Salmon–Challis National Forest is located in east central sections of the U.S. state of Idaho . At 4,235,940 acres (6,618.66 sq mi, or 17,142.24 km) it is one of the largest national forests in the lower 48 states and also has most of the land area of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness , which is the largest wilderness area south of Alaska .
9-829: Borah Peak , the tallest mountain in Idaho, is also found here. The Wild and Scenic designated Salmon River weaves through the rugged terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains and Sawtooth National Recreation Area , while it flows for over 75 miles (121 km) through the forest. The Big Lost River has its headwaters within the national forest. Challis National Forest, the more southerly of its two parts, lies primarily in Custer County , but also has major areas in Lemhi and Butte counties, as well as smaller areas in Clark and Blaine counties. It has
18-742: A total area of 2,463,471 acres (3,849.17 sq mi, or 9,969.31 km). There are local ranger district offices located in Challis , Clayton , and Mackay . Salmon National Forest, which lies to the north, is primarily located in Lemhi County, with spillover into Valley and Idaho counties. It has a total area of 1,772,469 acres (2,769.48 sq mi, or 7,172.93 km). There are local ranger district offices located in Leadore , North Fork , and Salmon . The combined forest headquarters are located in Salmon, Idaho. There
27-631: Is a mountain in the western United States and the highest summit in Idaho . One of the most prominent peaks in the contiguous United States, it is located in the central section of the Lost River Range , within the Challis National Forest in eastern Custer County . On February 11, 2021, the USGS officially recognized Mt. Borah as Idaho's only active glacier. The mountain was nameless until it
36-651: Is a weather station at Middle Fork Lodge , which is on the western edge of Salmon–Challis National Forest. There are two officially designated wilderness areas within Salmon–Challis National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System . Both extend into neighboring National Forests or onto lands of the Bureau of Land Management . Borah Peak Borah Peak , also known as Mount Borah or Beauty Peak ,
45-510: Is one of Idaho's only year-round snow climbs and provides a much greater challenge than the normal route. The face features a number of grade II class 5 routes on mixed terrain. Three climbers are known to have died on Borah Peak. Two climbers, Vaughn Howard and Guy Campbell, ascended the northwest ridge on November 24, 1977, and were killed in an avalanche . The bodies were not recovered for nine months, until August 26, 1978. Ten years later on June 13, 1987, another climber, Dave Probst, died on
54-523: The Republican nomination , and died in office in 1940. The 1983 Borah Peak earthquake occurred on Friday, October 28, at 8:06:09 MDT in the Lost River Range at Borah Peak in central Idaho , United States, measuring 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale . Mount Borah rose about 1 foot (30 cm) and the Lost River Valley in that vicinity dropped about 8 feet (2.4 m). The peak was scarred on
63-429: The most part until one reaches a Class 4 arête just before the main summit crest. This point is known as Chickenout Ridge as many people will abort the attempt once they see the hazards up close. In the cooler seasons this crossing usually involves a traverse over snow, with steeply slanting slopes on either side. An ice axe , and the ability to use it, is recommended for this section when icy. Borah Peak's north face
72-405: The western side, and the mark is still visible. Two children in Challis were the only fatalities of the quake, struck by falling masonry while walking to elementary school. The normal route involves ascending 5,262 vertical feet (1,604 m) from the trailhead to the summit in just over 3.5 miles (5.6 km). This route on the southwest ridge, the most popular route, is a strenuous hike for
81-462: Was discovered to be higher than Hyndman Peak , previously regarded as the state's highest point. In February 1934, the U.S. Geological Survey named it for William Borah , the prominent senior U.S. Senator from Idaho , who had served for nearly 27 years at the time and was dean of the Senate. An outspoken isolationist , the "Lion of Idaho" ran for president two years later in 1936 , but did not win
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