The Sawtooth National Forest is a vast forested area located in the state of Idaho. It covers approximately 2.1 million acres and is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. The forest is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique features and attractions.
The Sawtooth National Forest plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and providing habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The forest is home to old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and riparian areas, all of which support a rich array of flora and fauna.
Additionally, the forest helps protect important watersheds and provides clean water for local communities. The diverse ecosystems within the forest also contribute to soil stability, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation.
Overall, the Sawtooth National Forest is a valuable natural resource that offers countless benefits to both the environment and the people who visit and enjoy its beauty.
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is one of the most popular points of interest in the Sawtooth National Forest. It offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The area is known for its stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear lakes, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Stanley Lake is a picturesque alpine lake located in the Sawtooth National Forest. It is surrounded by towering mountains and offers stunning views of the Sawtooth Range. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and boating on the lake.
Redfish Lake is another popular destination in the Sawtooth National Forest. This large, pristine lake is known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful sandy beaches. Visitors can go fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking in the area.
Hell Roaring Lake is a remote and secluded destination in the Sawtooth National Forest. It is a popular spot for backpackers and hikers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and offers excellent fishing and camping opportunities.
The Sawtooth Wilderness is a designated wilderness area within the Sawtooth National Forest. It is known for its rugged terrain, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The wilderness area offers a variety of hiking and backpacking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Description: Sawtooth National Forest, Minidoka Ranger near Pomerelle. 2016. Credit: US Forest Service.
Image by Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sawtooth National Forest. Howell Canyon towards Pomerelle Ski Mountain.
Image by Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sawtooth Nationalk Forest, Minidoka Ranger District. 2016. Credit: US Forest Service.
Image by Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sawtooth National Forest, Minidoka Ranger District. 2016. Credit: US Forest Service.
Image by Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: A map of Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho and Utah. Areas managed by Sawtooth National Forest are in red and blue. Red areas are the three Ranger Districts of Sawtooth National Forest: Fairfield, Ketchum, and Minidoka. The five divisions of the Minidoka Ranger District area labelled. The blue/purple areas are Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The dark blue/purple is the Sawtooth Wilderness. Green areas are surrounding National Forests and National Grasslands. Some of the towns and cities are labelled. Map made using ARCGIS Explorer with public domain data obtained from the US Forest Service FSGeodata Clearinghouse at http://fsgeodata.fs.fed.us/index.php
Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia
Description: A map of Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho and Utah. The Fairfield, Ketchum, and Minidoka Ranger Districts are in red, the Sawtooth Wilderness in yellow, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in blue. Surrounding National Forests, including Boise, Salmon-Challis, and Humboldt-Toiyabe, along with Curlew National Grassland are in green. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is in purple. Several roads and towns are displayed. 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. Roads are from the National Highway Planning Network and Craters of the Moon is from the USGS National Gap Analysis Program.
Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Sawtooth Range from the Sawtooth Valley, Idaho, USA
Image by Acroterion – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Sawtooth Valley in Sawtooth National Recreation Area / Sawtooth National Forest from Galena Summit, Idaho, USA
Image by Acroterion – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: A trail in Sawtooth National Forest with the Pioneer Mountains in the background
Image by Florian Lungu from Pittsburgh, PA, USA – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia