Overview

Most of the Boise National Forest is an evergreen forest. Intermingled with the forest are 348,000 acres owned or administered by private citizens or corporations, the State of Idaho, and other federal agencies. Visitors will find over 80 campgrounds and picnic areas providing a variety of recreation experiences, as well as Nordic ski trails for winter use.

Location & Information

The Boise National Forest includes about 2,612,000 acres of forest land located north and east of the city of Boise.

To find out more about the Boise National Forest contact (208) 373-4100

Activities

Camping
There are many year-round recreation opportunities in and around Boise National Forest. Visitors will find over 80 campgrounds and picnic areas providing a variety of recreation experiences. Several of the campgrounds provide access for the physically challenged.

Backpacking
For those who want solitude, a portion of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness has lots of it, as do other undeveloped areas. In addition, the Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River—a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System—are near the Forest. These rugged areas are famous for their spectacular scenery.

Hunting and Fishing
There are many opportunities for general or dispersed recreation. Big game hunting and trout fishing are popular. Over 7,600 miles of streams and more than 250 lakes and reservoirs offer excellent water sports activities including rafting, kayaking, sailing, and water skiing.
Visitors can backpack, ride horseback, or motorbike on over 850 miles of trails.

Snowmobiling/Cross-country Skiing/Ice Fishing
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are popular in winter. Many of the snow trails are regularly groomed. Bogus Basin Ski Area, just north of Boise, provides alpine skiing opportunities with six ski lifts, 45 groomed runs, and 2,000 acres of night skiing, as well as several miles of Nordic skiing opportunities.