Payette National Forest

Activities:

Horse Back Riding

Hiking

Backpacking

Biking

Camping

Canoeing

Climbing

Hunting

Kayaking

Skiing

Fishing

Rafting

Welcome to the majestic Payette National Forest located in western Idaho.

Forest History: The Idaho Batholith, located inside the forest boundaries is the largest body of granite in the United States and was formed over 100 million years ago. Around 17 million years ago much of the landscape was formed from volcanic eruptions of the Columbia River Basalts and during the Pleistocene Era glacial activity helped to form many of the region's mountain lakes. These geological processes have left this region rich in minerals such as silver, gold, mercury, antimony, quartz crystal, tungsten, and various others.

Flora and Fauna: Payette National Forest helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the forest boundaries include whitebark pines, conifers, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, coyotes, bears, mountain lions, owls and bald eagles. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Payette National Forest boasts many mountains to climb, miles of multipurpose trails, the Brundage Mountain Ski Resort, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!