Scenic Drives & Outdoor Recreation: Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest

The Sawtooth National Forest is a year-round outdoor recreational paradise with over 2.1 million acres of land in Central Idaho (96%) and Northern Utah (4%), managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The Pacific Northwest wonderland is truly massive and features jagged mountains, lush meadows, pristine alpine lakes, and wild rivers. Located within the forest is the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, consisting of three wilderness areas and some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the West. With an almost endless list of activities available, over a million people visit annually to hike, mountain bike, whitewater raft, boat, fish, camp, and just relax in this special place.

Things to Do

• There are two visitor centers that offer a wide range of services for adventurers and families visiting the national forest and national recreation area. Stop in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Visitor Center near Ketchum and the Redfish Lake Visitor Center near Stanley to get information and participate in the outstanding ranger-led programs.
• Take a scenic drive on the Sawtooth Scenic Highway (Idaho Highway 75), between Ketchum and Stanley. The road provides access to many of the points of interest, trail heads, and recreation spots in the national forest. There are four scenic byways in the area, each of them offering stunning views of the high granite peaks, rolling hills, wooded forests, and plenty of places to spot wildlife in a natural setting.
• The headwaters of the Salmon River are a world-class fishing destination. The nearby small town of Stanley is the perfect place to begin your guided fishing trip. The professional guide services offer multi-day trip and can accommodate all skill levels, from the novice to expert angler looking for an unforgettable experience.
• Family whitewater rafting, Class IV adventure trips, and scenic float trips are all possible along sections of the Salmon River within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. There’s a rafting trip for everyone with thousands of miles of natural and wild rivers to explore.
• The national forest contains hundreds of trails, many of which are also used for mountain biking and trail running. The options are almost endless— choose from hikes to beautiful alpine lakes, mountain peaks with rewarding views, or through meadows filled with wild flowers.
• Relax and soak in the mineral waters at Sacajawea Hot Springs and Skillern Hot Springs. Conveniently, you don’t have to pay for access to the thermal waters, just find a comfortable spot at a desirable temperature and enjoy the afternoon.
• Stay in a cabin at Redfish Lake Lodge on the shores of the largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Spend a few days on the lake— popular activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and exploring the nearby Sawtooth Wilderness.
• During the winter months, the popular activities change to downhill and cross-country skiing on both groomed and natural trails, as well as snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Sun Valley Resort, the first destination ski resort in the United States, is the choice of many winter sports enthusiasts.

Travel Tip: It’s important to have a plan, including advance reservations, when visiting the expansive national parks and forests across the United States. Cabins, campgrounds, and small group tours will book up quickly, especially during the summer months.