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3 Facts That Make the Idaho Wilderness So Remarkable

  • Writer: America's Rafting Co
    America's Rafting Co
  • Nov 20, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 22, 2024







Idaho’s wilderness is a remarkable place. A huge part of the state is covered in mountains and forests. Thousands of miles of rivers meander through nearly every corner of the state. No matter where you live—or visit—in Idaho, the wilderness isn’t very far.


No wonder outdoor enthusiasts love the state so much. You can go on a Hells Canyon rafting tour, fishing on the Snake River, and hiking in the Payette National Forest all in the same day if you plan it right. You can also make an entire week out of it.



It’s hard to describe the sheer size of Idaho’s wilderness. Calling it huge is one thing, but when you’re out there, it’s as if it goes on forever. But is it really that huge? Well, here are a few things about Idaho’s wilderness you might not know.


Idaho Is Home to One of the Largest Wilderness Areas in America 


So, is Idaho's wilderness really that huge? Yes, it is. While Alaska is home to the largest federally managed wilderness area in the U.S., and California’s Death Valley comes in second, Idaho is home to number three.


The Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness area encompasses a massive part of central Idaho. It covers about 2.4 million acres and six national forests (Payette National Forest, Challis National Forest, Salmon National Forest, Boise National Forest, Bitterroot National Forest, and Nez Perce National Forest).


The River of No Return, also known as the Salmon River, is one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the country. If you really want to see Idaho’s wilderness, you can spend a week on a Salmon River whitewater rafting tour and barely scratch the surface!


There Are Several Wilderness Areas Throughout Idaho 


As impressive as the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness area is, it’s far from the only wilderness area in Idaho. There are several across the state, including the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area at 1.3 million acres (it’s north of Frank Church near the border with Montana).


One of the most notable wilderness areas in the state is Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in south-central Idaho (nearly 250,000 acres). Despite its bleak, rocky appearance, it’s full of life—along with several lava tubes and caves you can explore.



Another notable wilderness area is the Hells Canyon Wilderness area, which is over 217,000 acres between Idaho and Oregon. This wilderness area is where you’ll find the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. And yes, the whitewater rafting is spectacular!


There Are Over 3,000 Miles of Whitewater Rapids 


Speaking of whitewater rafting, if you love to crash through the rapids, Idaho is the place to be. From the Salmon River to the Snake River, there are over 3,000 miles of whitewater routes to experience.


Because Idaho is such a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts, you can find tour companies ready to take you out on these rapids. Come summer, you can book a tour and see river after river—and countless miles of Idaho’s unending wilderness!



About America’s Rafting Co


See the Great State of Idaho in a new way with America’s Rafting Co! From rafting Hells Canyon to snowmobiling, the Gem State is full of outdoor excitement. No matter the season, there are always new adventures to discover. America’s Rafting Co brings you those adventures. You and your family or friends can go on thrilling guided whitewater rafting tours or the backcountry snowmobiling tours Idaho loves, depending on the time of year. The folks at America’s Rafting Co know Idaho like the back of their hands. Whether you’ve lived in Idaho your whole life or are visiting for the weekend, America’s Rafting Co takes you to some of the most scenic parts of the state where you can experience Idaho in all its glory!


Book a tour to see Idaho’s unending wilderness at https://idahooutdoortours.com/ 


Original Source: https://bit.ly/3YLRLeg 

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