Category: Idaho Federal

Sawtooth National Forest & Recreation Area

Sawtooth National Forest  / Sawtooth National Recreation Area
This 2.1 million acre forest is situated in south central Idaho and extends into northern Utah.  It includes the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness.  These lands include high granite peaks, narrow glacial valleys, deep forested valleys and high alpine lakes.  It abounds with wildlife and flowers.   Map of SNRA
Fairfield Ranger District 208-764-3202, Ketchum Ranger District 208-622-5371
Minidoka ranger district 208-677-4878, Sawtooth NRA 208-727-5000 or 208-744-3000  Here is the website for the National Forest and the website for the National Recreation Area.

Wheelchair AccessibleMurdock Trail Map and information   A little over the first mile is wheelchair accessible.  From the guide, “The Murdock Creek canyon features wildflowers, wildlife, and dramatic rock outcroppings, and there are several nice picnic spot along the trail.”  The trail is dirt with small rocks. Thanks to trail guidebooks author Maryann Gaug for letting me know about this trail. 

Accessible bridge on easy Murdock Creek Trail, Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho
Accessible Stream Crossing on Murdock Creek Trail Sawtooth Nat’l. Forest, ID ©Maryann Gaug
Partly wheelchair accessible Murdock Creek Trail, Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho
Partly accessible Murdock Creek Trail Sawtooth Nat’l. Forest, ID ©Maryann Gaug

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Idaho Panhandle National Forests
The 2.5 million acres of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests contain mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, ancient cedar groves, and an abundance of wildlife.  From NationalForests.org: “The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are an aggregation of the Coeur d’Alene and portions of the Kaniksu and St. Joe National Forests. There are eight local points of contact including the Supervisor’s Office, six district offices and the Coeur d’Alene Tree Nursery.”  The Forests extend into eastern Washington and western Montana.  Supervisor’s Office phone 208-765-7223.  See their website for District Rangers’ phones.  Publications
Wheelchair AccessiblePulaski Tunnel Trail  The forest service says that the first 725 feet of trail are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Hobo Cedar Grove Trail  From the website: “The trail has a gentle gradient making it accessible to older persons or those with moderate physical impairments. The trail width is about 40 inches. An occasional log bench provides seating along the trail.”
Wheelchair AccessibleHiawatha Rail Trail is not listed in the Rails-to-Trails site, but I have seen references to wheelchair use.  Call 208-744-1301.   Here is some more information from the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Trails.  You can also give the Forest Service a call at (208) 765-7223.
Mineral Point Trail is 2.1 miles one way and described as  “….one of the most beautiful trails on the Sandpoint Ranger District and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Gentle grades, wildflowers and excellent views make this trail suitable for the entire family.”
Wheelchair AccessibleSam Owen Trail is “wheelchair moderate, hiker easy……The first ½ mile of this trail has a hardened surface that is suitable for wheel chairs and strollers. The hardened trail ends at a beautiful vista of Owens Bay and the benches offer a nice place to sit and enjoy the view. The remaining ½ mile of trail is native surface, narrow and not suitable for wheel chairs or strollers…..This is a great hike for a family with small children. ”