The Top 13 Attractions in Salmon-Challis National Forest
There are plenty of places to see and visit in Salmon-Challis National Forest. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Salmon-Challis National Forest is a region where 13
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
Last updated: November 13, 2025
Yankee Fork Gold Dredge
Highlight • Monument
The impressive Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is one of the best preserved and presented dredges in the lower 48 states and was donated to the U.S. Forest Service in 1966. …
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Bear Valley Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The trail climbs gradually through sage meadows and open forest for the first 2 miles. Then the forest thickens and the trail steepens with some rough, rocky sections-fine for hiking …
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Borah Peak
Highlight • Summit
Also known as Mount Borah, Borah Peak is an enticing objective. At 3,859 meters (12,662 ft), it is the highest peak in Idaho. The final ascent to the summit is …
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Goldbug Hot Springs
Highlight • Natural Monument
Access to this hot springs requires a hike from the trailhead which starts at the end of the county road. The first 1/4 mile of the trail passes through private …
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Merriam Lake
Highlight • Lake
Situated at 12,000 feet in the Lost River Range, Merriam Lake is a beautiful place to visit in Salmon-Challis National Forest. The area is home to mountain goats and bighorn …
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Mortal Earth Approach Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This trail is often used by climbers hiking up to climb "The Fins". This is a great area with loads of climbs ranging from 5.6 to 5.12 with the majority …
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Idaho-Montana border on the CDT
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Though the Continental Divide Trail straddles the Idaho and Montana border for around 350 miles southeast of here, this is the point, just above Chief Joseph Pass, where the trail …
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Owl Creek Hot Springs
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Owl Creek Trail follows a stream through a canyon. There is a hot spring here that backpackers often camp along to enjoy a very unique experience. There are natural pools …
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Goat Lake
Highlight • Lake
Goat Lake sits at the foot of Stanhope Peak and is the largest of the three lakes in the basin. The tarn is over 10,000 feet above sea level and …
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Meadow Lake Peak
Highlight • Summit
Base of the 10,720-foot Meadow Lake Peak and along the banks of the 13.3-acre Meadow Lake... dotted with lodge pole pine and white bark pine trees and is frequented by deer and mountain goats.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnf/recarea/?recid=76072
fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnf/recarea/?recid=76072
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Bannock Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Bannock Pass sits at 7,684 feet of elevation. The road from here leads down toward Leadore, a common resupply point for CDT thru-hikers.
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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
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