When it comes to the natural world, Idaho has a lot more to offer than its famous potatoes. With the exception of Alaska, Idaho offers the most federally designated wilderness in America, including Boise National Forest’s 2.6 million beautiful acres. The natural wonders found in Boise are built into its very name. The name “Boise” is derived from the French word for wood. And all of this is just an hour’s drive northeast of Idaho’s capital. Most of the Boise National Forest lies within the Idaho Batholith a large and highly erodable geologic formation. after eons of uplifting, faulting and stream cutting performed by waterways such as the Boise, Payette and Salmon Rivers a mountain landscape arose. Big game such as mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk roam throughout, ranging across the forest during the summer. Salmon and steelhead ply the Salmon’s tributaries and trout inhabit most of the forest’s lakes and streams. With so much to offer, Boise National Forest is a natural playground.
History & Culture
The Boise National Forest was created in 1908 from portions of the Payette National and Sawtooth Forest Reserves. Emil Grandjean was the first Forest Supervisor.
Recreation
The Boise National Forest offers many year-round recreation opportunities. There are over 70 campgrounds and picnic areas providing a variety of recreation experiences. Visitors can hike, ride, horseback ride or motorbike on over 850 miles of trails. There are 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. In the winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing are popular.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Boise National Forest
1249 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-373-4100
Weather/Climate
The weather in the Boise National Forest varies with elevation. The average precipitation ranges from 15 inches at lower elevations to 70 inches at higher elevations. Summers tend to bring clear days, with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Daytime highs are normally warm to moderate, with relatively cool to cold nights, depending on elevation. Winter can bring cold temperatures with heavy snows, especially at the high elevations. Sunny days are common between winter storms.
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