Salmon-Challis National Forest

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region

It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.

R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order

Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.

Overview

The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho and is currently open for year-round recreation. The forest features the 1.3 million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness, Idaho's highest peak (Borah Peak at 12,662 feet), and the Wild & Scenic Salmon River and Middle Fork of the Salmon River. As of the latest updates, there are no major forest-wide closures, though specific localized closures are in effect: Forest Road #40303 (Capehorn Burrow Road) is closed through August 29, 2025, and Stoddard Bridge construction closure through July 31, 2025. Winter access is typical for the season—many forest roads are snow-covered and impassable without snowmobiles or skis. The forest offers 26 developed campgrounds with over 260 sites plus extensive dispersed camping opportunities. River floating season runs June-September, with shoulder seasons requiring cold weather preparation and winter (December-March) significantly limiting floating opportunities. Fire restrictions are not currently in place, though prescribed burns may occur periodically. For winter recreation, cross-country skiing is available at Williams Creek Summit. Four Rivers permits (Main Salmon, Middle Fork, Payette, Hells Canyon) require advance lottery applications and are highly sought after. Road construction delays are expected along Salmon River Road and Boundary/Dagger Creek areas (FR #579 & #568) during 2025.

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