Overview
Backpacking Idaho takes you from the lush Selkirk Mountains in the north to the relatively dry Bear River Range in the south; from the awesome depths of Hells Canyon to the rugged heights of the Bighorn Crags. The best backpacking in well-known Sawtooth Mountains and Yellowstone National Park is revealed, as well as backcountry forays into the lesser-known Lost River and Lemhi ranges, and even the remote hearts of the huge Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return wilderness areas. Discover some of North America's most beautiful scenery in this candid, comprehensive guide to the finest backpacking trips in the Gem State.Synopsis
A virtually undiscovered backpacking paradise, Idaho has numerous wilderness areas of mind-boggling size. Backpackers can find complete solitude, wildlife, and some of North America's most outstanding scenery. Idaho's mountains also boast great weather--fewer thunderstorms than the central Rockies, less rain than Oregon and Washington, and cooler summer temperatures than California. Backpacking Idaho takes you to what author Doug Lorain calls a "Shangri-la" for backpackers. In the craggy Selkirk Mountains you'll find lush forests, small cirque lakes, and jagged granite peaks. Watch for ospreys, river otters, and belted kingfishers in the swift Selway River. Explore hundreds of miles of trails in the gently rolling forested hills in north-central Idaho, or head to Hell's Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, where you'll find both alpine tundra and cactus-studded desert.