One of the most spectacular parts about Idaho living is knowing that true wilderness exists just a short drive away from anywhere in the state.It’s amazing to think that we share this state with so many totally unspoiled natural areas. For many people, an image of rugged backcountry is what first comes to mind when they think of Idaho, and they’re partially right. One of the most amazing facts about our state is that the largest wilderness area in the continental United States resides right here in Idaho. Many Idahoans know this area by name, but don’t realize the enormity of the region itself, or its history. In fact, this region is incredible for a variety of reasons, and you’re about to find out why.
At 2.367 million acres in central Idaho, the Frank Church River Of No Return Wilderness is gargantuan. In fact, it could fit the entire state of Delaware inside of it...and then some. This is the largest federally managed wilderness area in the country outside of Alaska.
The wilderness is home to several mountain ranges, rivers, and countless amounts of wildlife. It doesn't get more backcountry than this. This is pure, unadulterated nature...the type that only exists in Idaho.
Frank Church wilderness contains six (yes, SIX) national forests, the two biggest of which are the Payette National Forest and Challis National Forest.
The Salmon, Boise, Bitterroot, and Nez Perce National Forests can all be found here, as well.
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The Frank Church Wilderness Area became an officially protected area in 1980. It was renamed just four years later to its current name in honor of U.S. Senator Frank Church.
Frank Church was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and became one of the youngest serving senators when he won Idaho's senate election in 1957. A large part of Church's career was spent working on environmental legislation, and he played a large role in passing the Central Idaho Wilderness Act which created the River Of No Return Wilderness Area. The area was renamed in his honor after Church's diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, and the renaming was officially signed just weeks before his death.
The river was nicknamed "The River Of No Return" due to its strong current which makes traveling upstream incredibly difficult if not impossible. At 425 miles long, the Salmon River is one of the largest rivers in the country, so it's only fitting that it flows right through the massive Frank Church Wilderness.
The Middle Fork and the Main Fork of the Salmon both travel through Frank Church Wilderness and is a popular destination for all recreational water activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
During the summer time, you'll likely see dozens of people in any given area enjoying what the river has to offer. Not only is the river itself great for these activities, but surrounded by incredible and complex canyon scenery makes traveling down this river a truly intense and riveting experience.
Due to the enormity of the region's size, it is the perfect secluded habitat for hundreds of wildlife species.
A large population of mountain lions and wolves can found here, along with black bears, coyotes, foxes, and lynxes. These untouched habitats are something that is incredibly unique to Idaho.
The region is dominated by mountains covered in dense, coniferous trees. The Salmon River Mountains are most prominent throughout the region, and are made up of throngs of small crests which stretch for as long as the eye can see.
On the eastern side of the Middle Fork of the Salmon are the Bighorn Crags, which form towering rugged summits some of which are at least 10,000 feet high in elevation.
There's truly nothing else like this area in the world. The Frank Church Wilderness is truly one of Idaho's most immense, yet hidden, treasures.
Have you seen at least part of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness? Isn’t this massive region absolutely gorgeous? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Did you know that Idaho is home to a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon? You can read all about it here!
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