is home to the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the state, and that it contains over 2,000 miles of trails. The forest also includes several designated wilderness areas, including the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states.
The best time of year to visit Challis National Forest depends on the activities you plan to do. Summer is the most popular time for outdoor recreation, but fall offers spectacular foliage and hunting opportunities, while winter provides excellent opportunities for snowmobiling and skiing.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Iron Bog Campground
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Iron Bog
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Copper Creek/Garfield Campground
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Fish Creek Reservoir
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