You’ll be amazed by these 7 places in Salmon-Challis National Forest

It’s a dream camping destination.

Certain images come to mind when you imagine “the great outdoors.” The phrase conjures thoughts of lush forests, serene lakes, and critters roaming the land. If these picture-perfect vistas are what you want out of an outdoor retreat, you can find them all within Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Over 4.3 million acres of land make up Salmon-Challis National Forest. From the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to the top of the Beaverhead Mountains, the region boasts an abundance of breathtaking views. While seeing all these natural wonders would take some time, visitors can witness the area’s top attractions at seven unique spots. Here’s a guide to the forest’s most beautiful places.

See why Shoshone Falls is called the Niagara of the West

Prepare for roaring waters.

A waterfall has to be pretty spectacular for it to merit comparisons to Niagara Falls. After all, Niagara is an international tourist attraction famous for its roaring waters. So, what makes Idaho’s Shoshone Falls, aka the “Niagara of the West,” worthy of its moniker? Here’s what potential visitors need to know.

As one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States, Shoshone Falls stretches up to 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide. That’s 32 feet taller than Niagara’s American Falls, which reached a height of 180 feet.

Want to experience Shoshone Falls for yourself? Potential tourists can check waterfall conditions with this handy webcam that monitors the area. Find even more stunning views of the falls in the gallery below, and discover the best waterfall in every state here.

Nonresident Idaho hunter kills protected grizzly bear

A nonresident Idaho hunter is at the center of an investigation after he shot and killed a protected grizzly bear that he mistook for a black bear.

A nonresident Idaho hunter is at the center of an investigation after he shot and killed a protected grizzly bear that he mistook for a black bear.

The incident occurred June 8 north of Upper Priest Lake in the Panhandle Region.

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the hunter reported his error soon after inspecting his kill and identifying the bear as a grizzly.

The hunter is said to be cooperating with the investigation.

Courtesy IDFG

Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law. Hunters are responsible for knowing the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. (See the accompanying chart.)

ALSO: Rare footage shows massive python navigating Kenya stream

On May 1 near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, a hunter killed a grizzly bear in another apparent case of mistaken identity.

Patrick M. Gogerty, 65, of Cody, Wyo., left the bear carcass alongside the North Fork Highway. Images of the carcass went viral before Gogerty turned himself in the next morning.

He was was charged with killing a protected grizzly bear without a proper license and faces up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine (plus restitution).

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Thrilling ways to see the best of Idaho’s City Of Rocks National Reserve

Heart-pounding adventures await.

A little adventure keeps life interesting. In Idaho, a land of thrilling fun is available at City Of Rocks National Reserve. Sometimes referred to as the “Silent City,” the reserve offers several options for outdoorsy explorers. Visitors can spend the night camping at Smoky Mountain Campground. Climbers can ascend the granite rock formations. Even equestrians can enjoy the reserve with a horseback riding tour of the area.

So, out of all the exhilarating ways to spend time at the reserve, which are most worth trying? Check out this list of the eight best things to do at City Of Rocks National Reserve.

Idaho conservation officer shoots dog for chasing, killing deer

A conservation officer in Idaho this week made the “tough choice” to shoot and kill a dog as it was chasing deer.

A conservation officer in Idaho this week made the “tough choice” to shoot and kill a dog as it was chasing deer.

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the officer was responding to an unrelated call on April 10 in south Pocatello when he was approached by citizens who had just watched two dogs chase and kill a fawn.

After inspecting the dead fawn, the officer witnessed one of the dogs scattering deer from the shade of junipers and attempting to run them down.

“The officer shot the dog which was engaged in pursuit of the animals,” the IDFG stated in a news release.

ALSO: Yellowstone guide captures intriguing moment shared by cougar, elk

A Bannock County Sheriff’s Office deputy told the IDFG that the office had received reports about the same two dogs harassing deer in recent weeks.

The dead dog was returned to its owner, while the owner of the second dog was cited and fined $136.

“According to state code, it is unlawful for people to allow their dogs to harass, chase, or kill big game animals in Idaho, and Fish and Game officers are authorized to shoot dogs that are actively engaged in those behaviors,” the IDFG stated in the news release.

Jennifer Jackson, a spokeswoman for the agency’s Southeast Region, added:

“It’s tough on our officers to have to make these decisions. Many of our officers are dog owners, too.  But, it’s also tough to watch deer being chased down or killed by people’s pets – especially now after such a hard winter when these deer are so vulnerable.”

–Photo: ©Pete Thomas

Coyotes are chasing skiers at Idaho resort, experts not sure why

Coyotes in Sandpoint, Idaho, have been exhibiting “highly unusual behavior,” which includes chasing skiers at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort.

Coyotes in Sandpoint, Idaho, have been exhibiting “highly unusual behavior,” which includes chasing skiers at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort.

Most encounters at Schweitzer occurred in early January, including an incident in which a skier was bitten.

But the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said patrons should be on guard and contact the agency if they spot coyotes on the slopes.

ALSO: Yellowstone wolves faring much better this hunting season

“Before the coyotes could be located and dispatched, one bit a female skier,” the IDFG said Friday. “Although her injuries were minor, Fish and Game and Schweitzer Mountain Resort took the matter very seriously. Efforts are still underway to trap and dispatch the offending coyotes.”

Coyotes are also roaming a business district near downtown Sandpoint in broad daylight. That’s “extremely rare,” Fish and Game explained, because coyotes are nocturnal and typically wary of humans.

The body of at least one “dispatched” coyote has been retained for testing.

Experts said it’s unlikely that coyotes in the area are rabid, and they don’t begin to defend pupping dens until April and May. The most likely explanation for this behavior, Fish and Game said, is habituation to humans.

A news release about the issue was shared on the Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Region Facebook page Friday, inspiring jokes about the presence of coyotes on ski slopes.

But one person commented that it’s no laughing matter:

“For those saying it isn’t a big deal, here’s the other side. Multiple reports from Schweitzer ski resort about coyote(s) actively pursuing and biting skiers.

“One woman was chased into a tree well and had to fight the coyote off, finally being rescued by another skier who beat the coyote with her ski poles. Getting bit and requiring rabies shots is NOT amusing.”

The Panhandle Region Facebook page will post updates as they are warranted.

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‘Monster’ hybrid trout an absolute beauty – and a record catch

An Idaho angler has established a new state catch-and-release record after reeling a 36-inch rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout from Henrys Lake.

An Idaho angler has been granted a state catch-and-release record after reeling a 36-inch rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout from Henrys Lake.

Hailey Thomas of Rigby landed the gorgeous trout Oct. 4, despite the fish attempting to win its freedom by dashing for bottom cover.

“Hailey did a phenomenal job fighting the fish and keeping it out of the abundant weeds, notorious for knocking large trout off the line,” Shane Thomas, Hailey’s husband, told the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. “After a stressful minute or so, I reached out and scooped up the fish. The net looked so small, as the fish barely fit in!”

ALSO: Massive grouper catch stuns crowd at Florida fishing dock

The trout was placed in a live well on the vessel so it could recover. It was then measured, photographed, and released.

Photos courtesy of Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The IDFG announced the new record Thursday in a news release, stating: 

“Congratulations to Hailey Thomas on landing a new catch-and-release state record from Henrys Lake. Hailey hooked the 36-inch long monster rainbow/cutthroat hybrid while fishing with her family on the renowned east Idaho lake.”

The trout had girth of 21 inches and weighed between 17 and 20 pounds, the IDFG estimated. The previous catch-and-release record, a 30-inch hybrid, was set on the Snake River in 2018. 

Henrys Lake, the IDFG added, is a blue-ribbon trout fishery that also boasts healthy populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout and brook trout. 

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Large alligator discovered roaming in … Idaho?

Biologists in Idaho are in possession of a fairly large alligator that was discovered by folks out walking their dog.

Biologists in Idaho are in possession of a fairly large alligator that was discovered by folks out walking their dog.

The unidentified “reporting party” spotted the 3-1/2-foot alligator moving through bushes adjacent to a New Plymouth-area street on Oct. 20.

The reptile was captured and placed in horse trailer. Biologists with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game picked up the alligator on Oct. 21.

Alligators prefer tropical climate and cannot survive for long in the wild in Idaho. It could be that somebody had been keeping the gator as a pet.

“In all likelihood, this alligator got loose from someone, and we are interested in finding the owner,” Matt O’Connell, Regional Conservation Officer for Idaho Fish and Game, stated in a news release.

The agency added that it’s against the law to possess alligators in Idaho without proper permits.

In the news release and on Facebook, IDFG asked that anyone with helpful information telephone the Southwest Regional Office at 208-465-8465, or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999.

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Biologists discover huge grizzly bear den with ‘spectacular view’

As grizzly bears fatten up in advance of hibernation, some might wonder what features are important for grizzlies as they seek den sites. “It’s the view!”

As grizzly bears fatten up in advance of hibernation, some might wonder what features are important for grizzlies as they seek den sites.

“The view of course!” Idaho Fish and Game Upper Snake joked on Friday.

A Facebook post by the regional IDFG office featured images showing an enormous den discovered by biologist Jeremy Nicholson and Officers Chris Johnson and Joe Heald as they searched for a dropped tracking collar from a 600-pound research bear.

The view from outside the den. Photo: IDFG

The top image shows Johnson posing at the entrance of the den to reveal its size. Another image features a stunning view from just outside the den.

ALSO: Massive grouper catch stuns crowd at Florida fishing dock

“Check out the spectacular view from the den and what it takes to excavate a den large enough to hold a grizzly bear,” the Facebook description reads.

The den even featured a ceiling vent for easy breathing.

The bear was not seen, but the group located what was left of the tracking collar inside the den.

Grizzly bears might move a ton of earth to excavate dens comfortable enough to support them during the winter. Depending on the weather, they typically begin preparing for hibernation in late November.

Male grizzlies are first to emerge from their dens in the spring, usually beginning in March. Females with cubs emerge in April or early May.

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Indiana vs Idaho Prediction, Game Preview

Indiana vs Idaho game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 2 game on Saturday, September 10

Indiana vs Idaho prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 2, Saturday, September 10


Indiana vs Idaho How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 10
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
How To Watch: BTN
Record: Indiana (1-0), Idaho (0-1)
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Indiana vs Idaho Game Preview

Why Idaho Will Win

It flew way under the radar, but Idaho was supposed to get destroyed by Washington State, but it got up 10-0 and made it interesting in a 24-17 loss.

The defense did a nice job of staying alive with three takeaways and a slew of third down stops, but the biggest keys were the way they were able to control the clock and get into the backfield.

Indiana might have been able to pull off a 23-20 thriller over Illinois, but it got destroyed in the time of possession battle and survived with four takeaways.

As long as Idaho is able to be careful with the ball, and if the passing game can dink and dunk like it did against Wazzu, it should stay alive.

CFN Expert Picks, Week 2

Why Indiana Will Win

The Hoosiers found their quarterback in Missouri transfer Connor Bazelak.

He might have struggled with his consistency throughout the win over Illinois, but he came through when needed and made up for the lack of a running game. IU was stuffed by the Illini D on the ground, but that’s not happening against Idaho.

The Vandals might have been plucky last week, but they also got hit for 5.7 yards per carry. The Cougars were able to get their guys in space, and Indiana should be able to do the same thing.

And …

Week 2 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

The Indiana defense should live behind the line.

It generated pressure all game long against the Illini, forced a slew of mistakes, and it never let the backfield get comfortable. It would be nice if the Hoosiers could control the clock a bit, but they should be able to get up fast and cruise in the second if Bazelak is on.

IU beat Idaho 56-14 last season, and now it’s even stronger.

CFN Week 2 Predictions

Indiana vs Idaho Prediction, Line

Indiana 48, Idaho 13
Line: TBA, o/u: TBA
ATS Confidence out of 5: TBA
Indiana vs Idaho Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

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