Sawtooth National Forest

Region in Idaho, United States

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Located in the heart of Idaho, the Sawtooth National Forest is a remarkable area of wilderness that encompasses a staggering 2 million acres of land, 4% of which extends into northern Utah. The wild and rugged character of the terrain yields a diverse repertoire of year-round adventure opportunities to indulge in. When in Idaho, a trip into the Sawtooth National Forest is a staple.

Named for the Sawtooth Mountain Range, the Sawtooth National Forest is also home to mountains in the Albion, Black Pine, Boise, Boulder, Pioneer, Raft River, Smoky, Soldier, Sublett, and White Cloud ranges carved by 3500.0mi of river and streams. Characterized by soaring crests, untamed waterways, and over 1,000 lakes, the Sawtooth National Forest is complemented by sagebrush steppe, montane meadows, and spruce-fir forests.

This epic natural playground beckons the exploration of outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. The incredible topographic range and the variety of flora and fauna yield astounding adventure opportunities. The extensive network of hiking trails through the backcountry are magnets for hikers, mountain bikers, off-roaders, and equestrians. The rapid rivers and streams tempt intrepid rafters and paddlers, and the stocked lakes entice fishermen.

The steep mountains are often adorned with backpackers and climbers, and the sub-alpine forests entangle wildlife and bird watchers. Winter exploration of the Sawtooth National Forest is equally as enchanting and exciting. The backcountry hiking trails transform into pristine snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes, lakes and ponds freeze over into smooth-skating rinks, and the verdant vaulted peaks become populated with alpine skiers and snowboarders.

No matter your motivation for visiting the Sawtooth National Forest, we can guarantee that you will be astounded by the breathtaking scenery and the cornucopia of outdoor pursuits. So, no matter the season, on your next trip to Idaho, be sure to take a detour into this beautiful, remote adventure destination.