Boise National Forest
Boise National Forest is a rugged expanse of high peaks, alpine lakes and forested valleys east of Boise, Idaho. The forest is crisscrossed by long trail corridors and offers year-round recreation from summer hikes to winter snowsports.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Boise County and Valley County |
| District | Payette National Forest division |
| City | Boise |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 44 |
| Longitude | -116.2 |
| Maps |
7:15 PM LOCAL TIMEBoise National Forest stretches across south-central Idaho from the Payette River to the Salmon River, encompassing a mix of craggy peaks, high alpine lakes and dense stands of lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and engelmann spruce. Key drainages like the South Fork Payette and North Fork Boise carve through the landscape, leading to popular trail destinations and backcountry campsites. Visitors come for a mix of backcountry hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Major access points and trailheads are typically found along federal routes such as State Highway 55 and Forest Road 423, with visitor facilities serving day-use and overnight visitors. The terrain varies from valley bottoms at around 1,350 meters (4,430 ft) to high ridges and peaks over 2,900 meters (9,512 ft), making altitude-sensitive preparations essential. Whether you're aiming for a long trail thru-hike, a scenic drive to a high-mountain lake or a winter snowshoe route, Boise NF rewards those prepared for varied Idaho alpine environments.
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