By Shelley Moore
Because of Idaho's fame for potato production, many people from other parts of the country think the state is flat and agricultural. In fact, the upper two-thirds of Idaho is very mountainous and mostly made up of national forest. Idaho has 13 national forests, and another it shares with Montana. The national forests offer excellent tourism and recreational opportunities, as well as habitat for wildlife.
Names
Idaho's national forests include Boise, Caribou, Challis, Clearwater, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Panhandle, Kaniksu, Nez Perce, Payette, Salmon, Sawtooth, St. Joe and Targhee. Another forest which sometimes appears on lists of Idaho national forests is the Bitterroot, which is partially located in Montana.
Significance
Idaho is third among the states in the amount of national forest land (in area), behind only Alaska and California.
Roadless Areas
Idaho's national forests have 9.3 million acres of road-less land. Only Alaska has more.
Recreation
The national forests provide opportunities for camping, backpacking and hiking, horseback trail rides, canoeing, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, skiing, relaxing at hot springs, mountain climbing and scenic viewing.
Hunting
Hunting also is very popular in the national forests, including big game hunting for elk.
Fishing
The Idaho national forests also offer premier trout fishing, ranked as some of the best in the United States.
Accommodations
For people who prefer not to camp, accommodations are available at many locations in the national forests, including mountain cabins, motels with river views and ranches.
About the Author:
Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
