The Boise National Forest is a land of steep mountains, fast rivers and dense forests making it a recreation destination any season of the year. From biking and hiking through lush green mountains and rolling arid landscapes, to snowboarding in cooler months and swimming or kayaking in the warmer ones, the Boise National Forest is the recreational choice for over 1.5 million outdoor enthusiasts every year. FIRST STOP: Visit the Interagency Visitor Information Center at 1387 S. Vinnell Street, in Boise, Idaho 83709 for information regarding your public lands. The Center is your one stop shop for recreation information, fuelwood permits, Christmas Tree permits, Federal Agency passes, Motor Vehicle Use maps, Forest Service maps, BLM maps and so much more! Center Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. 208-373-4007 BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE FOREST: Check with the Districts for campground opening and closing dates. View the Alerts & Notices webpage for road and area closures. Remember most of the Forest has no cell phone coverage. Look at each district (Areas & Activities - Find An Area) for a listing campgrounds. FIRE WATCH: VIEW AREA CLOSURES DUE TO WILDFIRE ACTIVITY AT ALERTS AND NOTICES PAGE. INCIWEB- For wildland information, photos, updates and maps go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov. RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 Go to: www.recreation.gov to make reservations for campgrounds and cabins. Reminder - check on the website for extra vehicle charges, bring cash or a check, no foreign money accepted. Follow rules on America Beautiful Passes - Military passes are free DAY USE ONLY - not camping. (Stated on the back of the card.) NEW HISTORIC AUTO TOUR: Download the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway Historic Auto Tour and take our tour from Boise to Stanley and back! RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS: SCENIC BYWAYS - If you’re interested in taking the scenic route, three Scenic Byways ramble through portions of the Boise National Forest offering unrivaled natural beauty and multiple recreation opportunities. CABIN RENTALS - Rustic cabins and guard stations once used by Boise National Forest Rangers can be rented for overnight visits. Each offers unparalleled scenic surroundings, numerous outdoor recreation opportunities and abundant wildlife viewing WATER FUN - Water sports enthusiasts are not hurting for options on the Boise National Forest! With 9,600 miles of rivers and streams, and 15,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs, there is a wide variety of locations for swimming, boating and fishing.