Payette National Forest – Image Gallery

Payette National Forest

Details

Payette National Forest

The Payette National Forest is located in west central Idaho and covers over 2.3 million acres of diverse landscapes. It is named after François Payette, a French-Canadian fur trapper and explorer who worked in the area in the early 19th century. The forest is known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Features:

• Mountain ranges such as the Salmon River Mountains, West Mountains, and the Seven Devils
• Over 250 lakes and reservoirs, including Payette Lake and Lake Cascade
• The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, a designated Wild and Scenic River
• Hot springs such as Burgdorf Hot Springs and Kirkham Hot Springs
• Recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and skiing

Ecological Significance:

The Payette National Forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are considered rare or endangered. The forest provides habitat for species such as elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, and bald eagle. It also contains important watersheds that supply clean water to surrounding communities and support a variety of aquatic species.

The forest is managed to balance conservation with sustainable use, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty and resources. Visitors to the Payette National Forest can experience the wonders of nature while also learning about the importance of preserving these ecosystems for the future.

Payette National Forest

Points of Interest

Payette National Forest Points of Interest

• McCall: A charming mountain town situated on the shores of Payette Lake, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing.
• Brundage Mountain: A popular ski resort with over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Payette Lake: A pristine alpine lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer months.
• Loon Lake: A serene mountain lake known for its clear waters and scenic hiking trails.
• Burgdorf Hot Springs: A historic hot springs resort dating back to the 19th century, offering natural hot spring pools and rustic cabins for overnight stays.
• Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness: A vast wilderness area with over 2.3 million acres of rugged terrain, perfect for backpacking, rafting, and wildlife viewing.

Payette National Forest – Images

Description: A portal sign shows the way to the Buckhorn Bar Campground on the Payette National Forest. (USDA Forest Service photo by Kelly Martin)

Image by Forest Service Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: A portal sign marks the entrance to the Evergreen Campground on the Payette National Forest. (USDA Forest Service photo by Kelly Martin)

Image by Forest Service Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Jughandle Mountain from Louie Lake Payette National Forest, Idaho

Image by Miguel Vieira from Redwood City, CA, USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: A map of Payette National Forest in Idaho. The Council, Krassell, McCall, New Meadows, and Weiser Ranger Districts of Payette National Forest are in orange. Surrounding National Forests, including Boise, Nez Perce, Wallowa-Whitman, and Salmon-Challis are in green. This map was made using ARCGIS 10, and all data are in the public domain. Forest Service boundary data are from the US Forest Service FSGeodata Clearinghouse

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Sujet : Forêts Boise National Forest (forêt) Échelle(s) : [= 0m.031 ; 1:260 000 environ] Couverture : États-Unis – Idaho Langue : anglais Éditeur : U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Washington)

Image by Etats-Unis. Forest service. Auteur du texte – Public domain – Wikimedia

Image by – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The 2016 Capitol Christmas Tree was selected from the Payette National Forest in Idaho. The 80' Engelmann Spruce will take a 2,500-mile journey to the United States Capitol. AOC's Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds selected this Idaho gem to grace the Capitol lawn. Read the full story.

Image by USCapitol – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The 2016 Capitol Christmas Tree was selected from the Payette National Forest in Idaho. The 80' Engelmann Spruce will take a 2,500-mile journey to the United States Capitol. AOC's Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds selected this Idaho gem to grace the Capitol lawn. Read the full story.

Image by USCapitol – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: A portal sign labels the entrance to the Upper Payette Lake Campground on the Payette National Forest. (USDA Forest Service photo by Kelly Martin)

Image by Forest Service Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia