Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, Grangeville

Visitors and local enjoy the outdoors in Grangeville, Idaho. It is located in the vicinity of the Clearwater, Snake and Salmon Rivers. Whitewater rafting is one of the star attractions in this scenic area. Wildlife is also in abundance. Many people come here to fish for salmon and steelhead. Hunting is a popular fall sport with deer, turkey and elk as the targets.

There are several forests that visitors can hike in such as the Nez Perce National Forest, Hells Canyon and the Gospel Hump Wilderness. Skiers and snowboarders can go to the Snowhaven ski area in the winter. Attractions in the town of Grangeville include a large Fourth of July celebration, parades, rodeos, art shows, and dances.

One of the most popular areas around Grangeville is the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. It encompasses five forests in the State of Idaho and one forest in the State of Montana. The five areas in Idaho are the Nez Perce, Challis, Boise, Salmon and Payette. The Bitterroot Forest is located in Montana.

Things to do while in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area are whitewater rafting, hiking and horseback riding. This area holds some of the most rugged terrain in the interior of the State of Idaho.

There is 2.3 million acres of land that makes up the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. It is the largest wilderness in the entire lower forty eight states. This area was incorporated into the Central Idaho Wilderness Act in July of 1980. The name of Frank Church, an Idaho Senator, was added in 1983. This came just one month before he died. Senator Church was inspirational in creating the Wilderness. He pushed for the enactment of the 1964 Wilderness Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers bill in 1968.

The hiking in the Frank Church area climbs between 2,000 to 10,000 feet. With this type of elevation changes trails often ascend and descend rapidly. Hikers should be aware of the challenges in this area.

If visitors want to raft on the Main Salmon or Middle Fork Rivers a permit is necessary. Obtaining the permits in the winter before the intended trip is advisable.

Some of the wildlife that can be found in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area is Mountain Lions. They actually have one of the largest populations in the region. Bighorn Sheep, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, mountain goats and moose are some other occupants of this area. Various raptors, lynx, red foxes, wolverine and coyotes can also be spotted while hiking the Wilderness.

Visitors wishing to come to the Wilderness can get there by plane or access roads. Air charters from Boise, Salmon, Challis, Grangeville, Cascade, Hailey and McCall are available.

There are many sources for whitewater rafting and fishing trips into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. Guests to this region can stay and eat at Grangeville.