Wild amp Scenic RiveR eligibility RecommendationS

Salmon challiS national FoReSt idaho

novembeR 2016

Wild amp Scenic River Eligibility RecommendationsSalmon Challis National Forest Idaho

Report prepared by Liz Paul Community LLCNovember 2016

Cover photo Middle Fork Salmon River by Scott Bosse

American Rivers protects wild rivers restores damaged rivers and conserves clean water for people and nature Since 1973 American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts on-the-ground projects and an annual Americarsquos Most Endangered Riversreg campaign Headquartered in Washington DC American Rivers has offices

across the country and more than 250000 members supporters and volunteers

American Rivers Northern Rockies Office321 E Main St Suite 408 Bozeman MT 59715

(406) 570-0455 | wwwAmericanRiversorg

Wild amp Scenic River Eligibility RecommendationsSalmon Challis National Forest Idaho

Report prepared by Liz Paul Community LLCNovember 2016

Cover photo Middle Fork Salmon River by Scott Bosse

American Rivers protects wild rivers restores damaged rivers and conserves clean water for people and nature Since 1973 American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts on-the-ground projects and an annual Americarsquos Most Endangered Riversreg campaign Headquartered in Washington DC American Rivers has offices

across the country and more than 250000 members supporters and volunteers

American Rivers Northern Rockies Office321 E Main St Suite 408 Bozeman MT 59715

(406) 570-0455 | wwwAmericanRiversorg

Arco

Shoup

Salmon

Mackay

Stanley

Ketchum

Challis

Leadore

M A P L E G E N DDesignated Wild amp Scenic RiversEligible Wild amp Scenic RiversProposed Eligible Wild amp Scenic Rivers

Designated WildernessSalmon- Challis National ForestBureau of Land Management

SALMON- CHALL IS NAT IONAL FORESTWILD amp SCENIC R IVER STATUS0 15 30Miles

M i d d l e

F o r kS a l m o n R i v e r

Salm

onRi

v er

0 15 30Kilometers

Patte rson CreekBig Creek

S a l m o n R i ve r

Do uble s

pring

Cr

HerdCre ek

Squaw Creek

Big Lost River

Eas t Fork Big Lost

Littl e Lost Riv er

East F

ork

Salmo n Rive r

PahsimeroiRiver

Big Timber

Cr

Hawley Cr

Bear Valley C r

Hay d

enCr

Iron Creek Warm Spring Cr

Kenney Cr

L e m h i R i v e r

Hors e Creek

OwlCreekSpring Cr

Squaw Cr

Indian

C r Hughes Cr Sheep Creek

North Fork Salm on

Carm

enCre

ek

NapaisCre

ekClearCreek

Pine CreekBeaver Cr

Wi ls on Creek

Roaring Cr

Waterfall CrShip Island Cr

Dahlonega Creek

TwinCr

Hood

ooCre

ekYellow

jacket C r

Camas Creek

Silver Creek

Castle Creek

Warm SpringCr

Marble Creek Cache Cr

Musgrove Cr Moye r CreekDeep Cr

Little DeepCr

Ma yfi eld Cr

Little Loon CrLo on Creek

Indian CreekLittle Pistol Cr

Pistol CreekRapid River

DuffieldCr

Basin Cr eekYankee Fork

Swam

p Cr

Elk Creek

Sulphur C rFloat Cr

Cape H

ornCr

Tango

Cr

Marsh Creek

Valley

CreekKnapp Cr

Wes t Fork Camas Cr

Bayhorse Cr

Summit Creek

B o w eryEas

t Pass

Cr eek

Kan eCre ek

Wildh

orseC

re ek Fall Cre ek

S tarH

opeCre

ek Lake CreekMul doonCreek

DryCre

ekLon

g Lost

Cr

Pass Cre ek

LowerCedarCreek

Wet CreekBig

Cr

Mahogany Cr

West F

orkEas

t Fork

Big Bear Creek

Pan ther Creek

Bla ckb ird Cr

Park Fork

North

ForkB

igCree

k

Timber Cr

SmithieFork

Iron Cr Mill Cr

Squaw Cr

W armCrSawmillCr

Summit Creek

Mud Creek

FRANK CHURCH -RIVER OF NO RETURNWILDERNESS

SAWTOOTHWILDERNESS

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

SCNF

ReservoirCreekCama s Cr

S Fork Camas

WHITECLOUDSWILD

HEMINGWAY-BOULDERSWILDERNESS

JIM McCLURE-JERRY PEAKWILDERNESS

ReynoldsCreek

West HorseCreek

River

Data Sources US Forest Service US Geological SurveyInside Idaho Natural Earth American RiversMap by Conservation Geography Boise Idaho October 2016

SULPHUR CREEK amp ELK CREEKMIDDLE FORK SALMON HEADWATERS

Honey

moon

Cr

Sulphu

r Creek

Ful l Moon

Si lver

Mo on

Nor th Fo rk

Sulp hur Creek Half

MoonBlu

eMoon

Moonshine

Porter Cr ee k

West Fork East Fork

North Fork

Elk Creek

Middle For k Salmon

Bear Valley Creek

0 5Miles

SEE SULPHUR AND ELK CREEKINSET MAP BELOW

YANKEE FORKMAIN SALMON TRIBUTARY

0 5Miles

McKay CrChall is C reekTwelvemile Cr

Tenmile Creek Elevenmile Cr

Ninemile CrEightmile Cr

4th ofJulyCreek

Pork C

r

EstesCr

East Fo

rk Mayfiel

d

Greyloc k Si xmile CrFivemile Cr

Squaw C reek

Yankee ForkSevenmileCreekUnnam ed

Mill CreekChallisCreek

SEE YANKEE FORK INSET MAPABOVE RIGHT

CabinCreekPioneerLoo

n CrVan it

y

Beaver CreekW innem

ucca

Trail Cr

Bear Cr

Cottonwood

West Fork YankeeM uske

g

S oldierCr

Firebox CrMain ForkSawmill Cr

CabinCr

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 01

Contents

Map of Wild and sCeniC eligible RiveRs on the salMon Challis national foRest

i intRodUCtion 1

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest 2

iii Changed Conditions sinCe the last foRest plan 3

iv sUbWateRsheds of the salMon Challis national foRest 4

1 Main salmon River subwatershed 4

1a Basin Creek 41b Carmen Creek 41c Challis Creek 41d Horse Creek West Fork Horse Creek and Reynolds Creek 51e Indian Creek 51f Iron Creek 51g Mill Creek 61h Owl Creek 61i Pine Creek 61j Salmon River from the North Fork Salmon River upstream to the Forest Boundary 61k Spring Creek 61l Squaw Creek (near Shoup) 61m Squaw Creek (near Challis) 61n Warm Creek 61o Valley Creek 71p West Fork Yankee Fork and Cabin Creek 71q Yankee Fork Salmon River and tributaries 7

2 Middle fork salmon River subwatershed 9

2a Bear Creek 102b Beaver Creek 102c Cabin Creek 102d Cache Creek 102e Camas Creek 102f Cape Horn Creek and Banner Creek 102g Cottonwood Creek South Fork Cottonwood Creek and Pioneer Creek 102h Elk Creek and Bear Valley Creek 112i Float Creek 112j Indian Creek Little Indian Creek and Big Chief Creek 112k Knapp Creek 112l Little Loon Creek 112m Loon Creek 112n Marble Creek and Dynamite Creek 122o Marsh Creek 122p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and West Fork Mayfield Creek 122q Pistol Creek Luger Creek and Little Pistol Creek 132r Porter Creek 132s Rapid River and Duffield Creek 132t Roaring Creekt 132u Ship Island Creek 132v Soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek 132w South Fork Camas Creek Silver Creek and Castle Creek 14

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 02

2x Sulphur Creek and tributaries 142y Swamp Creek 142z Tango Creek 142aa Trail Creek 142bb Vanity Creek 142cc Warm Spring Creek 142dd Waterfall Creek 152ee West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek 152ff Wilson Creek 152gg Winnemucca Creek 152hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and Hoodoo Creek 15

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed 17

3a Dahlonhega Creek 173b Hughes Creek 173c North Fork Salmon River 173d Sheep Creek 183e Twin Creek 18

4 panther Creek subwatershed 18

4a Beaver Creek 194b Blackbird Creek 194c Clear Creek 194d Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek 194e Moyer Creek 194f Musgrove Creek 204g Napias Creek 204h Panther Creek 20

5 lemhi River subwatershed 21

5a Bear Valley Creek 225b Big Timber Creek 225c Hawley Creek s 225d Hayden Creek 225e Kenney Creek 22

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed 23

6a Big Creek 236b Doublespring Creek 246c East Fork Pahsimeroi River 246d Mahogany Creek 246e Pahsimeroi River 246f Patterson Creek and its headwaters 246g West Fork Pahsimeroi River 24

7 east fork salmon subwatershed 25

7a Bowery Creek 267b Herd Creek East Pass Creek and Taylor Creek 26

8 big lost River subwatershed 26

8a East Fork of the Big Lost River 278b Kane Creek 278c Lake Creek e 278d Lower Cedar Creek 278e Pass Creek 278f Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon 278g Summit Creek l 278h Wildhorse Creek and Fall Creek 27

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 03

9 little lost River subwatershed 28

9a Dry Creek and Long Lost Creek 299b Iron Creek and Hawley amp Jackson Creeks 299c Main Fork Little Lost River and Firebox Creek 299d Mill Creek and Mill Creek Lake 299e Sawmill Creek 299f Smithie Fork Creek 299g Squaw Creek 299h Timber Creek and its tributaries 299i Warm Creek 309j Wet Creek and Big Creek 30

SOURCES 37

TABLES

Table 1 Proposed eligible rivers in the Main Salmon River Subwatershed 8

Table 2 Proposed eligible rivers in the Middle Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 16

Table 3 Proposed eligible rivers in the North Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 18

Table 4 Proposed eligible rivers in the Panther Creek Subwatershed 20

Table 5 Proposed eligible rivers in the Lemhi River Subwatershed 23

Table 6 Proposed eligible rivers in the Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed 25

Table 7 Proposed eligible rivers in the East Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 26

Table 8 Proposed eligible rivers in the Big Lost River Subwatershed 28

Table 9 Proposed eligible rivers in the Little Lost River Subwatershed 30

Table 10 Summary of proposed Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 31

Table 11 Summary of Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 36

i intRodUCtion

idaho is home to some of the most spectacular wild rivers in the United States Many of these nationally renowned waterways are located in the Salmon

Challis National Forest including such treasures as the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River With 890 miles of rivers already protected in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Idaho ranks fourth in the nation in terms of Wild and Scenic River miles behind only Alaska California and Oregon Idahorsquos cold clean wild rivers serve as some of the last best strongholds in the lower 48 states for several native fish species including bull trout westslope cutthroat trout Yellowstone cutthroat trout Snake River Chinook salmon Snake River sockeye salmon and Snake River steelhead These rivers also provide vital habitat for a plethora of bird and mammal species including deer elk moose black bear gray wolves bald eagles and osprey According to the Outdoor Industry Association outdoor recreational activities in Idaho generate $63 billon annually for the state and many of these activitiesmdashespecially fishing hunting hiking paddling and wildlife watchingmdashare focused on the statersquos river corridors

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) was signed into law in 1968 to protect the ldquooutstandingly remarkablerdquo scenic recreational geologic fish and wildlife historic and cultural values of our nationrsquos last best free-flowing rivers The Act serves as a tool for federal land management agencies to recognize and prioritize special rivers and streams under their management Agencies are charged with determining which streams are ldquoeligiblerdquo for Wild and Scenic designation with eligibility defined as

ldquoA wild scenic or recreational river eligible to be included in the system is a free-flowing stream and the related adjacent land area that possesses one or more of the values referred to in section 1271 of this title Every wild scenic or recreational rivers in its free-flowing condition or upon restoration to this condition shall be considered eligible for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers systemhelliprdquo1

These eligibility determinations are created and updated by the US Forest Service (USFS) through discrete inventories or through the forest planning process They are catalogued in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and in each forest plan Once found eligible the USFS is charged with protecting the special values of each stream that could one day lead to formal designation under the WSRA

In reviewing the current inventory of eligible streams on the Salmon Challis National Forest the author of this report recognized that certain streams and certain categories of outstandingly remarkable values (eg EcologicalCold Water) were missing from the current USFS inventory This report is intended to fill those gaps as the Forest updates its forest plan

1 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act sect1273(b)

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 1

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 2

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest

the Salmon Challis National Forest (SCNF) encompasses approximately 43 million acres making it one of the largest national forests in

the lower 48 states The forest includes 13 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area the largest contiguous wilderness area in the contiguous United States and 116898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area which was designated in 2015 More than 2 million additional acres of the forest are classified as roadless under the 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule In all more than 70 percent of the Forest is protected in designated wilderness or roadless areas The entire SCNF is in the Snake River watershed and with the exceptions of the Big Lost and Little Lost rivers in the Salmon River subwatershed The major subwatersheds that are evaluated in this report are the Main Salmon River Middle Fork Salmon River North Fork Salmon River Panther Creek Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River East Fork Salmon River Big Lost River and Little Lost River The SCNF includes portions of two Wild and Scenic designated riversmdasha stretch of the Main Salmon River in the Frank ChurchmdashRiver of No Return Wilderness and the entire 104-mile reach of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The SCNF is home to several threatened and endangered fish species including bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead The Forest also is home to two species that have been proposed for listingmdashwolverine and whitebark pinemdashand several sensitive species including bald eagle bighorn sheep boreal owl Columbia spotted frog common loon Douglasrsquo biscuitroot fisher flammulated owl flexible alpine collomia gray wolf great gray owl greater sage grouse Idaho range lichen Lemhi penstemon Marshrsquos bluegrass northern goshawk peregrine falcon pink agoseris pygmy rabbit Sacajawearsquos bitterroot Salmon twin bladderpod spotted bat three-toed woodpecker Townsendrsquos western big-eared bat westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine

The SCNF is ancestral land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Traditionally the Tribes subsisted as hunters and gatherers hunting wild game fishing the regionrsquos bountiful rivers and streams (primarily for salmon) and collecting native plants and roots The Tribes have fishing rights for Chinook salmon and steelhead throughout the Forest and they play a large role in the fight to prevent extinction of these fish

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) aquatic connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction because it allows fish to complete life history movements such as spawning and juvenile migrations Connectivity also allows fish to recolonize areas where they have been eliminated by stochastic environmental events such as floods and wildfires once conditions again become suitable Distribution of fish populations over a large connected area is also an important consideration so all individuals in a population will not encounter the same stochastic environmental event at the same time Maintenance of genetic diversity is needed to ensure the future evolutionary potential of the species Even fish from drainages less than 5 kilometers apart can exhibit different genetics

Much of the SCNF is a dynamic natural landscape that regularly experiences large wildfires massive landslides and severe droughts and floods Fisheries biologists warn that protecting isolated habitats alone will not save threatened endangered and sensitive (TES) fish species Large habitat networks are much more important than small areas of ldquogoodrdquo habitat They urge public land managers to maintain the size and connectivity of existing habitat networks whenever possible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 01

Contents

Map of Wild and sCeniC eligible RiveRs on the salMon Challis national foRest

i intRodUCtion 1

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest 2

iii Changed Conditions sinCe the last foRest plan 3

iv sUbWateRsheds of the salMon Challis national foRest 4

1 Main salmon River subwatershed 4

1a Basin Creek 41b Carmen Creek 41c Challis Creek 41d Horse Creek West Fork Horse Creek and Reynolds Creek 51e Indian Creek 51f Iron Creek 51g Mill Creek 61h Owl Creek 61i Pine Creek 61j Salmon River from the North Fork Salmon River upstream to the Forest Boundary 61k Spring Creek 61l Squaw Creek (near Shoup) 61m Squaw Creek (near Challis) 61n Warm Creek 61o Valley Creek 71p West Fork Yankee Fork and Cabin Creek 71q Yankee Fork Salmon River and tributaries 7

2 Middle fork salmon River subwatershed 9

2a Bear Creek 102b Beaver Creek 102c Cabin Creek 102d Cache Creek 102e Camas Creek 102f Cape Horn Creek and Banner Creek 102g Cottonwood Creek South Fork Cottonwood Creek and Pioneer Creek 102h Elk Creek and Bear Valley Creek 112i Float Creek 112j Indian Creek Little Indian Creek and Big Chief Creek 112k Knapp Creek 112l Little Loon Creek 112m Loon Creek 112n Marble Creek and Dynamite Creek 122o Marsh Creek 122p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and West Fork Mayfield Creek 122q Pistol Creek Luger Creek and Little Pistol Creek 132r Porter Creek 132s Rapid River and Duffield Creek 132t Roaring Creekt 132u Ship Island Creek 132v Soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek 132w South Fork Camas Creek Silver Creek and Castle Creek 14

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 02

2x Sulphur Creek and tributaries 142y Swamp Creek 142z Tango Creek 142aa Trail Creek 142bb Vanity Creek 142cc Warm Spring Creek 142dd Waterfall Creek 152ee West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek 152ff Wilson Creek 152gg Winnemucca Creek 152hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and Hoodoo Creek 15

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed 17

3a Dahlonhega Creek 173b Hughes Creek 173c North Fork Salmon River 173d Sheep Creek 183e Twin Creek 18

4 panther Creek subwatershed 18

4a Beaver Creek 194b Blackbird Creek 194c Clear Creek 194d Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek 194e Moyer Creek 194f Musgrove Creek 204g Napias Creek 204h Panther Creek 20

5 lemhi River subwatershed 21

5a Bear Valley Creek 225b Big Timber Creek 225c Hawley Creek s 225d Hayden Creek 225e Kenney Creek 22

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed 23

6a Big Creek 236b Doublespring Creek 246c East Fork Pahsimeroi River 246d Mahogany Creek 246e Pahsimeroi River 246f Patterson Creek and its headwaters 246g West Fork Pahsimeroi River 24

7 east fork salmon subwatershed 25

7a Bowery Creek 267b Herd Creek East Pass Creek and Taylor Creek 26

8 big lost River subwatershed 26

8a East Fork of the Big Lost River 278b Kane Creek 278c Lake Creek e 278d Lower Cedar Creek 278e Pass Creek 278f Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon 278g Summit Creek l 278h Wildhorse Creek and Fall Creek 27

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 03

9 little lost River subwatershed 28

9a Dry Creek and Long Lost Creek 299b Iron Creek and Hawley amp Jackson Creeks 299c Main Fork Little Lost River and Firebox Creek 299d Mill Creek and Mill Creek Lake 299e Sawmill Creek 299f Smithie Fork Creek 299g Squaw Creek 299h Timber Creek and its tributaries 299i Warm Creek 309j Wet Creek and Big Creek 30

SOURCES 37

TABLES

Table 1 Proposed eligible rivers in the Main Salmon River Subwatershed 8

Table 2 Proposed eligible rivers in the Middle Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 16

Table 3 Proposed eligible rivers in the North Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 18

Table 4 Proposed eligible rivers in the Panther Creek Subwatershed 20

Table 5 Proposed eligible rivers in the Lemhi River Subwatershed 23

Table 6 Proposed eligible rivers in the Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed 25

Table 7 Proposed eligible rivers in the East Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 26

Table 8 Proposed eligible rivers in the Big Lost River Subwatershed 28

Table 9 Proposed eligible rivers in the Little Lost River Subwatershed 30

Table 10 Summary of proposed Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 31

Table 11 Summary of Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 36

i intRodUCtion

idaho is home to some of the most spectacular wild rivers in the United States Many of these nationally renowned waterways are located in the Salmon

Challis National Forest including such treasures as the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River With 890 miles of rivers already protected in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Idaho ranks fourth in the nation in terms of Wild and Scenic River miles behind only Alaska California and Oregon Idahorsquos cold clean wild rivers serve as some of the last best strongholds in the lower 48 states for several native fish species including bull trout westslope cutthroat trout Yellowstone cutthroat trout Snake River Chinook salmon Snake River sockeye salmon and Snake River steelhead These rivers also provide vital habitat for a plethora of bird and mammal species including deer elk moose black bear gray wolves bald eagles and osprey According to the Outdoor Industry Association outdoor recreational activities in Idaho generate $63 billon annually for the state and many of these activitiesmdashespecially fishing hunting hiking paddling and wildlife watchingmdashare focused on the statersquos river corridors

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) was signed into law in 1968 to protect the ldquooutstandingly remarkablerdquo scenic recreational geologic fish and wildlife historic and cultural values of our nationrsquos last best free-flowing rivers The Act serves as a tool for federal land management agencies to recognize and prioritize special rivers and streams under their management Agencies are charged with determining which streams are ldquoeligiblerdquo for Wild and Scenic designation with eligibility defined as

ldquoA wild scenic or recreational river eligible to be included in the system is a free-flowing stream and the related adjacent land area that possesses one or more of the values referred to in section 1271 of this title Every wild scenic or recreational rivers in its free-flowing condition or upon restoration to this condition shall be considered eligible for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers systemhelliprdquo1

These eligibility determinations are created and updated by the US Forest Service (USFS) through discrete inventories or through the forest planning process They are catalogued in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and in each forest plan Once found eligible the USFS is charged with protecting the special values of each stream that could one day lead to formal designation under the WSRA

In reviewing the current inventory of eligible streams on the Salmon Challis National Forest the author of this report recognized that certain streams and certain categories of outstandingly remarkable values (eg EcologicalCold Water) were missing from the current USFS inventory This report is intended to fill those gaps as the Forest updates its forest plan

1 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act sect1273(b)

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 1

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 2

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest

the Salmon Challis National Forest (SCNF) encompasses approximately 43 million acres making it one of the largest national forests in

the lower 48 states The forest includes 13 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area the largest contiguous wilderness area in the contiguous United States and 116898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area which was designated in 2015 More than 2 million additional acres of the forest are classified as roadless under the 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule In all more than 70 percent of the Forest is protected in designated wilderness or roadless areas The entire SCNF is in the Snake River watershed and with the exceptions of the Big Lost and Little Lost rivers in the Salmon River subwatershed The major subwatersheds that are evaluated in this report are the Main Salmon River Middle Fork Salmon River North Fork Salmon River Panther Creek Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River East Fork Salmon River Big Lost River and Little Lost River The SCNF includes portions of two Wild and Scenic designated riversmdasha stretch of the Main Salmon River in the Frank ChurchmdashRiver of No Return Wilderness and the entire 104-mile reach of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The SCNF is home to several threatened and endangered fish species including bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead The Forest also is home to two species that have been proposed for listingmdashwolverine and whitebark pinemdashand several sensitive species including bald eagle bighorn sheep boreal owl Columbia spotted frog common loon Douglasrsquo biscuitroot fisher flammulated owl flexible alpine collomia gray wolf great gray owl greater sage grouse Idaho range lichen Lemhi penstemon Marshrsquos bluegrass northern goshawk peregrine falcon pink agoseris pygmy rabbit Sacajawearsquos bitterroot Salmon twin bladderpod spotted bat three-toed woodpecker Townsendrsquos western big-eared bat westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine

The SCNF is ancestral land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Traditionally the Tribes subsisted as hunters and gatherers hunting wild game fishing the regionrsquos bountiful rivers and streams (primarily for salmon) and collecting native plants and roots The Tribes have fishing rights for Chinook salmon and steelhead throughout the Forest and they play a large role in the fight to prevent extinction of these fish

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) aquatic connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction because it allows fish to complete life history movements such as spawning and juvenile migrations Connectivity also allows fish to recolonize areas where they have been eliminated by stochastic environmental events such as floods and wildfires once conditions again become suitable Distribution of fish populations over a large connected area is also an important consideration so all individuals in a population will not encounter the same stochastic environmental event at the same time Maintenance of genetic diversity is needed to ensure the future evolutionary potential of the species Even fish from drainages less than 5 kilometers apart can exhibit different genetics

Much of the SCNF is a dynamic natural landscape that regularly experiences large wildfires massive landslides and severe droughts and floods Fisheries biologists warn that protecting isolated habitats alone will not save threatened endangered and sensitive (TES) fish species Large habitat networks are much more important than small areas of ldquogoodrdquo habitat They urge public land managers to maintain the size and connectivity of existing habitat networks whenever possible

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 02

2x Sulphur Creek and tributaries 142y Swamp Creek 142z Tango Creek 142aa Trail Creek 142bb Vanity Creek 142cc Warm Spring Creek 142dd Waterfall Creek 152ee West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek 152ff Wilson Creek 152gg Winnemucca Creek 152hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and Hoodoo Creek 15

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed 17

3a Dahlonhega Creek 173b Hughes Creek 173c North Fork Salmon River 173d Sheep Creek 183e Twin Creek 18

4 panther Creek subwatershed 18

4a Beaver Creek 194b Blackbird Creek 194c Clear Creek 194d Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek 194e Moyer Creek 194f Musgrove Creek 204g Napias Creek 204h Panther Creek 20

5 lemhi River subwatershed 21

5a Bear Valley Creek 225b Big Timber Creek 225c Hawley Creek s 225d Hayden Creek 225e Kenney Creek 22

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed 23

6a Big Creek 236b Doublespring Creek 246c East Fork Pahsimeroi River 246d Mahogany Creek 246e Pahsimeroi River 246f Patterson Creek and its headwaters 246g West Fork Pahsimeroi River 24

7 east fork salmon subwatershed 25

7a Bowery Creek 267b Herd Creek East Pass Creek and Taylor Creek 26

8 big lost River subwatershed 26

8a East Fork of the Big Lost River 278b Kane Creek 278c Lake Creek e 278d Lower Cedar Creek 278e Pass Creek 278f Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon 278g Summit Creek l 278h Wildhorse Creek and Fall Creek 27

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 03

9 little lost River subwatershed 28

9a Dry Creek and Long Lost Creek 299b Iron Creek and Hawley amp Jackson Creeks 299c Main Fork Little Lost River and Firebox Creek 299d Mill Creek and Mill Creek Lake 299e Sawmill Creek 299f Smithie Fork Creek 299g Squaw Creek 299h Timber Creek and its tributaries 299i Warm Creek 309j Wet Creek and Big Creek 30

SOURCES 37

TABLES

Table 1 Proposed eligible rivers in the Main Salmon River Subwatershed 8

Table 2 Proposed eligible rivers in the Middle Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 16

Table 3 Proposed eligible rivers in the North Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 18

Table 4 Proposed eligible rivers in the Panther Creek Subwatershed 20

Table 5 Proposed eligible rivers in the Lemhi River Subwatershed 23

Table 6 Proposed eligible rivers in the Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed 25

Table 7 Proposed eligible rivers in the East Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 26

Table 8 Proposed eligible rivers in the Big Lost River Subwatershed 28

Table 9 Proposed eligible rivers in the Little Lost River Subwatershed 30

Table 10 Summary of proposed Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 31

Table 11 Summary of Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 36

i intRodUCtion

idaho is home to some of the most spectacular wild rivers in the United States Many of these nationally renowned waterways are located in the Salmon

Challis National Forest including such treasures as the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River With 890 miles of rivers already protected in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Idaho ranks fourth in the nation in terms of Wild and Scenic River miles behind only Alaska California and Oregon Idahorsquos cold clean wild rivers serve as some of the last best strongholds in the lower 48 states for several native fish species including bull trout westslope cutthroat trout Yellowstone cutthroat trout Snake River Chinook salmon Snake River sockeye salmon and Snake River steelhead These rivers also provide vital habitat for a plethora of bird and mammal species including deer elk moose black bear gray wolves bald eagles and osprey According to the Outdoor Industry Association outdoor recreational activities in Idaho generate $63 billon annually for the state and many of these activitiesmdashespecially fishing hunting hiking paddling and wildlife watchingmdashare focused on the statersquos river corridors

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) was signed into law in 1968 to protect the ldquooutstandingly remarkablerdquo scenic recreational geologic fish and wildlife historic and cultural values of our nationrsquos last best free-flowing rivers The Act serves as a tool for federal land management agencies to recognize and prioritize special rivers and streams under their management Agencies are charged with determining which streams are ldquoeligiblerdquo for Wild and Scenic designation with eligibility defined as

ldquoA wild scenic or recreational river eligible to be included in the system is a free-flowing stream and the related adjacent land area that possesses one or more of the values referred to in section 1271 of this title Every wild scenic or recreational rivers in its free-flowing condition or upon restoration to this condition shall be considered eligible for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers systemhelliprdquo1

These eligibility determinations are created and updated by the US Forest Service (USFS) through discrete inventories or through the forest planning process They are catalogued in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and in each forest plan Once found eligible the USFS is charged with protecting the special values of each stream that could one day lead to formal designation under the WSRA

In reviewing the current inventory of eligible streams on the Salmon Challis National Forest the author of this report recognized that certain streams and certain categories of outstandingly remarkable values (eg EcologicalCold Water) were missing from the current USFS inventory This report is intended to fill those gaps as the Forest updates its forest plan

1 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act sect1273(b)

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 1

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 2

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest

the Salmon Challis National Forest (SCNF) encompasses approximately 43 million acres making it one of the largest national forests in

the lower 48 states The forest includes 13 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area the largest contiguous wilderness area in the contiguous United States and 116898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area which was designated in 2015 More than 2 million additional acres of the forest are classified as roadless under the 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule In all more than 70 percent of the Forest is protected in designated wilderness or roadless areas The entire SCNF is in the Snake River watershed and with the exceptions of the Big Lost and Little Lost rivers in the Salmon River subwatershed The major subwatersheds that are evaluated in this report are the Main Salmon River Middle Fork Salmon River North Fork Salmon River Panther Creek Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River East Fork Salmon River Big Lost River and Little Lost River The SCNF includes portions of two Wild and Scenic designated riversmdasha stretch of the Main Salmon River in the Frank ChurchmdashRiver of No Return Wilderness and the entire 104-mile reach of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The SCNF is home to several threatened and endangered fish species including bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead The Forest also is home to two species that have been proposed for listingmdashwolverine and whitebark pinemdashand several sensitive species including bald eagle bighorn sheep boreal owl Columbia spotted frog common loon Douglasrsquo biscuitroot fisher flammulated owl flexible alpine collomia gray wolf great gray owl greater sage grouse Idaho range lichen Lemhi penstemon Marshrsquos bluegrass northern goshawk peregrine falcon pink agoseris pygmy rabbit Sacajawearsquos bitterroot Salmon twin bladderpod spotted bat three-toed woodpecker Townsendrsquos western big-eared bat westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine

The SCNF is ancestral land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Traditionally the Tribes subsisted as hunters and gatherers hunting wild game fishing the regionrsquos bountiful rivers and streams (primarily for salmon) and collecting native plants and roots The Tribes have fishing rights for Chinook salmon and steelhead throughout the Forest and they play a large role in the fight to prevent extinction of these fish

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) aquatic connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction because it allows fish to complete life history movements such as spawning and juvenile migrations Connectivity also allows fish to recolonize areas where they have been eliminated by stochastic environmental events such as floods and wildfires once conditions again become suitable Distribution of fish populations over a large connected area is also an important consideration so all individuals in a population will not encounter the same stochastic environmental event at the same time Maintenance of genetic diversity is needed to ensure the future evolutionary potential of the species Even fish from drainages less than 5 kilometers apart can exhibit different genetics

Much of the SCNF is a dynamic natural landscape that regularly experiences large wildfires massive landslides and severe droughts and floods Fisheries biologists warn that protecting isolated habitats alone will not save threatened endangered and sensitive (TES) fish species Large habitat networks are much more important than small areas of ldquogoodrdquo habitat They urge public land managers to maintain the size and connectivity of existing habitat networks whenever possible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 03

9 little lost River subwatershed 28

9a Dry Creek and Long Lost Creek 299b Iron Creek and Hawley amp Jackson Creeks 299c Main Fork Little Lost River and Firebox Creek 299d Mill Creek and Mill Creek Lake 299e Sawmill Creek 299f Smithie Fork Creek 299g Squaw Creek 299h Timber Creek and its tributaries 299i Warm Creek 309j Wet Creek and Big Creek 30

SOURCES 37

TABLES

Table 1 Proposed eligible rivers in the Main Salmon River Subwatershed 8

Table 2 Proposed eligible rivers in the Middle Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 16

Table 3 Proposed eligible rivers in the North Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 18

Table 4 Proposed eligible rivers in the Panther Creek Subwatershed 20

Table 5 Proposed eligible rivers in the Lemhi River Subwatershed 23

Table 6 Proposed eligible rivers in the Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed 25

Table 7 Proposed eligible rivers in the East Fork Salmon River Subwatershed 26

Table 8 Proposed eligible rivers in the Big Lost River Subwatershed 28

Table 9 Proposed eligible rivers in the Little Lost River Subwatershed 30

Table 10 Summary of proposed Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 31

Table 11 Summary of Wild and Scenic eligible rivers 36

i intRodUCtion

idaho is home to some of the most spectacular wild rivers in the United States Many of these nationally renowned waterways are located in the Salmon

Challis National Forest including such treasures as the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River With 890 miles of rivers already protected in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Idaho ranks fourth in the nation in terms of Wild and Scenic River miles behind only Alaska California and Oregon Idahorsquos cold clean wild rivers serve as some of the last best strongholds in the lower 48 states for several native fish species including bull trout westslope cutthroat trout Yellowstone cutthroat trout Snake River Chinook salmon Snake River sockeye salmon and Snake River steelhead These rivers also provide vital habitat for a plethora of bird and mammal species including deer elk moose black bear gray wolves bald eagles and osprey According to the Outdoor Industry Association outdoor recreational activities in Idaho generate $63 billon annually for the state and many of these activitiesmdashespecially fishing hunting hiking paddling and wildlife watchingmdashare focused on the statersquos river corridors

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) was signed into law in 1968 to protect the ldquooutstandingly remarkablerdquo scenic recreational geologic fish and wildlife historic and cultural values of our nationrsquos last best free-flowing rivers The Act serves as a tool for federal land management agencies to recognize and prioritize special rivers and streams under their management Agencies are charged with determining which streams are ldquoeligiblerdquo for Wild and Scenic designation with eligibility defined as

ldquoA wild scenic or recreational river eligible to be included in the system is a free-flowing stream and the related adjacent land area that possesses one or more of the values referred to in section 1271 of this title Every wild scenic or recreational rivers in its free-flowing condition or upon restoration to this condition shall be considered eligible for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers systemhelliprdquo1

These eligibility determinations are created and updated by the US Forest Service (USFS) through discrete inventories or through the forest planning process They are catalogued in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and in each forest plan Once found eligible the USFS is charged with protecting the special values of each stream that could one day lead to formal designation under the WSRA

In reviewing the current inventory of eligible streams on the Salmon Challis National Forest the author of this report recognized that certain streams and certain categories of outstandingly remarkable values (eg EcologicalCold Water) were missing from the current USFS inventory This report is intended to fill those gaps as the Forest updates its forest plan

1 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act sect1273(b)

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 1

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 2

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest

the Salmon Challis National Forest (SCNF) encompasses approximately 43 million acres making it one of the largest national forests in

the lower 48 states The forest includes 13 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area the largest contiguous wilderness area in the contiguous United States and 116898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area which was designated in 2015 More than 2 million additional acres of the forest are classified as roadless under the 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule In all more than 70 percent of the Forest is protected in designated wilderness or roadless areas The entire SCNF is in the Snake River watershed and with the exceptions of the Big Lost and Little Lost rivers in the Salmon River subwatershed The major subwatersheds that are evaluated in this report are the Main Salmon River Middle Fork Salmon River North Fork Salmon River Panther Creek Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River East Fork Salmon River Big Lost River and Little Lost River The SCNF includes portions of two Wild and Scenic designated riversmdasha stretch of the Main Salmon River in the Frank ChurchmdashRiver of No Return Wilderness and the entire 104-mile reach of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The SCNF is home to several threatened and endangered fish species including bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead The Forest also is home to two species that have been proposed for listingmdashwolverine and whitebark pinemdashand several sensitive species including bald eagle bighorn sheep boreal owl Columbia spotted frog common loon Douglasrsquo biscuitroot fisher flammulated owl flexible alpine collomia gray wolf great gray owl greater sage grouse Idaho range lichen Lemhi penstemon Marshrsquos bluegrass northern goshawk peregrine falcon pink agoseris pygmy rabbit Sacajawearsquos bitterroot Salmon twin bladderpod spotted bat three-toed woodpecker Townsendrsquos western big-eared bat westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine

The SCNF is ancestral land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Traditionally the Tribes subsisted as hunters and gatherers hunting wild game fishing the regionrsquos bountiful rivers and streams (primarily for salmon) and collecting native plants and roots The Tribes have fishing rights for Chinook salmon and steelhead throughout the Forest and they play a large role in the fight to prevent extinction of these fish

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) aquatic connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction because it allows fish to complete life history movements such as spawning and juvenile migrations Connectivity also allows fish to recolonize areas where they have been eliminated by stochastic environmental events such as floods and wildfires once conditions again become suitable Distribution of fish populations over a large connected area is also an important consideration so all individuals in a population will not encounter the same stochastic environmental event at the same time Maintenance of genetic diversity is needed to ensure the future evolutionary potential of the species Even fish from drainages less than 5 kilometers apart can exhibit different genetics

Much of the SCNF is a dynamic natural landscape that regularly experiences large wildfires massive landslides and severe droughts and floods Fisheries biologists warn that protecting isolated habitats alone will not save threatened endangered and sensitive (TES) fish species Large habitat networks are much more important than small areas of ldquogoodrdquo habitat They urge public land managers to maintain the size and connectivity of existing habitat networks whenever possible

i intRodUCtion

idaho is home to some of the most spectacular wild rivers in the United States Many of these nationally renowned waterways are located in the Salmon

Challis National Forest including such treasures as the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River With 890 miles of rivers already protected in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Idaho ranks fourth in the nation in terms of Wild and Scenic River miles behind only Alaska California and Oregon Idahorsquos cold clean wild rivers serve as some of the last best strongholds in the lower 48 states for several native fish species including bull trout westslope cutthroat trout Yellowstone cutthroat trout Snake River Chinook salmon Snake River sockeye salmon and Snake River steelhead These rivers also provide vital habitat for a plethora of bird and mammal species including deer elk moose black bear gray wolves bald eagles and osprey According to the Outdoor Industry Association outdoor recreational activities in Idaho generate $63 billon annually for the state and many of these activitiesmdashespecially fishing hunting hiking paddling and wildlife watchingmdashare focused on the statersquos river corridors

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) was signed into law in 1968 to protect the ldquooutstandingly remarkablerdquo scenic recreational geologic fish and wildlife historic and cultural values of our nationrsquos last best free-flowing rivers The Act serves as a tool for federal land management agencies to recognize and prioritize special rivers and streams under their management Agencies are charged with determining which streams are ldquoeligiblerdquo for Wild and Scenic designation with eligibility defined as

ldquoA wild scenic or recreational river eligible to be included in the system is a free-flowing stream and the related adjacent land area that possesses one or more of the values referred to in section 1271 of this title Every wild scenic or recreational rivers in its free-flowing condition or upon restoration to this condition shall be considered eligible for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers systemhelliprdquo1

These eligibility determinations are created and updated by the US Forest Service (USFS) through discrete inventories or through the forest planning process They are catalogued in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and in each forest plan Once found eligible the USFS is charged with protecting the special values of each stream that could one day lead to formal designation under the WSRA

In reviewing the current inventory of eligible streams on the Salmon Challis National Forest the author of this report recognized that certain streams and certain categories of outstandingly remarkable values (eg EcologicalCold Water) were missing from the current USFS inventory This report is intended to fill those gaps as the Forest updates its forest plan

1 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act sect1273(b)

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 1

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 2

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest

the Salmon Challis National Forest (SCNF) encompasses approximately 43 million acres making it one of the largest national forests in

the lower 48 states The forest includes 13 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area the largest contiguous wilderness area in the contiguous United States and 116898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area which was designated in 2015 More than 2 million additional acres of the forest are classified as roadless under the 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule In all more than 70 percent of the Forest is protected in designated wilderness or roadless areas The entire SCNF is in the Snake River watershed and with the exceptions of the Big Lost and Little Lost rivers in the Salmon River subwatershed The major subwatersheds that are evaluated in this report are the Main Salmon River Middle Fork Salmon River North Fork Salmon River Panther Creek Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River East Fork Salmon River Big Lost River and Little Lost River The SCNF includes portions of two Wild and Scenic designated riversmdasha stretch of the Main Salmon River in the Frank ChurchmdashRiver of No Return Wilderness and the entire 104-mile reach of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The SCNF is home to several threatened and endangered fish species including bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead The Forest also is home to two species that have been proposed for listingmdashwolverine and whitebark pinemdashand several sensitive species including bald eagle bighorn sheep boreal owl Columbia spotted frog common loon Douglasrsquo biscuitroot fisher flammulated owl flexible alpine collomia gray wolf great gray owl greater sage grouse Idaho range lichen Lemhi penstemon Marshrsquos bluegrass northern goshawk peregrine falcon pink agoseris pygmy rabbit Sacajawearsquos bitterroot Salmon twin bladderpod spotted bat three-toed woodpecker Townsendrsquos western big-eared bat westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine

The SCNF is ancestral land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Traditionally the Tribes subsisted as hunters and gatherers hunting wild game fishing the regionrsquos bountiful rivers and streams (primarily for salmon) and collecting native plants and roots The Tribes have fishing rights for Chinook salmon and steelhead throughout the Forest and they play a large role in the fight to prevent extinction of these fish

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) aquatic connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction because it allows fish to complete life history movements such as spawning and juvenile migrations Connectivity also allows fish to recolonize areas where they have been eliminated by stochastic environmental events such as floods and wildfires once conditions again become suitable Distribution of fish populations over a large connected area is also an important consideration so all individuals in a population will not encounter the same stochastic environmental event at the same time Maintenance of genetic diversity is needed to ensure the future evolutionary potential of the species Even fish from drainages less than 5 kilometers apart can exhibit different genetics

Much of the SCNF is a dynamic natural landscape that regularly experiences large wildfires massive landslides and severe droughts and floods Fisheries biologists warn that protecting isolated habitats alone will not save threatened endangered and sensitive (TES) fish species Large habitat networks are much more important than small areas of ldquogoodrdquo habitat They urge public land managers to maintain the size and connectivity of existing habitat networks whenever possible

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 2

ii oveRvieW of the salMon Challis national foRest

the Salmon Challis National Forest (SCNF) encompasses approximately 43 million acres making it one of the largest national forests in

the lower 48 states The forest includes 13 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area the largest contiguous wilderness area in the contiguous United States and 116898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area which was designated in 2015 More than 2 million additional acres of the forest are classified as roadless under the 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule In all more than 70 percent of the Forest is protected in designated wilderness or roadless areas The entire SCNF is in the Snake River watershed and with the exceptions of the Big Lost and Little Lost rivers in the Salmon River subwatershed The major subwatersheds that are evaluated in this report are the Main Salmon River Middle Fork Salmon River North Fork Salmon River Panther Creek Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River East Fork Salmon River Big Lost River and Little Lost River The SCNF includes portions of two Wild and Scenic designated riversmdasha stretch of the Main Salmon River in the Frank ChurchmdashRiver of No Return Wilderness and the entire 104-mile reach of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The SCNF is home to several threatened and endangered fish species including bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead The Forest also is home to two species that have been proposed for listingmdashwolverine and whitebark pinemdashand several sensitive species including bald eagle bighorn sheep boreal owl Columbia spotted frog common loon Douglasrsquo biscuitroot fisher flammulated owl flexible alpine collomia gray wolf great gray owl greater sage grouse Idaho range lichen Lemhi penstemon Marshrsquos bluegrass northern goshawk peregrine falcon pink agoseris pygmy rabbit Sacajawearsquos bitterroot Salmon twin bladderpod spotted bat three-toed woodpecker Townsendrsquos western big-eared bat westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine

The SCNF is ancestral land of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Traditionally the Tribes subsisted as hunters and gatherers hunting wild game fishing the regionrsquos bountiful rivers and streams (primarily for salmon) and collecting native plants and roots The Tribes have fishing rights for Chinook salmon and steelhead throughout the Forest and they play a large role in the fight to prevent extinction of these fish

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) aquatic connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction because it allows fish to complete life history movements such as spawning and juvenile migrations Connectivity also allows fish to recolonize areas where they have been eliminated by stochastic environmental events such as floods and wildfires once conditions again become suitable Distribution of fish populations over a large connected area is also an important consideration so all individuals in a population will not encounter the same stochastic environmental event at the same time Maintenance of genetic diversity is needed to ensure the future evolutionary potential of the species Even fish from drainages less than 5 kilometers apart can exhibit different genetics

Much of the SCNF is a dynamic natural landscape that regularly experiences large wildfires massive landslides and severe droughts and floods Fisheries biologists warn that protecting isolated habitats alone will not save threatened endangered and sensitive (TES) fish species Large habitat networks are much more important than small areas of ldquogoodrdquo habitat They urge public land managers to maintain the size and connectivity of existing habitat networks whenever possible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 3

iii Changed Conditions sinCe the last foRest plan

Many conditions have changed since the previous Wild and Scenic River eligibility inventories were conducted in 1989-1992 These changes include

Listing of Columbia River bull trout Snake River sockeye salmon Snake River springsummer Chinook salmon and Snake River steelhead under the federal Endangered Species Act

The reintroduction of gray wolves in 1995-96 and their subsequent delisting in 2011

Petitioning of greater sage grouse for listing under the ESA and then withdrawal of the species from the ESA candidate list after unprecedented conservation partnerships across the western US significantly reduced threats across 90 percent of their breeding habitat

Numerous natural events including wildfires drought debris flows mudslides invasions of nonnative weeds and insect infestations

Significant USFS actions including road closures and demolition culvert replacement campground closure or relocation trail closures travel plan amendments and recreational facility changes

Improved understanding of climate change and its impacts on stream flows water temperatures and native cold water fish

Implementation of the Idaho Roadless Rule in 2008 which granted additional protections on 93 million acres of US Forest Service land

Designation of the 116898-acre Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area in 2015

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 4

iv sUbWateRsheds of the salMon Challis national foRest

1 Main salmon River subwatershed

the SCNF includes all or part of many rivers that flow into the Salmon River The Main Salmon River subwatershed includes all of these rivers starting with Horse Creek 50 miles downstream of the North Fork Salmon River confluence all the way to Basin Creek in the Stanley basin with the exception of the largest

tributaries (eg Panther Creek) which are covered in their own sections

This area includes two bull trout Critical Habitat Subunits (CHSU) the Middle Salmon-Panther River Subunit is below the Pahsimeroi River and the Upper Salmon River Subunit is above it The Middle Salmon-Panther CHSU is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin The Upper Salmon River CHSU is essential to bull trout conservation because it provides a rare adfluvial life history expression in the Upper Snake Recovery Unit It contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU contains populations that contain fluvial life history expressions that are important in the long-term recovery of the species The Lake Creek Critical Habitat Subunit also is in this watershed

The Upper Salmon Major Population Group for Chinook salmon has three Independent Populations in this watershed Valley Creek Yankee Fork Salmon River and Upper Salmon River The Upper Mainstem Salmon River is an Independent Population Group for steelhead

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

1a basin Creek provides important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout It is a source of very cold water and will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when other streams are too warm to support cold water salmonids Basin Creek has a number of trails that are open to motorized and non-motorized users and allows them to reach a high-elevation basin filled with small lakes Basin Butte Lookout and travel into the West Fork of Yankee Fork and Valley Creek watersheds Because it is home to Chinook salmon Basin Creek is an important area for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

1b Carmen Creek is noted in the journals of Lewis and Clark Clark in his August 21 1805 journal entry describes Sammon Creek [present Carmen Creek] ldquoPassed a large Creek which fall in on the

right Side 6 miles below the forks a road passed up this Creek amp to the Missourirdquo Sargeant

Gass adds ldquoIn this branch we shot a salmon about 6 pounds weightrdquo Today travelers come to Carmen Creek to enjoy the trail that climbs out of the Salmon River canyon all the way to the Continental Divide where they can hook up with the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail This trail is especially popular with mountain bikers from Salmon and beyond It is the closest access to the CDT from the city of Salmon Carmen Creek is in a greater sage grouse General Habitat Management Area The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Carmen Creek supports traditional tribal uses

1c Challis Creek is a large drainage that supports important populations of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout It is a popular place to go fishing The Challis Creek drainage is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing exceptionally cold water that will support bull trout and westslope cutthroat when

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 5

other streams are too warm The Challis Creek Lakes trail is open to all users and follows Challis Creek to a collection of high mountain lakes

1d horse Creek West fork horse Creek and Reynolds

Creek are in a very large drainage that provides habitat for four TES fish species Horse Creek alone provides 21 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat 11 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat 25 miles of bull trout spawning and rearing habitat and habitat for westslope cutthroat Rainbow trout and mountain whitefish also are found here No hatchery fish have been planted in the Horse Creek drainage and it is an important spawning and rearing habitat for A-run steelhead

Backpackers horseback riders hunters and others enjoy the extensive trail system that starts at the road-accessible Horse Creek Hot Springs Campground and extends to the Salmon River where the Horse Creek Bridge allows travelers to cross the Salmon River Most of the Horse Creek drainage and trail is in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The Horse Creek drainage offers excellent wildlife viewing and hunting The drainage is Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) for bighorn sheep The Horse Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because It is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1e indian Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout from its confluence with the Salmon River upstream 117 miles to its headwaters Three tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Indian Creek provides more miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other non-major Salmon River tributary except Horse Creek It also provides Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat and has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are no hatchery fish in this drainage Indian Creek supports important populations of native wildlife including bighorn sheep wolves and elk Indian Creek is a destination for people who enjoy fish and wildlife viewing as well as for hunters The lower portion of the drainage is roaded and the upper reach has a trail that goes up the creek and Henderson Ridge to the Divide

Trail The Indian Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1f iron Creek is a very large drainage that heads up on the east side of a high ridge the other side of which is the Moyer Creek drainage into Panther Creek At 8806-ft-high Iron Lake is nestled in the Salmon Mountains in the Iron Creek headwaters Travelers can reach the Iron Lake Campground by taking the primitive Salmon River Mountain Road Along the way they will enjoy spectacular views of craggy peaks and deep pine forests Trails are used by hikers mountain bikers horseback riders and others to travel between the Salmon River Iron Lake and other high mountain lakes in the upper watershed Iron Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Iron Creek has extraordinary ecological value because It is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

Fish passage was recently re-established in Iron Creek The $750000 Iron Creek restoration project is one of the largest restoration projects ever undertaken in the basin involving more than 11 local state and federal agencies In 2007 Jan Phillips and her late husband Clyde converted their flood irrigation system to pivots and removed a century-old barrier to spawning salmon on Iron Creek Another phase of the project was completed in 2010 with a free-span bridge being built over Iron Creek in a cooperative effort between the watershed program and Lemhi County Road and Bridge Department ldquoThe bridge replaced an old culvert that prevented fish from making their way further into the cool clean water of Iron Creekrdquo says Hans Koenig project coordinator for the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program ldquoThe results of this entire project were incredible Within one year the Chinook salmon realized the passage was open and they began to spawn in Iron Creekrdquo

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 6

1g Mill Creek provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities that are accessible to a diversity of visitors from near and far The Mill Creek Campground and trailhead is in a wooded setting along scenic Mill Creek and is accessible by an improved road Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail Mill Creek Lake and Firebox Meadows are accessed from the trailhead Anglers enjoy the good fishing for wild cutthroat trout Mill Creek provides important bull trout spawning and rearing and Mill Creek is predicted to remain at or below 8 degrees C in 2040 and provide a critical cold water refuge for fish

1h owl Creek supports native bull trout and steelhead There have been no hatchery fish released in this drainage Owl Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout from its headwaters all the way to the Salmon River It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There is a 16-mile-long non-motorized trail all the way up Owl Creek to the top of the canyon Owl Creek hot springs is an easy 2-mile hike from the trailhead on the Salmon River Road Owl Creek is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) The Owl Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1i pine Creek supports a full assemblage of wild native fish including bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Pine Creek is notable for the amount of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat it has Horse Creek is the only non-major Salmon River tributary that provides more until you get upstream to the Yankee Fork Salmon River Pine Creek has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm Pine Creek is a destination for mountain bikers who enjoy the great views and superb downhills

1j salmon River from the north fork salmon River

upstream to the forest boundary has outstandingly remarkable cultural ecological fish recreational

scenic and wildlife values just like the Wild and Scenic designated section below and the Wild and Scenic eligible section above

1k spring Creek has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout and provides many miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead The upper reaches of the drainage are unroaded and there are no trails This creates fabulous habitat for wildlife including bighorn sheep and a wild experience for overland hikers The Spring Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1l squaw Creek (near shoup) has colder water than many other Salmon River tributaries and will serve as a valuable climate refuge for the cold water salmonids in the future Today Squaw Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It provides the third largest amount of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat for non-major Salmon River tributaries It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout No hatchery fish have been released in Squaw Creek There is a trail along parts of the creek that connects with the popular Divide Trail Squaw Creek is a wildlife haven There is an active wolf pack summer and winter range for a large elk herd and it is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR)

1m squaw Creek (near Challis) is a large drainage that is predicted to have very cold water in 2040 and support cold water fish as well as supply cold water to the Salmon River downstream Squaw Creek provides more than seven miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead Squaw Creek and its tributaries provide more than 20 miles of foraging migration and overwintering and spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout also live in Squaw Creek Wolves and other watchable wildlife live in the Squaw Creek drainage

1n Warm Creek is the location of a geothermal gem Goldbug Hot Springs IdahoHotSpringscom calls

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 4

iv sUbWateRsheds of the salMon Challis national foRest

1 Main salmon River subwatershed

the SCNF includes all or part of many rivers that flow into the Salmon River The Main Salmon River subwatershed includes all of these rivers starting with Horse Creek 50 miles downstream of the North Fork Salmon River confluence all the way to Basin Creek in the Stanley basin with the exception of the largest

tributaries (eg Panther Creek) which are covered in their own sections

This area includes two bull trout Critical Habitat Subunits (CHSU) the Middle Salmon-Panther River Subunit is below the Pahsimeroi River and the Upper Salmon River Subunit is above it The Middle Salmon-Panther CHSU is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin The Upper Salmon River CHSU is essential to bull trout conservation because it provides a rare adfluvial life history expression in the Upper Snake Recovery Unit It contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU contains populations that contain fluvial life history expressions that are important in the long-term recovery of the species The Lake Creek Critical Habitat Subunit also is in this watershed

The Upper Salmon Major Population Group for Chinook salmon has three Independent Populations in this watershed Valley Creek Yankee Fork Salmon River and Upper Salmon River The Upper Mainstem Salmon River is an Independent Population Group for steelhead

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

1a basin Creek provides important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout It is a source of very cold water and will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when other streams are too warm to support cold water salmonids Basin Creek has a number of trails that are open to motorized and non-motorized users and allows them to reach a high-elevation basin filled with small lakes Basin Butte Lookout and travel into the West Fork of Yankee Fork and Valley Creek watersheds Because it is home to Chinook salmon Basin Creek is an important area for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

1b Carmen Creek is noted in the journals of Lewis and Clark Clark in his August 21 1805 journal entry describes Sammon Creek [present Carmen Creek] ldquoPassed a large Creek which fall in on the

right Side 6 miles below the forks a road passed up this Creek amp to the Missourirdquo Sargeant

Gass adds ldquoIn this branch we shot a salmon about 6 pounds weightrdquo Today travelers come to Carmen Creek to enjoy the trail that climbs out of the Salmon River canyon all the way to the Continental Divide where they can hook up with the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail This trail is especially popular with mountain bikers from Salmon and beyond It is the closest access to the CDT from the city of Salmon Carmen Creek is in a greater sage grouse General Habitat Management Area The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Carmen Creek supports traditional tribal uses

1c Challis Creek is a large drainage that supports important populations of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout It is a popular place to go fishing The Challis Creek drainage is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing exceptionally cold water that will support bull trout and westslope cutthroat when

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 5

other streams are too warm The Challis Creek Lakes trail is open to all users and follows Challis Creek to a collection of high mountain lakes

1d horse Creek West fork horse Creek and Reynolds

Creek are in a very large drainage that provides habitat for four TES fish species Horse Creek alone provides 21 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat 11 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat 25 miles of bull trout spawning and rearing habitat and habitat for westslope cutthroat Rainbow trout and mountain whitefish also are found here No hatchery fish have been planted in the Horse Creek drainage and it is an important spawning and rearing habitat for A-run steelhead

Backpackers horseback riders hunters and others enjoy the extensive trail system that starts at the road-accessible Horse Creek Hot Springs Campground and extends to the Salmon River where the Horse Creek Bridge allows travelers to cross the Salmon River Most of the Horse Creek drainage and trail is in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The Horse Creek drainage offers excellent wildlife viewing and hunting The drainage is Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) for bighorn sheep The Horse Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because It is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1e indian Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout from its confluence with the Salmon River upstream 117 miles to its headwaters Three tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Indian Creek provides more miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other non-major Salmon River tributary except Horse Creek It also provides Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat and has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are no hatchery fish in this drainage Indian Creek supports important populations of native wildlife including bighorn sheep wolves and elk Indian Creek is a destination for people who enjoy fish and wildlife viewing as well as for hunters The lower portion of the drainage is roaded and the upper reach has a trail that goes up the creek and Henderson Ridge to the Divide

Trail The Indian Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1f iron Creek is a very large drainage that heads up on the east side of a high ridge the other side of which is the Moyer Creek drainage into Panther Creek At 8806-ft-high Iron Lake is nestled in the Salmon Mountains in the Iron Creek headwaters Travelers can reach the Iron Lake Campground by taking the primitive Salmon River Mountain Road Along the way they will enjoy spectacular views of craggy peaks and deep pine forests Trails are used by hikers mountain bikers horseback riders and others to travel between the Salmon River Iron Lake and other high mountain lakes in the upper watershed Iron Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Iron Creek has extraordinary ecological value because It is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

Fish passage was recently re-established in Iron Creek The $750000 Iron Creek restoration project is one of the largest restoration projects ever undertaken in the basin involving more than 11 local state and federal agencies In 2007 Jan Phillips and her late husband Clyde converted their flood irrigation system to pivots and removed a century-old barrier to spawning salmon on Iron Creek Another phase of the project was completed in 2010 with a free-span bridge being built over Iron Creek in a cooperative effort between the watershed program and Lemhi County Road and Bridge Department ldquoThe bridge replaced an old culvert that prevented fish from making their way further into the cool clean water of Iron Creekrdquo says Hans Koenig project coordinator for the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program ldquoThe results of this entire project were incredible Within one year the Chinook salmon realized the passage was open and they began to spawn in Iron Creekrdquo

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 6

1g Mill Creek provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities that are accessible to a diversity of visitors from near and far The Mill Creek Campground and trailhead is in a wooded setting along scenic Mill Creek and is accessible by an improved road Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail Mill Creek Lake and Firebox Meadows are accessed from the trailhead Anglers enjoy the good fishing for wild cutthroat trout Mill Creek provides important bull trout spawning and rearing and Mill Creek is predicted to remain at or below 8 degrees C in 2040 and provide a critical cold water refuge for fish

1h owl Creek supports native bull trout and steelhead There have been no hatchery fish released in this drainage Owl Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout from its headwaters all the way to the Salmon River It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There is a 16-mile-long non-motorized trail all the way up Owl Creek to the top of the canyon Owl Creek hot springs is an easy 2-mile hike from the trailhead on the Salmon River Road Owl Creek is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) The Owl Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1i pine Creek supports a full assemblage of wild native fish including bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Pine Creek is notable for the amount of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat it has Horse Creek is the only non-major Salmon River tributary that provides more until you get upstream to the Yankee Fork Salmon River Pine Creek has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm Pine Creek is a destination for mountain bikers who enjoy the great views and superb downhills

1j salmon River from the north fork salmon River

upstream to the forest boundary has outstandingly remarkable cultural ecological fish recreational

scenic and wildlife values just like the Wild and Scenic designated section below and the Wild and Scenic eligible section above

1k spring Creek has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout and provides many miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead The upper reaches of the drainage are unroaded and there are no trails This creates fabulous habitat for wildlife including bighorn sheep and a wild experience for overland hikers The Spring Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1l squaw Creek (near shoup) has colder water than many other Salmon River tributaries and will serve as a valuable climate refuge for the cold water salmonids in the future Today Squaw Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It provides the third largest amount of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat for non-major Salmon River tributaries It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout No hatchery fish have been released in Squaw Creek There is a trail along parts of the creek that connects with the popular Divide Trail Squaw Creek is a wildlife haven There is an active wolf pack summer and winter range for a large elk herd and it is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR)

1m squaw Creek (near Challis) is a large drainage that is predicted to have very cold water in 2040 and support cold water fish as well as supply cold water to the Salmon River downstream Squaw Creek provides more than seven miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead Squaw Creek and its tributaries provide more than 20 miles of foraging migration and overwintering and spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout also live in Squaw Creek Wolves and other watchable wildlife live in the Squaw Creek drainage

1n Warm Creek is the location of a geothermal gem Goldbug Hot Springs IdahoHotSpringscom calls

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 5

other streams are too warm The Challis Creek Lakes trail is open to all users and follows Challis Creek to a collection of high mountain lakes

1d horse Creek West fork horse Creek and Reynolds

Creek are in a very large drainage that provides habitat for four TES fish species Horse Creek alone provides 21 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat 11 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat 25 miles of bull trout spawning and rearing habitat and habitat for westslope cutthroat Rainbow trout and mountain whitefish also are found here No hatchery fish have been planted in the Horse Creek drainage and it is an important spawning and rearing habitat for A-run steelhead

Backpackers horseback riders hunters and others enjoy the extensive trail system that starts at the road-accessible Horse Creek Hot Springs Campground and extends to the Salmon River where the Horse Creek Bridge allows travelers to cross the Salmon River Most of the Horse Creek drainage and trail is in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The Horse Creek drainage offers excellent wildlife viewing and hunting The drainage is Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) for bighorn sheep The Horse Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because It is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1e indian Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout from its confluence with the Salmon River upstream 117 miles to its headwaters Three tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Indian Creek provides more miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other non-major Salmon River tributary except Horse Creek It also provides Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat and has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are no hatchery fish in this drainage Indian Creek supports important populations of native wildlife including bighorn sheep wolves and elk Indian Creek is a destination for people who enjoy fish and wildlife viewing as well as for hunters The lower portion of the drainage is roaded and the upper reach has a trail that goes up the creek and Henderson Ridge to the Divide

Trail The Indian Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1f iron Creek is a very large drainage that heads up on the east side of a high ridge the other side of which is the Moyer Creek drainage into Panther Creek At 8806-ft-high Iron Lake is nestled in the Salmon Mountains in the Iron Creek headwaters Travelers can reach the Iron Lake Campground by taking the primitive Salmon River Mountain Road Along the way they will enjoy spectacular views of craggy peaks and deep pine forests Trails are used by hikers mountain bikers horseback riders and others to travel between the Salmon River Iron Lake and other high mountain lakes in the upper watershed Iron Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Iron Creek has extraordinary ecological value because It is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

Fish passage was recently re-established in Iron Creek The $750000 Iron Creek restoration project is one of the largest restoration projects ever undertaken in the basin involving more than 11 local state and federal agencies In 2007 Jan Phillips and her late husband Clyde converted their flood irrigation system to pivots and removed a century-old barrier to spawning salmon on Iron Creek Another phase of the project was completed in 2010 with a free-span bridge being built over Iron Creek in a cooperative effort between the watershed program and Lemhi County Road and Bridge Department ldquoThe bridge replaced an old culvert that prevented fish from making their way further into the cool clean water of Iron Creekrdquo says Hans Koenig project coordinator for the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program ldquoThe results of this entire project were incredible Within one year the Chinook salmon realized the passage was open and they began to spawn in Iron Creekrdquo

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 6

1g Mill Creek provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities that are accessible to a diversity of visitors from near and far The Mill Creek Campground and trailhead is in a wooded setting along scenic Mill Creek and is accessible by an improved road Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail Mill Creek Lake and Firebox Meadows are accessed from the trailhead Anglers enjoy the good fishing for wild cutthroat trout Mill Creek provides important bull trout spawning and rearing and Mill Creek is predicted to remain at or below 8 degrees C in 2040 and provide a critical cold water refuge for fish

1h owl Creek supports native bull trout and steelhead There have been no hatchery fish released in this drainage Owl Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout from its headwaters all the way to the Salmon River It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There is a 16-mile-long non-motorized trail all the way up Owl Creek to the top of the canyon Owl Creek hot springs is an easy 2-mile hike from the trailhead on the Salmon River Road Owl Creek is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) The Owl Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1i pine Creek supports a full assemblage of wild native fish including bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Pine Creek is notable for the amount of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat it has Horse Creek is the only non-major Salmon River tributary that provides more until you get upstream to the Yankee Fork Salmon River Pine Creek has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm Pine Creek is a destination for mountain bikers who enjoy the great views and superb downhills

1j salmon River from the north fork salmon River

upstream to the forest boundary has outstandingly remarkable cultural ecological fish recreational

scenic and wildlife values just like the Wild and Scenic designated section below and the Wild and Scenic eligible section above

1k spring Creek has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout and provides many miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead The upper reaches of the drainage are unroaded and there are no trails This creates fabulous habitat for wildlife including bighorn sheep and a wild experience for overland hikers The Spring Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1l squaw Creek (near shoup) has colder water than many other Salmon River tributaries and will serve as a valuable climate refuge for the cold water salmonids in the future Today Squaw Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It provides the third largest amount of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat for non-major Salmon River tributaries It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout No hatchery fish have been released in Squaw Creek There is a trail along parts of the creek that connects with the popular Divide Trail Squaw Creek is a wildlife haven There is an active wolf pack summer and winter range for a large elk herd and it is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR)

1m squaw Creek (near Challis) is a large drainage that is predicted to have very cold water in 2040 and support cold water fish as well as supply cold water to the Salmon River downstream Squaw Creek provides more than seven miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead Squaw Creek and its tributaries provide more than 20 miles of foraging migration and overwintering and spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout also live in Squaw Creek Wolves and other watchable wildlife live in the Squaw Creek drainage

1n Warm Creek is the location of a geothermal gem Goldbug Hot Springs IdahoHotSpringscom calls

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 6

1g Mill Creek provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities that are accessible to a diversity of visitors from near and far The Mill Creek Campground and trailhead is in a wooded setting along scenic Mill Creek and is accessible by an improved road Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail Mill Creek Lake and Firebox Meadows are accessed from the trailhead Anglers enjoy the good fishing for wild cutthroat trout Mill Creek provides important bull trout spawning and rearing and Mill Creek is predicted to remain at or below 8 degrees C in 2040 and provide a critical cold water refuge for fish

1h owl Creek supports native bull trout and steelhead There have been no hatchery fish released in this drainage Owl Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout from its headwaters all the way to the Salmon River It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout There is a 16-mile-long non-motorized trail all the way up Owl Creek to the top of the canyon Owl Creek hot springs is an easy 2-mile hike from the trailhead on the Salmon River Road Owl Creek is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR) The Owl Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1i pine Creek supports a full assemblage of wild native fish including bull trout Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout Pine Creek is notable for the amount of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat it has Horse Creek is the only non-major Salmon River tributary that provides more until you get upstream to the Yankee Fork Salmon River Pine Creek has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm Pine Creek is a destination for mountain bikers who enjoy the great views and superb downhills

1j salmon River from the north fork salmon River

upstream to the forest boundary has outstandingly remarkable cultural ecological fish recreational

scenic and wildlife values just like the Wild and Scenic designated section below and the Wild and Scenic eligible section above

1k spring Creek has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout and provides many miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead The upper reaches of the drainage are unroaded and there are no trails This creates fabulous habitat for wildlife including bighorn sheep and a wild experience for overland hikers The Spring Creek drainage has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

1l squaw Creek (near shoup) has colder water than many other Salmon River tributaries and will serve as a valuable climate refuge for the cold water salmonids in the future Today Squaw Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It provides the third largest amount of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat for non-major Salmon River tributaries It supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout No hatchery fish have been released in Squaw Creek There is a trail along parts of the creek that connects with the popular Divide Trail Squaw Creek is a wildlife haven There is an active wolf pack summer and winter range for a large elk herd and it is in a bighorn sheep Core Herd Home Range (CHHR)

1m squaw Creek (near Challis) is a large drainage that is predicted to have very cold water in 2040 and support cold water fish as well as supply cold water to the Salmon River downstream Squaw Creek provides more than seven miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead Squaw Creek and its tributaries provide more than 20 miles of foraging migration and overwintering and spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout also live in Squaw Creek Wolves and other watchable wildlife live in the Squaw Creek drainage

1n Warm Creek is the location of a geothermal gem Goldbug Hot Springs IdahoHotSpringscom calls

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 7

Goldbug Hot Springs ldquoIdahorsquos most majestic high desert hot springsrdquo

1o valley Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon It provides a significant amount of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead and significant investment has been made to enhance the aquatic habitat of Valley Creek on private and public land It provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout all the way to its headwaters and supports a high density of westslope cutthroat trout It is a destination for salmon viewing an activity that has gained in popularity in the past decades Floaters enjoy the fantastic scenery on this Class I reach It is a source of very cold water and will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when other streams are too warm to support cold water fish

1p West fork Yankee fork and Cabin Creek provide important spawning and rearing habitat for westslope cutthroat trout especially in the headwaters creeks Significant spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead also exists in the drainage The West Fork Yankee Fork has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

The drainage heads up in high wild and unroaded forest the headwaters of Cabin Creek including Crimson Lake are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Trail users enjoy a variety of scenery from the lush stream bottoms to glaciated colorful peaks hedged by cirque lakes Wildlife is abundant and often seen by the backpacker or horse packer Crimson Lake at the head of Cabin Creek is ldquolarge deep and full of cutthroat trout (some of them quite large) rests on top of crimson-colored rock Rough jagged peaks of reddish orange rise above the lake with the two-toothed spires of Cabin Creek Peak providing a contrasting gray colorrdquo

1q Yankee fork salmon River and tributaries are part of an incredible native fish habitat restoration project Intensive dredge mining for gold in the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River destroyed the natural aquatic ecosystem including extremely productive spawning

and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The Yankee Fork was identified by federal agencies as a critical location for restoring dwindling runs of Snake River salmon and steelhead but in dire need of habitat improvement to play its potential role in the recovery of these fish populations The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes starting working with Bonneville Power Administration in 2005 The rehabilitation of two side channels that enhance floodplain and juvenile rearing areas is now completed Two wood loading and instream complexity projects that enhance cover and channel habitat are under construction There are two additional projects currently in the design stage that will enhance floodplains side channels and pool and riffle habitat features

The restoration project is notable not only because of its scope and early success but also because of the unique assemblage of partners that include Trout Unlimited Shoshone-Bannock Tribes the Bureau of Reclamation US Forest Service Bonneville Power Administration Idaho Office of Species Conservation Idaho Department of Fish amp Game Idaho Department of Parks amp Recreation and the JR Simplot Company There is not another restoration project in the region sponsored by such a diverse group

The Yankee Fork and its tributaries provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat The Yankee Fork is recognized as an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon The Yankee Fork is one of only a few drainages that support fluvial westslope cutthroat trout The Yankee Fork has extraordinary ecological value because it is a source of very cold water colder than any other drainage in the Upper Salmon River Watershed and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later when other streams in the region are too warm

The Yankee Fork Salmon River provides diverse recreational opportunities The Yankee Fork provides a unique whitewater boating experience In a region dominated by big water rivers this easily accessible creek with great scenery and Class III-IV rapids is very popular There are six road-accessible campgrounds along the Yankee Fork and trails that lead up many

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 8

of the tributaries The Yankee Fork and its tributaries have special value to Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members and contain a wealth of significant modern history sites as well

table 1 proposed eligible rivers in the Main salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W

Squaw Creek (by Challis) Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W

Squaw Creek (by Shoup) Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G

West Fork Horse Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W

West Fork Yankee Fork Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 9

2 Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

the Middle Fork Salmon River subwatershed is one of the most pristine in Idaho and in the entire lower 48 states The Middle Fork Salmon River is a 18 million-acre subwatershed of the Upper Salmon River basin It is divided into two sub basins The Upper (southern) starts just downstream of Sulphur Creek and

the Lower (northern) goes all the way to the Salmon River According to scientific studies the upper sub-basin was heavily affected by late Pleistocene glaciation and access to this area was blocked by a glacier at the mouth of Sulphur Creek until approximately 10000 years ago Deposits of glacial drift in the upper sub-basin have created large open U-shaped valleys with extensive reaches of suitable spawning habitat while in the lower sub-basin the river flows through narrow V-shaped valleys with more limited spawning habitat Tributaries in the lower sub-basin are also generally larger and more spatially segregated than those in the upper sub-basin Most fish spawning in the Middle Fork Salmon River occurs in approximately 403 miles of habitat distributed among major tributaries and the mainstem river

The Middle Fork Salmon River watershed contains some of the best Chinook salmon habitat in the entire Columbia River basin The Middle Forkrsquos Chinook salmon population is one of very few remaining indigenous wild stocks According to Russ F Thurow of the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station in Boise each local population (ie Camas Creek) is locally adapted and genetically different from other populations Each of these populations is essential to the long-term persistence and recovery of Chinook salmon in the Middle Fork Salmon River Thurow explains that ldquoMiddle Fork Salmon River Chinook salmon are very rare and unique they 1) Spawn at the highest elevation of any springsummer Chinook salmon population in the world 2) Are wild and indigenous (just 4 of the historical springsummer Chinook salmon populations in the Columbia Basin are indigenous all others have either been extirpated or altered by hatchery genes) 3) Have demonstrated high resiliency in part because the average female produces more than 5000 eggs and 4) Have very diverse life histories as a result of multiple freshwater and saltwater rearing timesrdquo

Research indicates significant Chinook salmon dispersal among Middle Fork tributaries and scientists place great importance on the role of precocial males in preserving genetic diversity Scientists report that precocial males are common in the Middle Fork Salmon River system Because these individuals do not migrate to the ocean they are potentially less responsive to downstream factors thought to jeopardize anadromous Pacific salmon According to recent research successful spawning by precocial males may increase effective population sizes thus slowing losses of diversity to genetic drift

The Middle Fork Salmon River Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains the largest number of local populations a high number of individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species Nearly 200 streams in the Middle Fork Salmon River CHSU are occupied by bull trout

The Middle Fork Salmon drainage is considered to be a stronghold for westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) and supports an outstanding fishery for cutthroat trout from its headwater streams of Bear Valley and Marsh creeks to its confluence with the Salmon River Anglers travel from across the United States and around the world to fish here

Other fish species that occupy this drainage include bridgelip sucker brook trout largescale sucker longnose dace mottled sculpin mountain whitefish northern pikeminnow Pacific lamprey rainbow trout (resident and anadromous) redside shiner shorthead sculpin speckled dace and torrent sculpin

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 10

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

2a bear Creek heads up in two lake-filled high mountain basins one in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and one just outside the wilderness boundary Ruffneck Langer Island and Rocky lakes are popular backpacking destinations as is the Ruffneck Peak Lookout at 9407 feet Bear Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bear Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Bear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2b beaver Creek is a very long stream that heads up at 8400 feet in the shadow of Feltham Creek Point It provides more than 15 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It also has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout The lower part of Beaver Creek is roaded allowing easy access for wildlife viewing scenic driving and recreation along the lush creek There is a campground there A trail allows hikers and other users to explore the upper Beaver Creek watershed and travel into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Beaver Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Beaver Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2c Cabin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It heads up in the high peaks of Sleeping Deer Mountain and a scenic trail follows the creek all the way from Loon Creek to the headwaters Cabin Creek will be a source of cold water for Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2d Cache Creek is a very scenic creek It comes all the way down to Loon Creek very close to the Middle Fork Salmon River from Cache Creek Lakes near Sleeping Deer Mountain It flows through the dramatic Cache Creek Canyon There is a trail up Cache Creek that

crosses the ridge at Woodtick Summit at 8863 feet Cache Creek Lakes are a Research Natural Area

(RNA) Pond 1 and Pond 2 are in a hornblende rich granite while those waters south of Ponds 1 and 2 are in the Casto Volcanics The rocks around Sleeping Deer Mountain are more sodium rich than the surrounding rocks of the same type The granitic rock is identifiable due to its weathered rusty appearance Cache Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and will be a cold water refuge in 2040

2e Camas Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Camas Creek provides an incredible amount of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead High densities of westslope cutthroat trout also are found in Camas Creek Grazing was stopped in upper Camas Creek after cattle were found in the creek near salmon redds The Camas Creek drainage is a large source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River and many parts of the drainage will be cold water refugia in 2040

Camas Creek is a famous for its whitewater that attracts boaters from near and far It is known as ldquothe best of the Middle Fork Salmon River tributariesrdquo Camas Creek offers ldquothe best expert-level paddling and includes a dozen Class IV rapids as well as several steep and constricted Class Vsrdquo The river is stunningly beautiful

2f Cape horn Creek and banner Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Both creeks have very cold water and are predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm These creeks provide essential support for traditional tribal uses Parts of the creeks are easy to access by road and there is a campground on Banner Creek and a scenic rest area at the confluence There is a good chance of seeing spawning Chinook salmon in August A popular trail connects the headwaters of the two creeks

2g Cottonwood Creek south fork Cottonwood Creek

and pioneer Creek are pristine wilderness drainages that provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 11

Chinook salmon and steelhead These creeks will be cold water refugia in 2040 and provide essential cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River

2h elk Creek and bear valley Creek are home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Elk Creek and its tributaries are a PacFishInFish priority watershed that supports spawning and rearing habitat for wild native Chinook salmon and steelhead westslope cutthroat redband trout and bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout that use Elk Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River The Elk Creek drainage is a popular destination for recreation There is a trail to Elk Meadows a favorite destination of hikers horseback riders and hunters The lush meadows support many species of birds and wildlife and colorful wildflowers create a magical scene in spring and summer Visitors can view salmon in Elk Creek The Elk Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Elk Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2i float Creek is roaded on the lower end where there is a trailhead at the confluence with Rapid River There is also a campground just below the wilderness boundary This easy access allows trail users to travel into the wilderness and get to scenic Josephus Lake and Helldiver Lake that lie in the shadow of a peak-studded ridgeline This popular trail connects with Soldier and Cutthroat lakes Bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead spawn and rear in Float Creek This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2j indian Creek little indian Creek and big Chief

Creek provide important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The drainage heads up at over 9000 feet on a ridge that separates the Middle Fork Salmon River from the South Fork Salmon River The Indian

Creek Trail and others allow backpackers and horse packers to travel from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the ridge There are several hot springs in the drainage including the Kwiskwis Hot Springs on Indian Creek In 1995 after a long-fought battle eleven wolves were flown in to the Indian Creek airstrip and reintroduced to Idaho Descendants of these and other reintroduced wolves have now successfully recolonized much of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other areas in Idaho The Indian Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm

2k Knapp Creek heads up at Knapp Lakes Basin a spectacularly beautiful backcountry destination in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The lower reach of Knapp Creek is not in the wilderness and a trail and closed road goes along the creek making for good mountain biking Knapp Creek provides more than 15 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and significant habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout Knapp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Knapp Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2l little loon Creek gets high acclaims from Backpacking Idaho The authors praise Little Loon Creek as having ldquoSome of the most scenic terrain in the entire wilderness The jagged peaks here rise above 10000 feet and are made up of stunningly beautiful collage of gray white and reddish rocks Add this colorful geology to the arearsquos cirque lakes clear streams and flower-covered meadows and you have a great place to go backpackingrdquo In addition to stunning scenery Little Loon Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2m loon Creek is the second largest tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River and the largest in the

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 12

Salmon Challis NF The mainstem alone is nearly 50 miles long and dozens of large tributaries reach far into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Loon Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and the mainstem provides 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat and 25 miles of migration habitat Loon Creek provides approximately 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and 17 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The huge drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River This cold water supports native aquatic life in Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Loon Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

Loon Creek from the Loon Creek Ranger Station to the Middle Fork Salmon River is a class IV-V whitewater run that attracts users from around the world The 20-mile-run is described as ldquoa beautiful remote stretch of river with a good mix of challenging rapids and mellow miles where you can enjoy the abundant beauty of the FCRNRWrdquo Boaters need to acquire a permit to float out the Middle Fork Salmon River but packrafters could hike back up the creek The scenic terrain of Loon Creek is widely acclaimed by backpackers who report that the trail ldquogoes through a dramatic gorge where Loon Creek carved a deep chasm with towering rock pinnacles and impressively tall cliffsrdquo Loon Creek has a number of hot springs that are enjoyed by hikers and boaters

A portion of Loon Creek is excluded from the wilderness because of roads to mines and the Diamond D Ranch It was a great victory for environmentalists to get an ldquoadd-onrdquo to the wilderness that includes upper Loon Creek Tango Creek and many other headwaters tributaries The Mystery Lake RNA is in this section of wilderness at the headwaters of Mystery Creek Campgrounds and trailheads in the ldquomiddlerdquo of the wilderness can reached by car making Loon Creek a popular stepping off point and there is also an airstrip

2n Marble Creek and dynamite Creek provide long reaches of prime spawning and rearing habitat

for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and

westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm The Idaho Centennial Trail closely follows Marble Creek all the way from the Middle Fork Salmon River to Lookout Mountain Ridge It extends 144 miles in the Salmon Challis Forest and quite a bit further in the Boise National Forest Many hikers describe the hike as incredibly scenic The Idaho Trails Association recently conducted trail maintenance work to remove downed trees and other obstacles in what they call ldquoone of the remotest places in the lower 48rdquo Wild and untrailed Dynamite Creek heads up near Red Peak at 9468 feet

2o Marsh Creek is a major headwater and cold water source for the Middle Fork Salmon River The Marsh Creek watershed is home to an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon There are approximately 13 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in Marsh Creek as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

Marsh Creek is an important fishing area for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes It is also a popular area for salmon viewing Marsh Creek provides unique recreational opportunities in addition to salmon viewing There are two campgrounds two picnic areas and a scenic overlook on Marsh Creek There is a non-motorized trail that closely follows Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River from the wilderness boundary all the way to Dagger Falls Boaters enjoy Marsh Creek as a fabulous non-regulated wilderness day stretch Marsh Creek is also used to start multi-day trips on the Middle Fork Salmon when the road to Boundary Creek is snowed in When combined with a permitted trip down the Middle Fork Marsh Creek offers a rare and outstanding headwaters-to-mouth boating trip

2p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and

West Fork Mayfield Creek provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead This drainage is extremely cold even by Middle Fork Salmon River standards probably second only to the Rapid River drainage for stream miles that

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 8

of the tributaries The Yankee Fork and its tributaries have special value to Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members and contain a wealth of significant modern history sites as well

table 1 proposed eligible rivers in the Main salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W

Squaw Creek (by Challis) Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W

Squaw Creek (by Shoup) Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G

West Fork Horse Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W

West Fork Yankee Fork Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 9

2 Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

the Middle Fork Salmon River subwatershed is one of the most pristine in Idaho and in the entire lower 48 states The Middle Fork Salmon River is a 18 million-acre subwatershed of the Upper Salmon River basin It is divided into two sub basins The Upper (southern) starts just downstream of Sulphur Creek and

the Lower (northern) goes all the way to the Salmon River According to scientific studies the upper sub-basin was heavily affected by late Pleistocene glaciation and access to this area was blocked by a glacier at the mouth of Sulphur Creek until approximately 10000 years ago Deposits of glacial drift in the upper sub-basin have created large open U-shaped valleys with extensive reaches of suitable spawning habitat while in the lower sub-basin the river flows through narrow V-shaped valleys with more limited spawning habitat Tributaries in the lower sub-basin are also generally larger and more spatially segregated than those in the upper sub-basin Most fish spawning in the Middle Fork Salmon River occurs in approximately 403 miles of habitat distributed among major tributaries and the mainstem river

The Middle Fork Salmon River watershed contains some of the best Chinook salmon habitat in the entire Columbia River basin The Middle Forkrsquos Chinook salmon population is one of very few remaining indigenous wild stocks According to Russ F Thurow of the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station in Boise each local population (ie Camas Creek) is locally adapted and genetically different from other populations Each of these populations is essential to the long-term persistence and recovery of Chinook salmon in the Middle Fork Salmon River Thurow explains that ldquoMiddle Fork Salmon River Chinook salmon are very rare and unique they 1) Spawn at the highest elevation of any springsummer Chinook salmon population in the world 2) Are wild and indigenous (just 4 of the historical springsummer Chinook salmon populations in the Columbia Basin are indigenous all others have either been extirpated or altered by hatchery genes) 3) Have demonstrated high resiliency in part because the average female produces more than 5000 eggs and 4) Have very diverse life histories as a result of multiple freshwater and saltwater rearing timesrdquo

Research indicates significant Chinook salmon dispersal among Middle Fork tributaries and scientists place great importance on the role of precocial males in preserving genetic diversity Scientists report that precocial males are common in the Middle Fork Salmon River system Because these individuals do not migrate to the ocean they are potentially less responsive to downstream factors thought to jeopardize anadromous Pacific salmon According to recent research successful spawning by precocial males may increase effective population sizes thus slowing losses of diversity to genetic drift

The Middle Fork Salmon River Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains the largest number of local populations a high number of individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species Nearly 200 streams in the Middle Fork Salmon River CHSU are occupied by bull trout

The Middle Fork Salmon drainage is considered to be a stronghold for westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) and supports an outstanding fishery for cutthroat trout from its headwater streams of Bear Valley and Marsh creeks to its confluence with the Salmon River Anglers travel from across the United States and around the world to fish here

Other fish species that occupy this drainage include bridgelip sucker brook trout largescale sucker longnose dace mottled sculpin mountain whitefish northern pikeminnow Pacific lamprey rainbow trout (resident and anadromous) redside shiner shorthead sculpin speckled dace and torrent sculpin

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 10

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

2a bear Creek heads up in two lake-filled high mountain basins one in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and one just outside the wilderness boundary Ruffneck Langer Island and Rocky lakes are popular backpacking destinations as is the Ruffneck Peak Lookout at 9407 feet Bear Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bear Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Bear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2b beaver Creek is a very long stream that heads up at 8400 feet in the shadow of Feltham Creek Point It provides more than 15 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It also has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout The lower part of Beaver Creek is roaded allowing easy access for wildlife viewing scenic driving and recreation along the lush creek There is a campground there A trail allows hikers and other users to explore the upper Beaver Creek watershed and travel into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Beaver Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Beaver Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2c Cabin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It heads up in the high peaks of Sleeping Deer Mountain and a scenic trail follows the creek all the way from Loon Creek to the headwaters Cabin Creek will be a source of cold water for Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2d Cache Creek is a very scenic creek It comes all the way down to Loon Creek very close to the Middle Fork Salmon River from Cache Creek Lakes near Sleeping Deer Mountain It flows through the dramatic Cache Creek Canyon There is a trail up Cache Creek that

crosses the ridge at Woodtick Summit at 8863 feet Cache Creek Lakes are a Research Natural Area

(RNA) Pond 1 and Pond 2 are in a hornblende rich granite while those waters south of Ponds 1 and 2 are in the Casto Volcanics The rocks around Sleeping Deer Mountain are more sodium rich than the surrounding rocks of the same type The granitic rock is identifiable due to its weathered rusty appearance Cache Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and will be a cold water refuge in 2040

2e Camas Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Camas Creek provides an incredible amount of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead High densities of westslope cutthroat trout also are found in Camas Creek Grazing was stopped in upper Camas Creek after cattle were found in the creek near salmon redds The Camas Creek drainage is a large source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River and many parts of the drainage will be cold water refugia in 2040

Camas Creek is a famous for its whitewater that attracts boaters from near and far It is known as ldquothe best of the Middle Fork Salmon River tributariesrdquo Camas Creek offers ldquothe best expert-level paddling and includes a dozen Class IV rapids as well as several steep and constricted Class Vsrdquo The river is stunningly beautiful

2f Cape horn Creek and banner Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Both creeks have very cold water and are predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm These creeks provide essential support for traditional tribal uses Parts of the creeks are easy to access by road and there is a campground on Banner Creek and a scenic rest area at the confluence There is a good chance of seeing spawning Chinook salmon in August A popular trail connects the headwaters of the two creeks

2g Cottonwood Creek south fork Cottonwood Creek

and pioneer Creek are pristine wilderness drainages that provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 11

Chinook salmon and steelhead These creeks will be cold water refugia in 2040 and provide essential cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River

2h elk Creek and bear valley Creek are home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Elk Creek and its tributaries are a PacFishInFish priority watershed that supports spawning and rearing habitat for wild native Chinook salmon and steelhead westslope cutthroat redband trout and bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout that use Elk Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River The Elk Creek drainage is a popular destination for recreation There is a trail to Elk Meadows a favorite destination of hikers horseback riders and hunters The lush meadows support many species of birds and wildlife and colorful wildflowers create a magical scene in spring and summer Visitors can view salmon in Elk Creek The Elk Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Elk Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2i float Creek is roaded on the lower end where there is a trailhead at the confluence with Rapid River There is also a campground just below the wilderness boundary This easy access allows trail users to travel into the wilderness and get to scenic Josephus Lake and Helldiver Lake that lie in the shadow of a peak-studded ridgeline This popular trail connects with Soldier and Cutthroat lakes Bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead spawn and rear in Float Creek This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2j indian Creek little indian Creek and big Chief

Creek provide important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The drainage heads up at over 9000 feet on a ridge that separates the Middle Fork Salmon River from the South Fork Salmon River The Indian

Creek Trail and others allow backpackers and horse packers to travel from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the ridge There are several hot springs in the drainage including the Kwiskwis Hot Springs on Indian Creek In 1995 after a long-fought battle eleven wolves were flown in to the Indian Creek airstrip and reintroduced to Idaho Descendants of these and other reintroduced wolves have now successfully recolonized much of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other areas in Idaho The Indian Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm

2k Knapp Creek heads up at Knapp Lakes Basin a spectacularly beautiful backcountry destination in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The lower reach of Knapp Creek is not in the wilderness and a trail and closed road goes along the creek making for good mountain biking Knapp Creek provides more than 15 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and significant habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout Knapp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Knapp Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2l little loon Creek gets high acclaims from Backpacking Idaho The authors praise Little Loon Creek as having ldquoSome of the most scenic terrain in the entire wilderness The jagged peaks here rise above 10000 feet and are made up of stunningly beautiful collage of gray white and reddish rocks Add this colorful geology to the arearsquos cirque lakes clear streams and flower-covered meadows and you have a great place to go backpackingrdquo In addition to stunning scenery Little Loon Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2m loon Creek is the second largest tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River and the largest in the

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 12

Salmon Challis NF The mainstem alone is nearly 50 miles long and dozens of large tributaries reach far into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Loon Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and the mainstem provides 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat and 25 miles of migration habitat Loon Creek provides approximately 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and 17 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The huge drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River This cold water supports native aquatic life in Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Loon Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

Loon Creek from the Loon Creek Ranger Station to the Middle Fork Salmon River is a class IV-V whitewater run that attracts users from around the world The 20-mile-run is described as ldquoa beautiful remote stretch of river with a good mix of challenging rapids and mellow miles where you can enjoy the abundant beauty of the FCRNRWrdquo Boaters need to acquire a permit to float out the Middle Fork Salmon River but packrafters could hike back up the creek The scenic terrain of Loon Creek is widely acclaimed by backpackers who report that the trail ldquogoes through a dramatic gorge where Loon Creek carved a deep chasm with towering rock pinnacles and impressively tall cliffsrdquo Loon Creek has a number of hot springs that are enjoyed by hikers and boaters

A portion of Loon Creek is excluded from the wilderness because of roads to mines and the Diamond D Ranch It was a great victory for environmentalists to get an ldquoadd-onrdquo to the wilderness that includes upper Loon Creek Tango Creek and many other headwaters tributaries The Mystery Lake RNA is in this section of wilderness at the headwaters of Mystery Creek Campgrounds and trailheads in the ldquomiddlerdquo of the wilderness can reached by car making Loon Creek a popular stepping off point and there is also an airstrip

2n Marble Creek and dynamite Creek provide long reaches of prime spawning and rearing habitat

for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and

westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm The Idaho Centennial Trail closely follows Marble Creek all the way from the Middle Fork Salmon River to Lookout Mountain Ridge It extends 144 miles in the Salmon Challis Forest and quite a bit further in the Boise National Forest Many hikers describe the hike as incredibly scenic The Idaho Trails Association recently conducted trail maintenance work to remove downed trees and other obstacles in what they call ldquoone of the remotest places in the lower 48rdquo Wild and untrailed Dynamite Creek heads up near Red Peak at 9468 feet

2o Marsh Creek is a major headwater and cold water source for the Middle Fork Salmon River The Marsh Creek watershed is home to an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon There are approximately 13 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in Marsh Creek as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

Marsh Creek is an important fishing area for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes It is also a popular area for salmon viewing Marsh Creek provides unique recreational opportunities in addition to salmon viewing There are two campgrounds two picnic areas and a scenic overlook on Marsh Creek There is a non-motorized trail that closely follows Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River from the wilderness boundary all the way to Dagger Falls Boaters enjoy Marsh Creek as a fabulous non-regulated wilderness day stretch Marsh Creek is also used to start multi-day trips on the Middle Fork Salmon when the road to Boundary Creek is snowed in When combined with a permitted trip down the Middle Fork Marsh Creek offers a rare and outstanding headwaters-to-mouth boating trip

2p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and

West Fork Mayfield Creek provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead This drainage is extremely cold even by Middle Fork Salmon River standards probably second only to the Rapid River drainage for stream miles that

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 9

2 Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

the Middle Fork Salmon River subwatershed is one of the most pristine in Idaho and in the entire lower 48 states The Middle Fork Salmon River is a 18 million-acre subwatershed of the Upper Salmon River basin It is divided into two sub basins The Upper (southern) starts just downstream of Sulphur Creek and

the Lower (northern) goes all the way to the Salmon River According to scientific studies the upper sub-basin was heavily affected by late Pleistocene glaciation and access to this area was blocked by a glacier at the mouth of Sulphur Creek until approximately 10000 years ago Deposits of glacial drift in the upper sub-basin have created large open U-shaped valleys with extensive reaches of suitable spawning habitat while in the lower sub-basin the river flows through narrow V-shaped valleys with more limited spawning habitat Tributaries in the lower sub-basin are also generally larger and more spatially segregated than those in the upper sub-basin Most fish spawning in the Middle Fork Salmon River occurs in approximately 403 miles of habitat distributed among major tributaries and the mainstem river

The Middle Fork Salmon River watershed contains some of the best Chinook salmon habitat in the entire Columbia River basin The Middle Forkrsquos Chinook salmon population is one of very few remaining indigenous wild stocks According to Russ F Thurow of the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station in Boise each local population (ie Camas Creek) is locally adapted and genetically different from other populations Each of these populations is essential to the long-term persistence and recovery of Chinook salmon in the Middle Fork Salmon River Thurow explains that ldquoMiddle Fork Salmon River Chinook salmon are very rare and unique they 1) Spawn at the highest elevation of any springsummer Chinook salmon population in the world 2) Are wild and indigenous (just 4 of the historical springsummer Chinook salmon populations in the Columbia Basin are indigenous all others have either been extirpated or altered by hatchery genes) 3) Have demonstrated high resiliency in part because the average female produces more than 5000 eggs and 4) Have very diverse life histories as a result of multiple freshwater and saltwater rearing timesrdquo

Research indicates significant Chinook salmon dispersal among Middle Fork tributaries and scientists place great importance on the role of precocial males in preserving genetic diversity Scientists report that precocial males are common in the Middle Fork Salmon River system Because these individuals do not migrate to the ocean they are potentially less responsive to downstream factors thought to jeopardize anadromous Pacific salmon According to recent research successful spawning by precocial males may increase effective population sizes thus slowing losses of diversity to genetic drift

The Middle Fork Salmon River Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains the largest number of local populations a high number of individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species Nearly 200 streams in the Middle Fork Salmon River CHSU are occupied by bull trout

The Middle Fork Salmon drainage is considered to be a stronghold for westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) and supports an outstanding fishery for cutthroat trout from its headwater streams of Bear Valley and Marsh creeks to its confluence with the Salmon River Anglers travel from across the United States and around the world to fish here

Other fish species that occupy this drainage include bridgelip sucker brook trout largescale sucker longnose dace mottled sculpin mountain whitefish northern pikeminnow Pacific lamprey rainbow trout (resident and anadromous) redside shiner shorthead sculpin speckled dace and torrent sculpin

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 10

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

2a bear Creek heads up in two lake-filled high mountain basins one in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and one just outside the wilderness boundary Ruffneck Langer Island and Rocky lakes are popular backpacking destinations as is the Ruffneck Peak Lookout at 9407 feet Bear Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bear Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Bear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2b beaver Creek is a very long stream that heads up at 8400 feet in the shadow of Feltham Creek Point It provides more than 15 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It also has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout The lower part of Beaver Creek is roaded allowing easy access for wildlife viewing scenic driving and recreation along the lush creek There is a campground there A trail allows hikers and other users to explore the upper Beaver Creek watershed and travel into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Beaver Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Beaver Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2c Cabin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It heads up in the high peaks of Sleeping Deer Mountain and a scenic trail follows the creek all the way from Loon Creek to the headwaters Cabin Creek will be a source of cold water for Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2d Cache Creek is a very scenic creek It comes all the way down to Loon Creek very close to the Middle Fork Salmon River from Cache Creek Lakes near Sleeping Deer Mountain It flows through the dramatic Cache Creek Canyon There is a trail up Cache Creek that

crosses the ridge at Woodtick Summit at 8863 feet Cache Creek Lakes are a Research Natural Area

(RNA) Pond 1 and Pond 2 are in a hornblende rich granite while those waters south of Ponds 1 and 2 are in the Casto Volcanics The rocks around Sleeping Deer Mountain are more sodium rich than the surrounding rocks of the same type The granitic rock is identifiable due to its weathered rusty appearance Cache Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and will be a cold water refuge in 2040

2e Camas Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Camas Creek provides an incredible amount of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead High densities of westslope cutthroat trout also are found in Camas Creek Grazing was stopped in upper Camas Creek after cattle were found in the creek near salmon redds The Camas Creek drainage is a large source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River and many parts of the drainage will be cold water refugia in 2040

Camas Creek is a famous for its whitewater that attracts boaters from near and far It is known as ldquothe best of the Middle Fork Salmon River tributariesrdquo Camas Creek offers ldquothe best expert-level paddling and includes a dozen Class IV rapids as well as several steep and constricted Class Vsrdquo The river is stunningly beautiful

2f Cape horn Creek and banner Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Both creeks have very cold water and are predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm These creeks provide essential support for traditional tribal uses Parts of the creeks are easy to access by road and there is a campground on Banner Creek and a scenic rest area at the confluence There is a good chance of seeing spawning Chinook salmon in August A popular trail connects the headwaters of the two creeks

2g Cottonwood Creek south fork Cottonwood Creek

and pioneer Creek are pristine wilderness drainages that provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 11

Chinook salmon and steelhead These creeks will be cold water refugia in 2040 and provide essential cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River

2h elk Creek and bear valley Creek are home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Elk Creek and its tributaries are a PacFishInFish priority watershed that supports spawning and rearing habitat for wild native Chinook salmon and steelhead westslope cutthroat redband trout and bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout that use Elk Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River The Elk Creek drainage is a popular destination for recreation There is a trail to Elk Meadows a favorite destination of hikers horseback riders and hunters The lush meadows support many species of birds and wildlife and colorful wildflowers create a magical scene in spring and summer Visitors can view salmon in Elk Creek The Elk Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Elk Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2i float Creek is roaded on the lower end where there is a trailhead at the confluence with Rapid River There is also a campground just below the wilderness boundary This easy access allows trail users to travel into the wilderness and get to scenic Josephus Lake and Helldiver Lake that lie in the shadow of a peak-studded ridgeline This popular trail connects with Soldier and Cutthroat lakes Bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead spawn and rear in Float Creek This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2j indian Creek little indian Creek and big Chief

Creek provide important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The drainage heads up at over 9000 feet on a ridge that separates the Middle Fork Salmon River from the South Fork Salmon River The Indian

Creek Trail and others allow backpackers and horse packers to travel from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the ridge There are several hot springs in the drainage including the Kwiskwis Hot Springs on Indian Creek In 1995 after a long-fought battle eleven wolves were flown in to the Indian Creek airstrip and reintroduced to Idaho Descendants of these and other reintroduced wolves have now successfully recolonized much of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other areas in Idaho The Indian Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm

2k Knapp Creek heads up at Knapp Lakes Basin a spectacularly beautiful backcountry destination in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The lower reach of Knapp Creek is not in the wilderness and a trail and closed road goes along the creek making for good mountain biking Knapp Creek provides more than 15 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and significant habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout Knapp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Knapp Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2l little loon Creek gets high acclaims from Backpacking Idaho The authors praise Little Loon Creek as having ldquoSome of the most scenic terrain in the entire wilderness The jagged peaks here rise above 10000 feet and are made up of stunningly beautiful collage of gray white and reddish rocks Add this colorful geology to the arearsquos cirque lakes clear streams and flower-covered meadows and you have a great place to go backpackingrdquo In addition to stunning scenery Little Loon Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2m loon Creek is the second largest tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River and the largest in the

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 12

Salmon Challis NF The mainstem alone is nearly 50 miles long and dozens of large tributaries reach far into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Loon Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and the mainstem provides 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat and 25 miles of migration habitat Loon Creek provides approximately 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and 17 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The huge drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River This cold water supports native aquatic life in Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Loon Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

Loon Creek from the Loon Creek Ranger Station to the Middle Fork Salmon River is a class IV-V whitewater run that attracts users from around the world The 20-mile-run is described as ldquoa beautiful remote stretch of river with a good mix of challenging rapids and mellow miles where you can enjoy the abundant beauty of the FCRNRWrdquo Boaters need to acquire a permit to float out the Middle Fork Salmon River but packrafters could hike back up the creek The scenic terrain of Loon Creek is widely acclaimed by backpackers who report that the trail ldquogoes through a dramatic gorge where Loon Creek carved a deep chasm with towering rock pinnacles and impressively tall cliffsrdquo Loon Creek has a number of hot springs that are enjoyed by hikers and boaters

A portion of Loon Creek is excluded from the wilderness because of roads to mines and the Diamond D Ranch It was a great victory for environmentalists to get an ldquoadd-onrdquo to the wilderness that includes upper Loon Creek Tango Creek and many other headwaters tributaries The Mystery Lake RNA is in this section of wilderness at the headwaters of Mystery Creek Campgrounds and trailheads in the ldquomiddlerdquo of the wilderness can reached by car making Loon Creek a popular stepping off point and there is also an airstrip

2n Marble Creek and dynamite Creek provide long reaches of prime spawning and rearing habitat

for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and

westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm The Idaho Centennial Trail closely follows Marble Creek all the way from the Middle Fork Salmon River to Lookout Mountain Ridge It extends 144 miles in the Salmon Challis Forest and quite a bit further in the Boise National Forest Many hikers describe the hike as incredibly scenic The Idaho Trails Association recently conducted trail maintenance work to remove downed trees and other obstacles in what they call ldquoone of the remotest places in the lower 48rdquo Wild and untrailed Dynamite Creek heads up near Red Peak at 9468 feet

2o Marsh Creek is a major headwater and cold water source for the Middle Fork Salmon River The Marsh Creek watershed is home to an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon There are approximately 13 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in Marsh Creek as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

Marsh Creek is an important fishing area for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes It is also a popular area for salmon viewing Marsh Creek provides unique recreational opportunities in addition to salmon viewing There are two campgrounds two picnic areas and a scenic overlook on Marsh Creek There is a non-motorized trail that closely follows Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River from the wilderness boundary all the way to Dagger Falls Boaters enjoy Marsh Creek as a fabulous non-regulated wilderness day stretch Marsh Creek is also used to start multi-day trips on the Middle Fork Salmon when the road to Boundary Creek is snowed in When combined with a permitted trip down the Middle Fork Marsh Creek offers a rare and outstanding headwaters-to-mouth boating trip

2p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and

West Fork Mayfield Creek provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead This drainage is extremely cold even by Middle Fork Salmon River standards probably second only to the Rapid River drainage for stream miles that

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 10

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

2a bear Creek heads up in two lake-filled high mountain basins one in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and one just outside the wilderness boundary Ruffneck Langer Island and Rocky lakes are popular backpacking destinations as is the Ruffneck Peak Lookout at 9407 feet Bear Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bear Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Bear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2b beaver Creek is a very long stream that heads up at 8400 feet in the shadow of Feltham Creek Point It provides more than 15 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead It also has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout The lower part of Beaver Creek is roaded allowing easy access for wildlife viewing scenic driving and recreation along the lush creek There is a campground there A trail allows hikers and other users to explore the upper Beaver Creek watershed and travel into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Beaver Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Beaver Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2c Cabin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It heads up in the high peaks of Sleeping Deer Mountain and a scenic trail follows the creek all the way from Loon Creek to the headwaters Cabin Creek will be a source of cold water for Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2d Cache Creek is a very scenic creek It comes all the way down to Loon Creek very close to the Middle Fork Salmon River from Cache Creek Lakes near Sleeping Deer Mountain It flows through the dramatic Cache Creek Canyon There is a trail up Cache Creek that

crosses the ridge at Woodtick Summit at 8863 feet Cache Creek Lakes are a Research Natural Area

(RNA) Pond 1 and Pond 2 are in a hornblende rich granite while those waters south of Ponds 1 and 2 are in the Casto Volcanics The rocks around Sleeping Deer Mountain are more sodium rich than the surrounding rocks of the same type The granitic rock is identifiable due to its weathered rusty appearance Cache Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and will be a cold water refuge in 2040

2e Camas Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Camas Creek provides an incredible amount of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead High densities of westslope cutthroat trout also are found in Camas Creek Grazing was stopped in upper Camas Creek after cattle were found in the creek near salmon redds The Camas Creek drainage is a large source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River and many parts of the drainage will be cold water refugia in 2040

Camas Creek is a famous for its whitewater that attracts boaters from near and far It is known as ldquothe best of the Middle Fork Salmon River tributariesrdquo Camas Creek offers ldquothe best expert-level paddling and includes a dozen Class IV rapids as well as several steep and constricted Class Vsrdquo The river is stunningly beautiful

2f Cape horn Creek and banner Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Both creeks have very cold water and are predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm These creeks provide essential support for traditional tribal uses Parts of the creeks are easy to access by road and there is a campground on Banner Creek and a scenic rest area at the confluence There is a good chance of seeing spawning Chinook salmon in August A popular trail connects the headwaters of the two creeks

2g Cottonwood Creek south fork Cottonwood Creek

and pioneer Creek are pristine wilderness drainages that provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 11

Chinook salmon and steelhead These creeks will be cold water refugia in 2040 and provide essential cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River

2h elk Creek and bear valley Creek are home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Elk Creek and its tributaries are a PacFishInFish priority watershed that supports spawning and rearing habitat for wild native Chinook salmon and steelhead westslope cutthroat redband trout and bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout that use Elk Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River The Elk Creek drainage is a popular destination for recreation There is a trail to Elk Meadows a favorite destination of hikers horseback riders and hunters The lush meadows support many species of birds and wildlife and colorful wildflowers create a magical scene in spring and summer Visitors can view salmon in Elk Creek The Elk Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Elk Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2i float Creek is roaded on the lower end where there is a trailhead at the confluence with Rapid River There is also a campground just below the wilderness boundary This easy access allows trail users to travel into the wilderness and get to scenic Josephus Lake and Helldiver Lake that lie in the shadow of a peak-studded ridgeline This popular trail connects with Soldier and Cutthroat lakes Bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead spawn and rear in Float Creek This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2j indian Creek little indian Creek and big Chief

Creek provide important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The drainage heads up at over 9000 feet on a ridge that separates the Middle Fork Salmon River from the South Fork Salmon River The Indian

Creek Trail and others allow backpackers and horse packers to travel from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the ridge There are several hot springs in the drainage including the Kwiskwis Hot Springs on Indian Creek In 1995 after a long-fought battle eleven wolves were flown in to the Indian Creek airstrip and reintroduced to Idaho Descendants of these and other reintroduced wolves have now successfully recolonized much of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other areas in Idaho The Indian Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm

2k Knapp Creek heads up at Knapp Lakes Basin a spectacularly beautiful backcountry destination in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The lower reach of Knapp Creek is not in the wilderness and a trail and closed road goes along the creek making for good mountain biking Knapp Creek provides more than 15 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and significant habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout Knapp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Knapp Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2l little loon Creek gets high acclaims from Backpacking Idaho The authors praise Little Loon Creek as having ldquoSome of the most scenic terrain in the entire wilderness The jagged peaks here rise above 10000 feet and are made up of stunningly beautiful collage of gray white and reddish rocks Add this colorful geology to the arearsquos cirque lakes clear streams and flower-covered meadows and you have a great place to go backpackingrdquo In addition to stunning scenery Little Loon Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2m loon Creek is the second largest tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River and the largest in the

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 12

Salmon Challis NF The mainstem alone is nearly 50 miles long and dozens of large tributaries reach far into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Loon Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and the mainstem provides 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat and 25 miles of migration habitat Loon Creek provides approximately 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and 17 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The huge drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River This cold water supports native aquatic life in Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Loon Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

Loon Creek from the Loon Creek Ranger Station to the Middle Fork Salmon River is a class IV-V whitewater run that attracts users from around the world The 20-mile-run is described as ldquoa beautiful remote stretch of river with a good mix of challenging rapids and mellow miles where you can enjoy the abundant beauty of the FCRNRWrdquo Boaters need to acquire a permit to float out the Middle Fork Salmon River but packrafters could hike back up the creek The scenic terrain of Loon Creek is widely acclaimed by backpackers who report that the trail ldquogoes through a dramatic gorge where Loon Creek carved a deep chasm with towering rock pinnacles and impressively tall cliffsrdquo Loon Creek has a number of hot springs that are enjoyed by hikers and boaters

A portion of Loon Creek is excluded from the wilderness because of roads to mines and the Diamond D Ranch It was a great victory for environmentalists to get an ldquoadd-onrdquo to the wilderness that includes upper Loon Creek Tango Creek and many other headwaters tributaries The Mystery Lake RNA is in this section of wilderness at the headwaters of Mystery Creek Campgrounds and trailheads in the ldquomiddlerdquo of the wilderness can reached by car making Loon Creek a popular stepping off point and there is also an airstrip

2n Marble Creek and dynamite Creek provide long reaches of prime spawning and rearing habitat

for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and

westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm The Idaho Centennial Trail closely follows Marble Creek all the way from the Middle Fork Salmon River to Lookout Mountain Ridge It extends 144 miles in the Salmon Challis Forest and quite a bit further in the Boise National Forest Many hikers describe the hike as incredibly scenic The Idaho Trails Association recently conducted trail maintenance work to remove downed trees and other obstacles in what they call ldquoone of the remotest places in the lower 48rdquo Wild and untrailed Dynamite Creek heads up near Red Peak at 9468 feet

2o Marsh Creek is a major headwater and cold water source for the Middle Fork Salmon River The Marsh Creek watershed is home to an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon There are approximately 13 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in Marsh Creek as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

Marsh Creek is an important fishing area for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes It is also a popular area for salmon viewing Marsh Creek provides unique recreational opportunities in addition to salmon viewing There are two campgrounds two picnic areas and a scenic overlook on Marsh Creek There is a non-motorized trail that closely follows Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River from the wilderness boundary all the way to Dagger Falls Boaters enjoy Marsh Creek as a fabulous non-regulated wilderness day stretch Marsh Creek is also used to start multi-day trips on the Middle Fork Salmon when the road to Boundary Creek is snowed in When combined with a permitted trip down the Middle Fork Marsh Creek offers a rare and outstanding headwaters-to-mouth boating trip

2p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and

West Fork Mayfield Creek provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead This drainage is extremely cold even by Middle Fork Salmon River standards probably second only to the Rapid River drainage for stream miles that

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 11

Chinook salmon and steelhead These creeks will be cold water refugia in 2040 and provide essential cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River

2h elk Creek and bear valley Creek are home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Elk Creek and its tributaries are a PacFishInFish priority watershed that supports spawning and rearing habitat for wild native Chinook salmon and steelhead westslope cutthroat redband trout and bull trout Westslope cutthroat trout that use Elk Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River The Elk Creek drainage is a popular destination for recreation There is a trail to Elk Meadows a favorite destination of hikers horseback riders and hunters The lush meadows support many species of birds and wildlife and colorful wildflowers create a magical scene in spring and summer Visitors can view salmon in Elk Creek The Elk Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Elk Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2i float Creek is roaded on the lower end where there is a trailhead at the confluence with Rapid River There is also a campground just below the wilderness boundary This easy access allows trail users to travel into the wilderness and get to scenic Josephus Lake and Helldiver Lake that lie in the shadow of a peak-studded ridgeline This popular trail connects with Soldier and Cutthroat lakes Bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead spawn and rear in Float Creek This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2j indian Creek little indian Creek and big Chief

Creek provide important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The drainage heads up at over 9000 feet on a ridge that separates the Middle Fork Salmon River from the South Fork Salmon River The Indian

Creek Trail and others allow backpackers and horse packers to travel from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the ridge There are several hot springs in the drainage including the Kwiskwis Hot Springs on Indian Creek In 1995 after a long-fought battle eleven wolves were flown in to the Indian Creek airstrip and reintroduced to Idaho Descendants of these and other reintroduced wolves have now successfully recolonized much of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other areas in Idaho The Indian Creek drainage has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm

2k Knapp Creek heads up at Knapp Lakes Basin a spectacularly beautiful backcountry destination in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The lower reach of Knapp Creek is not in the wilderness and a trail and closed road goes along the creek making for good mountain biking Knapp Creek provides more than 15 miles of steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and significant habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout Knapp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Knapp Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2l little loon Creek gets high acclaims from Backpacking Idaho The authors praise Little Loon Creek as having ldquoSome of the most scenic terrain in the entire wilderness The jagged peaks here rise above 10000 feet and are made up of stunningly beautiful collage of gray white and reddish rocks Add this colorful geology to the arearsquos cirque lakes clear streams and flower-covered meadows and you have a great place to go backpackingrdquo In addition to stunning scenery Little Loon Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2m loon Creek is the second largest tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River and the largest in the

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 12

Salmon Challis NF The mainstem alone is nearly 50 miles long and dozens of large tributaries reach far into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Loon Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and the mainstem provides 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat and 25 miles of migration habitat Loon Creek provides approximately 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and 17 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The huge drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River This cold water supports native aquatic life in Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Loon Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

Loon Creek from the Loon Creek Ranger Station to the Middle Fork Salmon River is a class IV-V whitewater run that attracts users from around the world The 20-mile-run is described as ldquoa beautiful remote stretch of river with a good mix of challenging rapids and mellow miles where you can enjoy the abundant beauty of the FCRNRWrdquo Boaters need to acquire a permit to float out the Middle Fork Salmon River but packrafters could hike back up the creek The scenic terrain of Loon Creek is widely acclaimed by backpackers who report that the trail ldquogoes through a dramatic gorge where Loon Creek carved a deep chasm with towering rock pinnacles and impressively tall cliffsrdquo Loon Creek has a number of hot springs that are enjoyed by hikers and boaters

A portion of Loon Creek is excluded from the wilderness because of roads to mines and the Diamond D Ranch It was a great victory for environmentalists to get an ldquoadd-onrdquo to the wilderness that includes upper Loon Creek Tango Creek and many other headwaters tributaries The Mystery Lake RNA is in this section of wilderness at the headwaters of Mystery Creek Campgrounds and trailheads in the ldquomiddlerdquo of the wilderness can reached by car making Loon Creek a popular stepping off point and there is also an airstrip

2n Marble Creek and dynamite Creek provide long reaches of prime spawning and rearing habitat

for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and

westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm The Idaho Centennial Trail closely follows Marble Creek all the way from the Middle Fork Salmon River to Lookout Mountain Ridge It extends 144 miles in the Salmon Challis Forest and quite a bit further in the Boise National Forest Many hikers describe the hike as incredibly scenic The Idaho Trails Association recently conducted trail maintenance work to remove downed trees and other obstacles in what they call ldquoone of the remotest places in the lower 48rdquo Wild and untrailed Dynamite Creek heads up near Red Peak at 9468 feet

2o Marsh Creek is a major headwater and cold water source for the Middle Fork Salmon River The Marsh Creek watershed is home to an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon There are approximately 13 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in Marsh Creek as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

Marsh Creek is an important fishing area for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes It is also a popular area for salmon viewing Marsh Creek provides unique recreational opportunities in addition to salmon viewing There are two campgrounds two picnic areas and a scenic overlook on Marsh Creek There is a non-motorized trail that closely follows Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River from the wilderness boundary all the way to Dagger Falls Boaters enjoy Marsh Creek as a fabulous non-regulated wilderness day stretch Marsh Creek is also used to start multi-day trips on the Middle Fork Salmon when the road to Boundary Creek is snowed in When combined with a permitted trip down the Middle Fork Marsh Creek offers a rare and outstanding headwaters-to-mouth boating trip

2p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and

West Fork Mayfield Creek provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead This drainage is extremely cold even by Middle Fork Salmon River standards probably second only to the Rapid River drainage for stream miles that

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 12

Salmon Challis NF The mainstem alone is nearly 50 miles long and dozens of large tributaries reach far into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Loon Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and the mainstem provides 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat and 25 miles of migration habitat Loon Creek provides approximately 32 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and 17 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The huge drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River This cold water supports native aquatic life in Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Loon Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

Loon Creek from the Loon Creek Ranger Station to the Middle Fork Salmon River is a class IV-V whitewater run that attracts users from around the world The 20-mile-run is described as ldquoa beautiful remote stretch of river with a good mix of challenging rapids and mellow miles where you can enjoy the abundant beauty of the FCRNRWrdquo Boaters need to acquire a permit to float out the Middle Fork Salmon River but packrafters could hike back up the creek The scenic terrain of Loon Creek is widely acclaimed by backpackers who report that the trail ldquogoes through a dramatic gorge where Loon Creek carved a deep chasm with towering rock pinnacles and impressively tall cliffsrdquo Loon Creek has a number of hot springs that are enjoyed by hikers and boaters

A portion of Loon Creek is excluded from the wilderness because of roads to mines and the Diamond D Ranch It was a great victory for environmentalists to get an ldquoadd-onrdquo to the wilderness that includes upper Loon Creek Tango Creek and many other headwaters tributaries The Mystery Lake RNA is in this section of wilderness at the headwaters of Mystery Creek Campgrounds and trailheads in the ldquomiddlerdquo of the wilderness can reached by car making Loon Creek a popular stepping off point and there is also an airstrip

2n Marble Creek and dynamite Creek provide long reaches of prime spawning and rearing habitat

for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and

westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm The Idaho Centennial Trail closely follows Marble Creek all the way from the Middle Fork Salmon River to Lookout Mountain Ridge It extends 144 miles in the Salmon Challis Forest and quite a bit further in the Boise National Forest Many hikers describe the hike as incredibly scenic The Idaho Trails Association recently conducted trail maintenance work to remove downed trees and other obstacles in what they call ldquoone of the remotest places in the lower 48rdquo Wild and untrailed Dynamite Creek heads up near Red Peak at 9468 feet

2o Marsh Creek is a major headwater and cold water source for the Middle Fork Salmon River The Marsh Creek watershed is home to an Independent Population Group for Chinook salmon There are approximately 13 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in Marsh Creek as well as spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

Marsh Creek is an important fishing area for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes It is also a popular area for salmon viewing Marsh Creek provides unique recreational opportunities in addition to salmon viewing There are two campgrounds two picnic areas and a scenic overlook on Marsh Creek There is a non-motorized trail that closely follows Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River from the wilderness boundary all the way to Dagger Falls Boaters enjoy Marsh Creek as a fabulous non-regulated wilderness day stretch Marsh Creek is also used to start multi-day trips on the Middle Fork Salmon when the road to Boundary Creek is snowed in When combined with a permitted trip down the Middle Fork Marsh Creek offers a rare and outstanding headwaters-to-mouth boating trip

2p Mayfield Creek East Fork Mayfield Creek and

West Fork Mayfield Creek provide miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead This drainage is extremely cold even by Middle Fork Salmon River standards probably second only to the Rapid River drainage for stream miles that

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 13

will have water at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 This drainage will be an irreplaceable cold water refuge for resident and migratory fish and provide cold water from the headwaters all the way to the Middle Fork Salmon River and beyond

At the head of Mystery Creek a small tributary of West Fork Mayfield Creek is the Mystery Lake RNA The glaciated basin includes four water bodies of varying size The highest point in the area is The General a massif partly encircling Mystery Lake at an elevation of 10329 feet Rock glaciers are moving out from below the headwall into Mystery Lake

2q pistol Creek luger Creek and little pistol Creek

form a large and important spawning and rearing drainage for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage has some of the coldest water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed and is expected to continue to have water at or below 8C in 2040 This drainage is a cold water refuge that will support native fish and provide cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River There is a trail along the whole stream with road access at the top on Pistol Ridge and trail or air access at the Middle Fork A secluded hot springs is located near the confluence of Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek

2r porter Creek is a favored destination for backpackers and horsepackers who use the Porter Creek Trail to access beautiful and fish-filled Bernard Lake The trail continues past Pilgrim Mountain and into the Payette River watershed Porter Creek springs create Crane Meadow a haven for birds and wildlife Porter Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Porter Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Porter Creek supports traditional Tribal uses

2s Rapid River and Duffield Creek are major producers of Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The large drainage is one of the three coldest tributaries to the Middle Fork Salmon River

This cold water supports native aquatic life in the Rapid River and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Rapid River and its headwaters in Duffield Creek will serve as cold water refugia in 2040 The wilderness boundaries were drawn to include Duffield Creek because of its incredible values The Rapid River and Duffield Creek are popular for recreation and easier to access than many areas in the wilderness because part of the Rapid River lies outside the wilderness and has road access A trail leads down Rapid River to the Middle Fork Salmon River and other trails go up Duffield Creek and other tributaries to the high country

2t Roaring Creek heads up near the 10089-ft-high Mt Mcguire the highest peak in the Bighorn Crags It provides the largest amount of tributary steelhead spawning and rearing habitat downstream of Big Creek Roaring Creek serves as a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep Roaring Creek will be a source of cold water to the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2u ship island Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags Ship Island Creek flows into and out of Ship Island Lake the largest lake in the Bighorn Crags measuring over 12 miles long The lake is surrounded by tall peaks and highlighted by huge cliffs known as the Litner Group The creek plunges approximately 4500 feet in about five miles through a very deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

2v soldier Creek and Muskeg Creek have unique glacial topography The Soldier Lake Research Natural Area (RNA) is at the headwaters of Soldier Creek One lake and three ponds are connected by moderate to steep gradient streams in high elevation cirque basins of granitic-quartz monzonite Three-quarters of these basins consist of rocky treeless headwalls and talus slopes The basin floors are scoured bedrock There is a lake basin at the headwaters of Muskeg Creek too and a trail goes up both creeks and over the divide between their headwaters While these drainages are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness there is nearby access from the Seafoam and Josephus Lake trailheads that are outside the wilderness These scenic areas get a lot of use and are popular for camping fishing and

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 14

hiking Soldier Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout This drainage will be a cold water refuge in 2040 and continue to support bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout when other streams are too warm

2w south fork Camas Creek silver Creek and Castle

Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Chinook salmon bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout These creeks will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2x sulphur Creek and tributaries support a large assemblage of native fish and wildlife Sulphur Creek is homes to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon Native populations of bull trout mountain whitefish springsummer Chinook salmon steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout inhabit Sulphur Creek Westslope cutthroat trout that use Sulphur Creek are primarily fluvial and make long distance spawning and wintering migrations to and from the Middle Fork Salmon River with infrequent movements as far downstream as the Main Salmon River Sulphur Creek is one of the few tributaries where glaciers advanced all the way to the Middle Fork The mouth of the canyon is broad and flat the result of a U-shaped canyon being filled with river sediments as the glacier melted and receded up canyon The Idaho Centennial Trail follows Sulphur Creek and North Fork Sulphur Creek There is a trail all the way up the main stem to where there is road access on the east of Tyndall Ridge There is also a trail up a canyon and over the divide to Elk Creek headwaters Sulphur Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Sulphur Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2y swamp Creek is one of the few Middle Fork Salmon River tributaries that heads up in the Sawtooth Mountains It gets its start at Swamp Lake very near

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area A long easy trail follows the creek through marshy lowlands

up the drainage but the last bit to the lake requires an overland hike Swamp Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Swamp Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm It supports traditional tribal uses

2z tango Creek heads up in a stunningly beautiful high-mountain lake basin This wild area is a popular cross-country backpack trip Tango Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040

2aa trail Creek provides outstanding spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Chinook salmon and steelhead Bighorn sheep and other big game are abundant in the upper watershed A trail with easy access at the Loon Creek Guard Station goes up Trail Creek to its headwaters at Feltham Creek Point and the Fire Lookout and then crosses a divide and goes down Beaver Creek Trail Creek will be a source of cold water to Loon Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge

2bb vanity Creek is the other main headwaters of the amazing Rapid River It contributes extremely cold water to the Rapid River and is expected to be a cold water refuge in 2040 providing water at or below 7 degrees C one of the coldest sources of water in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed Vanity Creek provides miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead The headwaters and the stunning Vanity Lakes basin are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness while the lower reaches are outside the wilderness and quite near the access road

2cc Warm spring Creek is a long creek with a trail along it all the way to the ridge near Twin Peaks Lookout There are at least two hot springs along the creek One Shower Bath Hot Springs is described this way at idahohotspringscom ldquoAn unbelievable hot springs lies at the end of an unbelievable journey into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness A

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 15

welcome reprieve during the right time of year This portion of the trail is referred to as the ldquoNarrowsrdquo There is no bank to walk the creek literally cuts through jagged rock mountain Moose elk and deer kills are common in this area because wildcats utilize the Narrows to trap their preyrdquo There is a wolf pack that lives in the Warm Spring Creek drainage

Warm Spring Creek provides approximately 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and more than 10 miles of Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat Warm Spring Creek drainage is one of the coldest drainages in the Middle Fork Salmon River watershed This cold water supports native aquatic life in Warm Spring Creek Loon Creek and downstream in the Middle Fork Salmon River Warm Spring Creek and its headwaters and tributaries will be cold water refugia in 2040

2dd Waterfall Creek heads up in the Bighorn Crags This unique area of high alpine lakes at or above 8000 feet including cirque basins rugged cliffs and narrow ridges climbing to over 10000 feet is located deep within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness The creek forms from outlets of Terrace Lakes Barking Fox Lake and other beautiful lakes Waterfall Creek drops quickly down the mountainside and then falls 200 feet into the Middle Fork Salmon River A well-traveled trail follows the creek canyon from the Middle Fork Salmon River to the Bighorn Crags

2ee West fork Camas Creek and pole Creek provide significant spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout An easily accessible trail follows the West Fork all the way to the scenic West Fork Lakes Basin A trail follows Pole Creek to Pole Lake in the headwaters and then goes on to connect with other trails in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness West Fork Camas Creek and Pole Creek will be sources of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

2ff Wilson Creek heads up in the high peaks of the Bighorn Crags There is a 120-ft waterfall at Wilson Lake outlet and lower down Wilson Creek flows through a deep canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River There are dozens of stunningly beautiful high mountain lakes in the headwaters of Wilson Creek and its tributaries many popular with the backpackers that start at the Crags Trailhead The long and pristine creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead It provides rearing habitat for salmon parr but no redds have been found in recent surveys Wilson Creek is in a Core Herd Home Range for bighorn sheep

2gg Winnemucca Creek is a wild drainage where visitors often hear howling wolves It is popular with big game hunters who can use the easy trail to reach the headwaters Winnemucca Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Winnemucca Creek has very cold water and is predicted to be a climate refuge and provide suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 when other streams have become too warm Winnemucca Creek supports traditional tribal uses

2hh Yellowjacket Creek and its headwaters and

hoodoo Creek provide more than 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and nearly that much for Chinook salmon The drainage provides outstanding recreation Yellowjacket Lake Campground is accessible by road and surrounded by wilderness There are trails through the wilderness down Yellowjacket Creek There is also a trail in the lower wilderness section of the creek Hoodoo Meadows and the headwaters of Hoodoo Creek are also accessible from the Yellowjacket Lake Campground This drainage will be a source of cold water to Camas Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native trout

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 16

table 2 proposed eligible rivers in the Middle fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F

East Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 136 C E F R S

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E F R

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 17

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S

South Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F

Sulphur Creek and tributaries Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup

623 E F G R S W

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W

West Fork Camas Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S

West Fork Mayfield Creek Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

Winnemucca Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

3 north fork salmon River subwatershed

this is a small but very important tributary to the Salmon River The watershed is steeped in cultural values being traditional grounds of the indigenous people and an area visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 Four TES fish species reside in the North Fork Salmon River watershed bull trout Snake River springsummer Chinook

salmon Snake River steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout The North Fork drainage is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead The North Fork Salmon River watershed is very important for steelhead because they like the shorter steeper creeks There are no hatchery-bred anadromous fish in this watershed The North Fork Salmon River and many tributaries also provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

3a dahlonhega Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout The creek will be a cold water refuge for native trout in 2040 Dahlonhega Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3b hughes Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Hughes Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable

habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later It supports traditional tribal uses The Hughes Creek wolf pack lives in this area providing wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunities

3c north fork salmon River flows from the Continental Divide south to the Salmon River It provides nearly 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead This is an important subpopulation of wild fish Studies show

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 18

the river has a very high density of westslope cutthroat trout There are nearly 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Anglers enjoy 22 miles of fishable water where cutthroat trout are protected by catch and release regulations In August and September 1805 the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the North Fork Salmon Rivermdashthey called it Fish Creek Highway 93 also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the river almost all the way to the Continental Divide

3d sheep Creek is predicted to provide extremely cold water (48mdash6 degrees C) and suitable habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in 2040 unlike other streams that will become too warm Bull trout spawn and rear in Sheep Creek and its headwaters the North Fork and South Fork Sheep Creek Sheep Creek provides more steelhead spawning and rearing habitat than any other tributary of the North Fork Salmon River It also

provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon It has a high density of westslope cutthroat trout Sheep Creek supports traditional tribal uses

3e twin Creek is a popular recreation destination in the North Fork Salmon River watershed Twin Creek Campground is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is conveniently located very near Highway 93 The Twin Creek trailhead provides access to the Twin CreekmdashDivide National Recreational Trail Mountain bikers savor the gorgeous views on the rugged 15-mile singletrack that connects the high ridges to lush bottoms Twin Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and bull trout from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its mouth Chinook salmon spawn in the lower few miles Twin Creek is one of the coldest tributaries of the North Fork Salmon River and will provide a cold water refuge for salmonids until 2040 or later Wolves live in this drainage Twin Creek supports traditional tribal uses

table 3 proposed eligible rivers in the north fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

4 panther Creek subwatershed

panther Creek is a major tributary of the Salmon River and the largest stream in the Middle Salmon-Panther Creek subbasin The main stem of Panther Creek is approximately 43 miles in length and the watershed includes about 400 miles of perennial streams Four threatened endangered or sensitive (TES) fish species live in the Panther Creek

watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Middle Salmon-Panther Creek Bull Trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) includes the entire Panther Creek watershed and is essential to bull trout conservation because it contains many individuals a large amount of habitat and moderate threat level This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important in the long-term recovery of the species This CHSU provides a migratory corridor between multiple CHSUs which promotes the expression of the migratory life history expression within the Salmon River basin Panther Creek is home to an Independent Population Group of steelhead The native Chinook

salmon population group was extirpated but a new self-sustaining population of Chinook salmon now occupies the Panther Creek watershed The Shoshone Bannock Tribe is investigating the genetics of this population

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 19

The Blackbird Mine on Blackbird Creek was a major supplier of cobalt during World War II Big Deer Creek Blackbird Creek and Panther Creek suffered intensive damage from mining and milling operations at the Blackbird Mine that released copper arsenic and cobalt From the 1960s through the 1980s no fish and few aquatic invertebrates could be found in 25 miles of mine-affected reaches of Panther Creek downstream of the metals-contaminated tributaries Blackbird and Big Deer Creeks

The mine ceased operations in 1982 and efforts to restore water quality began in 1995 In a near-miraculous recovery fish and macroinvertebrates have recolonized the streams Rainbow trout were early colonizers quickly expanding their range as areas became habitable when copper concentrations dropped Chinook salmon and steelhead have also reoccupied Panther Creek Full recovery of salmonid populations occurred within about 12 years after the onset of restoration efforts

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes have fishing rights here The Idaho Department of Fish and Game dumped hatchery Chinook salmon here in the 1980s and in 2001 to provide a season of tribal fishing As mentioned above the tribes are trying to figure out which fish have persisted It is a self-sustaining population now and there has not been any more stocking

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

4a beaver Creek provides very cold spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout in addition to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead Beaver Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Beaver Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4b blackbird Creek returned from the dead The recovery of Blackbird Creek from heavy metal contamination is incredible As reported in High Country News ldquoIn 1992 polluted runoff from the mining site had created a toxic rainbow Blackbird Creek was running bright red Bucktail Creek was an eerie neon blue and Panther Creek was nearly devoid of aquatic insects never mind salmonrdquo When scientists dropped test cages full of rainbow trout into Blackbird Creek the fish were dead within 48 hours A massive and innovative $50 million cleanup was started in 1995 Blackbird Creek now supports a fishery and contributes very cold water to Panther Creek supporting TES species in Panther Creek and traditional tribal uses According to one observer ldquothe restoration of Panther Creek is the latest demonstration of the power of people to change the worldrdquo

4c Clear Creek is the only unroaded major tributary to Panther Creek It heads up in the Bighorn Crags deep in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

This large and pristine drainage was heavily fought over during the prolonged battle over the boundaries of the wilderness and the inclusion of Clear Creek was an historic victory for wilderness advocates Backpackers and horsepackers can take a trail the entire length of Clear Creek and explore the wild headwaters of the Salmon River Clear Creek provides more than twenty miles of spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead and also provides rearing and migration habitat for Chinook salmon Clear Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Clear Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4d deep Creek and little deep Creek provide more than 20 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout These creeks are a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat to cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Wolves are residents of this watershed Deep Creek and Little Deep Creek provide critical water to Panther Creek and support traditional tribal uses

4e Moyer Creek is home base for a pack of wolves Once extirpated from Idaho wolves were reintroduced in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1995 and 1996 Many packs of wolves now live in Idaho offering visitors the first opportunity in generations to hear and view wolves For big game

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 20

hunters Idaho now offers a general hunting season for wolves Moyer Creek and a number of tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout The Moyer Creek drainage is predicted to be the coldest tributary to Panther Creek in 2040 providing water of 7 degrees C or less and offering a cold water refuge for fish in Moyer Creek and Panther Creek Moyer Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4f Musgrove Creek provides significant spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout Musgrove Creek is a cold water refuge that will continue to provide suitable habitat for cold water salmonids until 2040 or later Musgrove Creek supports traditional tribal uses

4g napias Creek visitors have a good chance of hearing the howl of wolves descendants of the wolves reintroduced into Idaho starting in 1995 Napias Falls is a beautiful waterfall listed in the Waterfall Loverrsquos Guide to the Pacific Northwest Above Napias Falls Napias Creek and numerous tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Napias Creek is a cold water refuge that is predicted to provide habitat for cold water salmonids at least until 2040 when other streams become too warm Napias Creek provides critical water to Panther Creek and supports traditional tribal uses

4h panther Creek is a large river popular with recreationists The creek attracts local and visiting whitewater boaters Panther Creek offers both a really intense 8-mile Class IV-V upper run and an easier 4-mile Class III lower run These runs are easy to scout and access from the road setting them apart from Idahorsquos famous but access-restricted wilderness whitewater runs Numerous trailheads that lead into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and other roadless areas are on Panther Creek along with the Deep Creek and McDonalds Flat campgrounds The developed road provides access for a diversity of visitors The historic Cobalt Ranger Station is another popular attraction

Panther Creek has significant cultural value because of historic sites and current use by tribal members Tribal scientists are studying the genetics of the Chinook salmon to determine their origin The creek provides many miles of habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout and provides critical connectivity between a large number of tributaries The story of how Panther Creekrsquos fish and other aquatic life recovered after it was nearly destroyed by mining is truly epic Wolves and a full assortment of other Idaho forest wildlife can be found in and around Panther Creek

table 4 proposed eligible rivers in the panther Creek subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 454 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geology R = Recreation S = Scenery W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 21

Overview of Lemhi Pahsimeroi Big Lost and Little Lost Subwatersheds

the Lemhi River Pahsimeroi River Big Lost River and Little Lost River watersheds include the highest mountains in Idaho They also include high sagebrush desert thousands of springs and wetlands and forested slopes These high mountains are little traveled and many intact ecosystems remain in the higher elevations

Recreational use is sparse and a high degree of solitude can be found These mountains are so high that snow will continue to fall on them long after lower elevation watersheds have lost irreplaceable snowpack water The geology of the Lemhi Mountains creates extraordinary spring-fed river systems that provide very cold climate-resilient base flows

The Lemhi Mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks in Idaho The quartzites are covered by the chocolate red black grown gray and maroon of the younger Challis Volcanics the result of a vast outpouring of volcanic activity 25- 50 million years ago There are approximately 500000 acres of roadless land suitable for wilderness designation There is a large population of mountain goats in addition to antelope black bear bighorn sheep bobcat cougar deer and elk Greater sage grouse are found in the valley bottoms and on the open high-elevation slopes

The Lost River Range is by far Idahorsquos highest Borah and Leatherman Idahorsquos first and second highest peaks dominate the middle of the range and there are seven other peaks above 12000 ft The high core of the Lost Rivers is relentlessly limestonemdashancient sea deposits On the west draining into the Big Lost River are some of the biggest alluvial fans in the West The east side draining into the Pahsimeroi and Little Lost Rivers has long canyons more water and some lakes The Lost River Range north of Pass Creek Summit and south of Doublespring Summit is proposed for wilderness designation the 115000-acre Borah Peak Wilderness

5 lemhi River subwatershed

The Lemhi River heads in the southern Lemhi and Bitterroot mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and weststlope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The Lemhi River and some tributaries are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a large amount of habitat and few threats This CHSU also occurs in the easternmost extent of the Recovery Unit This CHSU has fluvial life history forms that are important to the long-term recovery of the species

The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Lemhi River make it a prime candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead The Lemhi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Lemhi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Lemhi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 22

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

5a bear valley Creek is a large tributary of Hayden Creek It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout The creek is an extraordinary cold water refuge expected to stay at or below 7 degrees C in 2040 The Bear Valley Creek National Recreation Trail provides motorcycle and non-motorized access to beautiful Bear Valley Lake at 9135 feet Fishing for cutthroat trout is excellent at the lake A non-motorized trail continues up into the headwaters and provides a rare opportunity to hike over the 10600-ft pass into the Pahsimeroi River watershed on the west side of the Lemhi Range The views of the towering Lemhi mountains are stunning The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5b big timber Creek is a paradise for hikers backpackers and mountain bike riders who want to access this land of ldquostriking high mountain scenery and subalpine meadowsrdquo without shaking every screw in their vehicle loose Relatively easy access from Leadore gets you on trails that go up Big Timber Creek Little Timber Creek and Rocky Creek and circumnavigate 10968-ft-high Yellow Peak Many elk and deer frequent this large drainage and use it to migrate over the Lemhis into the Pahsimeroi River valley The Big Timber Creek watershed provides critical habitat for bull trout and supports westslope cutthroat trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA The creek supports traditional tribal uses

5c hawley Creek was once a major anadromous fish producer Ongoing fish passage and stream flow improvement work could return anadromous fish to this drainage Currently Hawley Creek supports populations of bull trout westslope cutthroat trout and resident rainbow trout This watershed will provide very cold water (lt10 degrees C) in 2040 and provide

a cold water refuge for native fish The headwaters are on the Continental Divide and the Bear Creek trail intersects with the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail There are three campgrounds along the creek The watershed is in a greater sage grouse IMHA and it is a priority for the Sage Grouse Working Group The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

5d hayden Creek is the largest functionally connected tributary of the Lemhi River It supports the only documented fluvial run of westslope cutthroat trout in the drainage It provides spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and fluvialadfluvial bull trout and supports year-round resident bull trout It is the only place in the watershed where Chinook salmon and steelhead make it up to Forest Service land It is critical habitat for steelhead The entire basin has high wildlife value for elk deer and carnivores including wolves The lower reaches are a greater sage grouse Important Habitat Management Area (IMHA) The water temperature is remarkably cold and is predicted to remain below 7 degrees C in 2040 providing a cold water refuge for native aquatic species It is one of only a few watersheds in Salmon Challis NF that provides this extraordinary ecological value Trails are popular with hikers mountain bikers and others Hayden Creek supports traditional tribal uses

5e Kenney Creek has benefited from extraordinary restoration work in the lower reaches Chinook salmon and steelhead are now found in the creek It is critical habitat for steelhead Kenney Creek also provides spawning and rearing habitat for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and year-round habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout Lewis and Clark stopped here on their Voyage of Discovery This watershed will provide very cold water (lt 8 degrees C) in 2040 and provide a cold water refuge for native fish The creek provides essential support for traditional tribal uses

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 23

table 5 proposed eligible rivers in the lemhi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R W

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

6 pahsimeroi River subwatershed

the Pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lemhi and Lost River mountain ranges and flows north to the Salmon River Four TES fish species live in the Lemhi River watershed Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River contains Independent Population Groups of Chinook salmon

and steelhead Independent populations exhibit different attributes that influence their abundance productivity spatial structure and diversity The lower Pahsimeroi River and Patterson Creek are critical habitat for steelhead and much of the watershed is critical habitat for Chinook salmon and bull trout This bull trout Critical Habitat Subunit (CHSU) is essential to bull trout conservation because it has many individuals a moderate amount of habitat and a moderate threat level This CHSU occurs in the easternmost extent of the Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) that is still hydrologically connected to other CHSUs The resident populations in this CHSU may also contain unique genes that promote persistence from specific threats The Pahsimeroi River is a Geographic Management Unit (GMU) for native westslope cutthroat trout The Pahsimeroi River drainage also supports native redband trout

The Pahsimeroi River has unique hydrology in that the streams disappear into gravel-filled valleys in the upper reaches of the sub basin and feed the base flow of the river from springs that surface in the lower valley The cold temperature of the springs and the sustainable base flow is very valuable This water will likely have long term persistence and continue to support the cold water fishery when other waters in the region become too warm The fertile valley bottoms and sheer concentration of springs and tributary streams found along the Pahsimeroi River make it a good candidate for bringing back salmon and steelhead

The Pahsimeroi River watershed is territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes who fish hunt and gather there

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

6a big Creek and its tributaries the North Fork South Fork and Park Fork head up in the Lemhi Mountains and all of them provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The Big Creek watershed is the largest tributary to the Pahsimeroi River and it is very cold providing thermal benefit to fish in the Pahsimeroi River This cold water source and refuge is predicted to persist at least until 2040 Ongoing efforts to reconnect

the Pahsimeroi River all the way to Big Creek to allow for Chinook salmon and steelhead migration are working The fish made it almost all the way in 2016 The Central Lemhi Range Loop hike travels along the North and South Fork and trails from Big Creek go over the divide into Timber Creek a tributary to the Lemhi River This watershed is very big and wild A robust population of native wildlife lives here including

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 24

deer elk mountain goats and black bear The scenery is spectacular and varied The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6b doublespring Creek heads up at Doublespring Pass at 8318 ft A gravel road goes up the creek one of only two roads that cross the Lost River Range This provides excellent access to the upper reaches of the creek for scenic drives and wildlife viewing The creek is a source of extremely cold water that benefits downstream fish populations now and into the future The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6c east fork pahsimeroi River is extremely cold and predicted to maintain summer temperatures at or below 6 degrees C in 2040 providing a valuable cold water refuge for fish downriver in the Pahsimeroi River The river is bull trout critical habitat and it provides more than 6 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for the year-round residents It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The river heads in the Lost River Range and the Lost River Range Traverse crosses the upper watershed where 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak overlooks the high alpine lakes of the East Fork The views are stunning The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6d Mahogany Creek is a source of extremely cold water for the upper Pahsimeroi River and it will be a climate refuge and continued source of cold water in 2040 The BLM has found the lower reaches to have outstandingly remarkable scenic recreation and fisheries values The creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and is a priority area for the Greater Sage-grouse Working Group Females and chicks use the riparian area The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

6e pahsimeroi River This short reach of the Pahsimeroi River will connect the eligible reach on BLM land with the outstandingly remarkable headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River

6f patterson Creek and its headwaters head up in the Lemhi Mountains Patterson Creek is the only creek in the watershed that provides spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead It is the only creek designated as critical steelhead habitat The grazing allotment is vacant allowing for recovery of riparian habitat and other native vegetation It is common to see elk bighorn sheep and mountain goats The motorized trail up the South Fork Patterson Creek allows a diversity of users to go all the way up and over the 9278-ft-high divide into Big Eightmile Creek in the Lemhi River basin The scenery is stunning with high peaks and lush vegetation in the valleys

6g West fork pahsimeroi River heads up in the Lost River Range on Idahorsquos highest peak Borah Peak at 12662 ft and on 12228-ft-high Leatherman Peak A dirt road follows the river allowing hikers to take a two-mile trail up the West Fork to Merriam Lake ldquopossibly the most beautifulrdquo in the Lost River Range ldquoSet in a glacier-carved cirque at 9600 ft Merriam reflects the image of picturesque Mount Idaho and is flanked by mountains higher than 11000 ft on both sides The creek falls abruptly over staircases of quartziterdquo says Idaho outdoor expert Ralph Maughan Hikers from around the country find solitude and abundant wildlife and use the trails and travel overland from the headwaters to the peaks and into the Big Lost River watershed It is a Primary Habitat Management Area (PMHA) for greater sage grouse and the distinctive birds are often seen on the open ridges and in the riparian areas The West Fork provides spawning and rearing habitat for resident bull trout The West Fork is predicted to be one of the very coldest rivers in the Salmon Challis NF in 2040 and provide cold water refuge for fish The upper Pahsimeroi River watershed is important hunting and gathering territory for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 25

table 6 proposed eligible rivers in the pahsimeroi River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

Doublespring Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

East Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

North Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

South Fork Big Creek Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

West Fork Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

7 east fork salmon subwatershed

the East Fork of the Salmon River is a major tributary to the Salmon River It is a high desert river like the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers and unlike most of the rest of the Salmon River watershed The East Fork Salmon has hot springs trails historic and prehistoric sites salmon steelhead and bull trout and many other

recreational wildlife and scenic values Herd Creek Pass Creek Bowery Creek and many others in the SCNF form the eastern headwaters of the East Fork Salmon River These drainages are now part of the Jerry Peak Wilderness Area established in 2015

The East Fork and its tributaries provide rearing and spawning habitat for four TES species Chinook salmon steelhead bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork is home to an Independent Population Group of Chinook salmon and steelhead All of the steelhead are wild Natural Chinook salmon spawning occurs in the watershed It is part of the Upper Salmon River Critical Habitat Unit for bull trout and Upper Salmon River GMU for westslope cutthroat trout The East Fork Salmon River is traditional hunting fishing and gathering territory of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and a popular place for tribal salmon fishing

Trails depart to wild places in all directions Here are bighorn sheep elk antelope and mule deer migration routes and critical wildlife winter range Only a small part of this immense watershed is managed by the Salmon Challis NF

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 26

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

7a bowery Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout and steelhead Bowery Creek is a source of very cold water to the East Fork Salmon River and it will be a cold water refuge in 2040 when many other creeks in the East Fork drainage become too warm for bull trout Starting at the Bowery Creek Trailhead a 10-mile-long trail goes up Bowery Creek and over the 8600-ft-high divide to East Pass Creek Bowery Creek supports tribal fishing and hunting

7b herd Creek east pass Creek and taylor Creek offer unusual and incredible scenery and wildlife habitat The high-elevation sagebrush steppe offers hikers and horseback riders solitude and 360 degree panoramic vistas The trails lead into the heart of the newly-

designated Jerry Peak Wilderness Deep drainages provide world-class elk habitat Many other animals flourish in this drainage including bighorn sheep and antelope It is an Important Habitat Management Area for greater sage grouse and male sage grouse are often seen on the high ridges Willowed-canyon bottoms have moose and beaver Hidden Lake Basin provides water for ducks and geese in a sagebrush sea The Herd Creek drainage provides incredible spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon steelhead and bull trout all the way to the headwaters in the West Fork and East Fork of Herd Creek The drainage is a source of extremely cold water and it will be a cold water refuge for bull trout westslope cutthroat and other cold water fish in 2040 The drainage supports important tribal fishing and hunting

table 7 proposed eligible rivers in the east fork salmon River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 134 C E F R S W

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters to Herd Creek 51 C E F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

8 big lost River subwatershed

the Big Lost River originates in the Pioneer Boulder Lost River and White Knob mountain ranges and flows down the Big Lost River Valley and then onto the Snake River Plain where it terminates at the Big Lost River Sinks It is the largest of the Sinks drainages Only three fish speciesmdashmountain whitefish shorthead

sculpin and Paiute sculpinmdashare native to this subwatershed The Big Lost River population of mountain whitefish is genetically divergent from its parent population in the Upper Snake River Recent declines in the distribution and abundance of mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River drainage have made evident the need for planning and implementing conservation actions to stabilize and increase the existing population Mountain whitefish are long livedmdashup to 29 years Connectivity is extremely important in preventing population extinction of mountain whitefish The proximity to the Sun Valley resort area brings visitors from around the world to the Big Lost River to fish hike hunt camp and sight see

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 27

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

8a east fork of the big lost River flows out of the Pioneer Mountains and is the largest river on the Lost River Ranger District The entire East Fork Big Lost watershed is sage grouse habitat most of it in the Priority Habitat Management Area Likewise the East Fork Big Lost River and many tributaries are the remaining stronghold for the unique Big Lost River mountain whitefish The East Fork Big Lost River is a renowned destination for anglers who come on their own or with outfitters to this wild and beautiful watershed to fish for brook trout cutthroat trout and rainbow trout Boaters enjoy floating 27 miles of Class I-II waters that are easy to access from the road The wide-open spaces and high mountains that can be viewed from the river and from the road are truly spectacular The watershed exhibits unique geology particularly the wide variety of rock types There are many historic sites near the river

8b Kane Creek is an iconic high mountain creek that flows from stunning Kane Lake in the Pioneer Mountains The easy day hike to the lake is very popular with visitors from Sun Valley

8c lake Creek provides outstanding recreational opportunities A campground at the end of the road allows access to the Lake Creek trail The Lake Creek Trail is an 85-mile motorized loop trail very popular with mountain bikers that accesses five high mountain lakes The trail follows Lake Creek through mountain meadows and thickets of lodge pole pine at a moderate climb Three miles up the canyon the traveler will pass an old historic mining cabin Fishing is good for Arctic grayling in the lakes

8d lower Cedar Creek heads up in the Lost River Range It is in the proposed Borah Peak Wilderness and provides priority greater sage grouse habitat per the sage grouse working group A very popular non-motorized trail goes up the creek 12 miles to the ldquoHole In the Wallrdquo waterfall an amazing spring that bursts out of the rock wall and creates a thundering waterfall This is called one of the easiest yet scenically rewarding hikes in the Lost River Range You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho including the

giant 11682 ft Mt McCaleb peak You can see the ruins of an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912 to 1940 Higher up Lower Cedar Creek Canyon the towering peaks form an incredible rock arch on the top of the divide

8e pass Creek heads up in the Lost River Range The Pass Creek Area offers a number of popular and extraordinary recreational geologic and scenic values Better yet for many visitors a maintained road goes up Pass Creek and over Pass Creek Summit making it easy for a wide variety of visitors to enjoy the splendor of Pass Creek and the Lost River Range The roads passes through Pass Creek Gorge and provides access to a picnic and camping area as well as trails up Bear Creek to Bear Creek Lake and to Hidden Mouth Cave Bear Creek Lake is surrounded by high peaks including ldquoBear Creek Pinnaclerdquo whose ldquotwisted rocks flow toward the sky like taffy from a giantrsquos kitchenrdquo says Ralph Maughan author of Hiking Idaho

8f star hope Creek and Muldoon Canyon are stunningly beautiful and easily accessible glacial valleys Primitive roads and trails provide access to the scenic spring-fed meadows and alpine lakes There is a campground on Star Hope Creek The creeks provide important habitat for the Big Lost River mountain whitefish

8g summit Creek flows from the high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains and a popular day hike up the creek affords the visitor spectacular views of many peaks over 10000 feet The lower section of the creek is roaded and there is a wooded Forest Service campground which provides good access to the creek Summit Creek is popular with anglers who like to fish for brook trout and it gets some boating use as well

8h Wildhorse Creek and fall Creek are large tributaries of the East Fork Big Lost River A campground on Wildhorse Creek is accessible by road making it a popular destination from Sun Valley and elsewhere A well-used trail up the creek ends at Arrowhead Lake at 9895 feet Wildhorse Creek is a textbook example of the glacier-carved valley A number of very high mountain lakes are accessible by trail and overland in

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 28

the upper Fall Creek drainage The lower waterfall is accessible by wheelchair In the upper reaches of the drainage visitors delight in views of granite walls glacier-sculpted peaks and alpine meadows and sightings of elk goats bears and wolves These creeks are in the mountain whitefish habitat and recovery area

table 8 proposed eligible rivers in the big lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

East Fork Big Lost River Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S

Lake Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 81 R S

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W

Muldoon Canyon East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 92 F G S

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to EF Big Lost 16 F G S

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River Headwaters to NF Big Lost 113 R S

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to EF Big Lost 136 F G R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

9 little lost River subwatershed

the Little Lost River originates in the spectacular high-elevation Lost River and Lemhi mountain ranges and flows in a southeasterly direction where it sinks into the lava of the Snake River Plain there is no surface connection with another body of water One TES species is presentmdashbull trout The Little Lost River Critical

Habitat Unit is essential for maintaining bull trout distribution within this unique geographic region This CHU occurs in southeastern Idaho within a unique ecological and hydrologically closed system resulting in isolated populations Due to the unique geologic history of this area resident populations may also contain unique genes that further promote persistence Bull trout are currently known to use spawning and rearing habitat in at least 10 streams or stream complexes in the Little Lost River watershed

The Little Lost River watershed supports large populations of big game including elk moose bear antelope mountain lion mule deer and bighorn sheep Spectacular scenery of rugged mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks like Bell and Diamond Peaks in the Lemhi Range and the magnificent Lost River Range provide the backdrop for one of central Idahorsquos most scenic landscapes

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 29

proposed Wild and scenic eligible Rivers

9a dry Creek and long lost Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in the Borah Peak proposed wilderness Male greater sage grouse can frequently be found on the ridges above the creeks A popular hike the Lost River Range Traverse follows the creeks where hikers are rewarded with a clear creek a waterfall beaver dams marshes and willow thickets and stupendous views of Mt Breitenbach Backpacking Idaho reports the view from Dry Creek Pass is ldquoone of the most impressive scenes in all of Idahordquo

9b iron Creek and hawley amp Jackson Creeks are important spawning areas for fluvialadfluvial bull trout and provide habitat for year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Iron Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHV less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9c Main fork little lost River and firebox Creek

provide essential spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout The lower reach is roaded and a trail goes up Firebox Creek to Firebox Summit at 9018 feet and Firebox Meadows

9d Mill Creek and Mill Creek lake attract many visitors The campground and trailhead were relocated in 2001 to protect and restore fish habitat in Mill Creek which had been damaged by recreational use The trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail The trail goes first to Mill Creek Lake that was created by a huge rockslide Below the natural dam Mill Creek pours as a full-blown stream out of the base of the rockslide that fills the canyon Mill Lake supports a good population of fat cutthroat trout The beautiful forested upper reaches of the creek provide a striking contrast with the rocky environs of the lake and canyon below The lower few miles of the creek provides bull trout spawning and rearing habitat

9e sawmill Creek is the primary headwaters of the Little Lost River heading up in a number of peaks over 10000 ft in the Lemhi Mountain Range The array of streams in this subwatershed support 95 percent of the bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed The Little Lost River population of bull trout is isolated and constitutes a separate Critical Habitat Unit The Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Bull Trout Recovery Team recommended placing a weir in Sawmill Creek below Iron Creek Trout Unlimited installed the weir in fall 2011 which allows for the upstream passage of migratory bull trout but prevents the upstream passage of nonnative brook trout There is a good road that follows the creek and allows easy access to the guard station a campground and a trailhead something that is a rarity in the Lemhi Mountains The Sawmill Canyon Area attracts visitors from far and wide for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hunting horseback riding camping fishing nature viewing OHV trail riding and scenic driving

9f smithie fork Creek appears to be one of the most important spawning and rearing tributaries for fluvial bull trout in the Little Lost River drainage according to Idaho Fish and Game There is a trail that hikers and others can take and see a picturesque old log cabin nestled in Smithie Meadows as well as deer and elk

9g squaw Creek and two tributaries provide valuable spawning and rearing habitat for bull trout Motorized trails allow visitors to travel all the way up the creek to the 9600-ft-high divide

9h timber Creek and its tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for a population of fluvialadfluvial and year-round resident bull trout There is a trail up Timber Creek to the popular Snow Bank Trail The Snow Bank Trail leads through mixed aspen fir and lodge pole pine to meadows with springs and wet areas Visitors will follow the contours of the heads of several canyons and through high mountain meadows such as Snow Bank Meadows The view is breathtaking Many elk are known to inhabit this area The trail is open to OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 30

9i Warm Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for the Sawmill Creek population of bull trout A 6-mile-long trail goes up the creek to the ridge at 9842 ft near Big Windy Peak The trail is open to non-motorized users and OHVs less than or equal to 50 inches wide

9j Wet Creek and big Creek head up in the southern Lost River Range They are in a greater sage grouse Priority Habitat Management Area A circular lake near the headwaters is surrounded by spectacular tan cliffs

and rockslides and backed by an unnamed 11724-ft-high peak The adventurous backpacker will find a cascading inlet creek and stunning upper valley with a springs and a jaw-dropping view of towering cliffs and peaks surrounding this basin according to Backpacking Idaho Wet Creek bull trout are an isolated population A fish ladder was built in 1992 near the bottom There are no brook trout in Wet Creek The grazing allotment on the private inholding on Wet Creek has been rested for many years and the riparian habitat is functional

table 9 proposed eligible rivers in the little lost River subwatershed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 S R W

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 S R W

Main Fork Sawmill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River

4 F R

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 31

table 10 summary of proposed Wild and scenic eligible rivers

Main salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Basin Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 123 C E F R No

Cabin Creek WF Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 52 E F G R S No

Carmen Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 68 C E R W No

Challis Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Mosquito Flat Reservoir and Reservoir to Forest Boundary

138 E F R No

Horse Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 255 E F R W No

Indian Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 117 E F R W No

Iron Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 77 E F R S No

Mill Creek Challis Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 103 C E F No

Owl Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 144 E F R W No

Pine Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 10 E F No

Reynolds Creek Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 6 E F R W No

Salmon River Snake River North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

97 C E F R S W

Yes North Fork upstream to Forest Boundary

Spring Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 66 E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Challis)

Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 105 C E F W No

Squaw Creek (by Shoup)

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 93 E F R W No

Valley Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 89 C E F No

Warm Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 91 G No

West Fork Horse Creek

Horse Creek Headwaters to Horse Creek 9 E F R W No

West Fork Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Headwaters to Yankee Fork 131 C E F R S Yes headwaters to Yankee Fork

Yankee Fork Salmon River and all tributaries above Jordan Creek

Salmon River Headwaters to Salmon River 291 C E F G R Yes mainstem headwaters to Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvs CURRentlY

eligible

Banner Creek Cape Horn Creek Headwaters to Cape Horn Creek 41 C E F R No

Bear Creek Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 41 C E F R S No

Beaver Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 169 C E F R No

Big Chief Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 51 E F R No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 32

Cabin Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 66 E F R No

Cache Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 72 E G S No

Camas Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 326 E F R S Yes headwaters to MF Salmon River

Cape Horn Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 94 C E F R No

Castle Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 93 E F No

Cottonwood Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 55 E F No

Dynamite Creek Marble Creek Headwaters to Marble Creek 82 E F No

East Fork Mayfield Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 126 E F No

Elk Creek Bear Valley Creek Headwaters of NF EF WF to Forest Boundary

7 C E F R S No

Float Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 71 E F R S No

Hoodoo Creek Yellowjacket Creek Headwaters to Yellowjacket Creek 85 E F R No

Indian Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 203 E F R No

Knapp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 154 C E F R S No

Little Indian Creek Indian Creek Headwaters to Indian Creek 48 E F R No

Little Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 115 E F R S No

Little Pistol Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 137 E F R No

Loon Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon excluding private land

339 C E F G R S

Yes Diamond D boundary to MF Salmon River

Luger Creek Pistol Creek Headwaters to Pistol Creek 55 E F R No

Marble Creek Middle Fork Salmon Forest Boundary to MF Salmon 14 E F R No

Marsh Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to Middle Fork Salmon River

136 C E F R S Yes headwaters to wilderness boundary

Mayfield Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 32 E F No

Muskeg Creek Soldier Creek Headwaters to Soldier Creek 42 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Cutthroat Lake

Pioneer Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 23 E F No

Pistol Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 183 E F R No

Pole Creek WF Camas Creek Headwaters to WF Camas Creek 49 E R S No

Porter Creek Elk Creek Headwaters to Elk Creek 62 E R F No

Rapid River and Duffield Creek

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters of Duffield Creek to MF Salmon

171 E F R S Yes Rapid River from wilderness boundary to MF Salmon River

Middle foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 33

Roaring Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 85 E F No

Ship Island Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 75 G S No

Silver Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 104 E F No

Soldier Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 78 E F G S Yes headwaters to 1 mile downstream of Soldier Lake

South Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 82 E F No

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek Headwaters to Cottonwood Creek 46 E F No

Sulphur Creek and tributaries

Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 182 C E F R No

Swamp Creek Marsh Creek Headwaters to Marsh Creek 55 C E F R S No

Tango Creek Pioneer Creek Headwaters to Pioneer Creek 45 E S No

Trail Creek Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek 63 E F W No

Vanity Creek Rapid River Headwaters to Rapid River 6 E F R No

Warm Spring Creek amp tribs

Loon Creek Headwaters to Loon Creek and tributaries above Wikiup Creek

623 E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Loon Creek

Waterfall Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 76 G S W No

West Fork Camas Creek

Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 91 E F S Yes headwaters to Pole Creek

West Fork Mayfield Creek

Mayfield Creek Headwaters to Mayfield Creek 7 E F G No

Wilson Creek Middle Fork Salmon Headwaters to MF Salmon 151 E F R S W

No

Winnemucca Creek

Beaver Creek Headwaters to Beaver Creek 71 C E F R S No

Yellowjacket Creek Camas Creek Headwaters to Camas Creek 227 E F R W No

noRth foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Dahlonhega Ck North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 79 E F No

Hughes Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 113 C E F W No

North Fork Salmon Main Salmon Headwaters to Main Salmon 244 C F No

Sheep Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 125 C E F No

Twin Creek North Fork Salmon Headwaters to North Fork Salmon 74 C E F R W No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Beaver Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 97 C E F W No

Blackbird Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 23 C E No

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 34

Clear Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 172 C E F R No

Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 121 C E F W No

Little Deep Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 84 C E F W No

Moyer Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 123 C E F No

Musgrove Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 11 C E F No

Napias Creek Panther Creek Headwaters to Panther Creek 145 C E F G W

No

Panther Creek Main Salmon Headwaters to Salmon River 454 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Salmon River

leMhi RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bear Valley Creek Hayden Creek Headwaters to Hayden Creek 9 C E F R S W

Yes headwaters to Hayden Creek

Big Timber Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 128 C E F R S W

No

Hawley Creek Eighteenmile CreekLemhi River

Headwaters of Big Bear Creek and Reservoir Creek to Forest Boundary

2 C E F R W

No

Hayden Creek Salmon River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 12 C E F R W

Yes headwaters to Forest Boundary

Kenney Creek Lemhi River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 53 C E F No

Pahsimeroi River Subwatershed

Big Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 124 C E F R S W

No

Doublespring Creek

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 216 C E R S W

No

East Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 34 C E F G R S W

Yes headwaters to West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Mahogany Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 16 C E F R S W

No

North Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 83 C E F R S W

No

Pahsimeroi River Salmon River Confluence of East and West Forks to Forest Boundary

14 C E F G R S W

Yes confluence of East amp West forks to Forest boundary

Park Fork NF Big Creek Headwaters to NF Big Creek 33 C E F R S W

No

pantheR CReeK sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 35

Patterson Creek Pahsimeroi River Headwaters of North Fork and South Fork Patterson Creek to Pahsimeroi River

243 C E F R S W

No

South Fork Big Creek

Big Creek Headwaters to Big Creek 88 C E F R S W

No

West Fork Pahsimeroi River

Pahsimeroi River Headwaters to Pahsimeroi River 56 C E F G R S W

No

east foRK salMon RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Bowery Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters to Forest Boundary 62 C E F R S W

No

East Pass Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of East Pass Creek to Herd Creek

134 C E F R S W

No

Herd Creek East Fork Salmon River

Headwaters of East Fork Herd Creek and West Fork Herd Creek to Forest Boundary

24 C E F R S W

No

Taylor Creek Herd Creek Headwaters of Taylor Creek to Herd Creek

51 C E F R S W

No

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

East Fork Big Lost River

Big Lost River Confluence of Star Hope Creek and Muldoon Creek to Forest Boundary

168 C F G R S W

Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Fall Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 86 F G R S W

Yes Fall Creek from headwaters to Wildhorse Creek

Kane Creek Summit Creek Kane Lake to Summit Creek 81 S Yes Kane Lake to Summit Creek

Lake Creek Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 81 R S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Lower Cedar Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 44 C G R W Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Muldoon Canyon Star Hope Creek Headwaters to Star Hope Creek 92 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Pass Creek Big Lost River Headwaters to private land and private land to Forest Boundary

67 G R S W Yes below private land to Forest boundary

Star Hope Creek East Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 16 F G S Yes headwaters to West Fork East Fork Big Lost

Summit Creek North Fork Big Lost River

Headwaters to North Fork Big Lost 113 R S Yes headwaters to Trail Creek summit

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 36

Wildhorse Creek East Fork Big Lost Headwaters to East Fork Big Lost 136 F G R S W

Yes Wildhorse Creek from Arrowhead Lake to Wildhorse Campground

little lost RiveR sUbWateRshed

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

Big Creek Wet Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 51 F R S W No

Dry Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 65 R S W No

Iron Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 34 F R S No

Long Lost Creek Dry Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 84 R S W No

Main Fork Sawmill Creek

Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 24 F R No

Mill Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 4 F G R S Yes headwaters to Forest boundary

Sawmill Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 116 F R S W No

Smithie Fork Creek Main Fork Little Lost River

Headwaters to MF Little Lost River 4 F R No

Squaw Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 51 F R No

Timber Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Sawmill Creek 49 F R S No

Warm Creek Sawmill Creek Headwaters to Forest Boundary 49 F R S No

Wet Creek Little Lost River Headwaters to Forest Boundary 8 F R S W No

C = Cultural E = EcologicalCold Water F = Fisheries G = Geological R = Recreation S = Scenic W = Wildlife

table 11 summary of Wild and scenic eligible rivers

sUbWateRshed total pRoposed eligible stReaMs total pRoposed eligible stReaM Miles

Main Salmon River 20 229

Middle Fork Salmon River 49 5515

North Fork Salmon River 5 635

Panther Creek 9 1329

Lemhi River 5 411

Pahsimeroi River 10 907

East Fork Salmon River 4 271

Big Lost River 10 1028

Little Lost River 12 643

Salmon Challis National Forest 124 13029

big lost RiveR sUbWateRshed (ContinUed)

RiveR tRibUtaRY to ReaCh Miles oRvsCURRentlY

eligible

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

American Rivers wwwamericanriversorg 37

soURCes

Backpacking Idaho A guide to the statersquos greatest backpacking adventures edited by Falcon Guides 2015

Challis District Resource Management Plan US Bureau of Land Management 1999

Defending Idahorsquos Natural Heritage by Ken Robison 2014

Fishing Idaho An Anglerrsquos Guide by Joe Evancho 2014

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Leadore District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - North Fork District USFS 2015

Greater Sage Grouse Habitat - Salmon-Cobalt District USFS 2015

Guide to Idaho Paddling Flatwater and Easy Whitewater 2015

Hiking Idaho second edition by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Maughan 1995

Idaho The Whitewater State by Grant Amaral 1990

Intermountain Region BHSDomestic Sheep-Risk Assessment for Region 4 National Forests

Intermountain Region (R4) Threatened Endangered Proposed and Sensitive Species USFS June 2016

Location of Chinook salmon redds in tributaries to and within the mainstem Middle Fork Salmon River Russ Thurow USFS RMRS 2016

Management Plan for the Conservation of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Idaho IDFG 2013

Minimum water temperature C 2040 Dan Isaak USFS RMRS Climate Shield data

Mountain Bike Rides of Idahorsquos Salmon River Country edited by David Lingle Terry Magoon and Max Lohmeyer 2013

Mountain Whitefish Conservation and Management Plan for the Big Lost River Drainage IDFG 2007

Paddling Idaho A Guide to the Statersquos Best Paddling Routes by Greg Stahl 2016

Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Idaho SpringSummer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Populations NOAA Fisheries August 2016

The History and Status of Fishes in the Little Lost River Drainage IDFG 1999

Upper Snake Recovery Unit Implementation Plan for Bull Trout US Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game September 2015

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Evaluation Challis National Forest 1992

Wild and Scenic Eligibility Summary Salmon Challis National Forest 2004

wwwidahohotspringscom

wwwstreamnetorg

soURCes

interviews

Bert Bowler Snake River Salmon Solutions retired IDFG fisheries biologist

Dan Isaak US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station Boise

Dani Mazzota Idaho Conservation League

Greg Stahl Idaho Rivers United

Greg Webster owner of Bent Rod Fly Shop in Mackay

Jeff Dillon State Fishery Manager Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Jerry Myers Trout Unlimited resident of Salmon

Ken Cole Western Watersheds Project

Kevin Coburn American Whitewater

Kevin Lewis Idaho Rivers United

Kristen Ruether Western Watersheds Project

Lytle Denny Biologist for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe

Max Lohmeyer mountain biker from Salmon

Michael Gibson Trout Unlimited

Pat Ford salmon and wilderness expert from Boise

Peter Hassemer Anadromous Fishery Manager Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Rob Mason The Wilderness Society

Russ Thurow US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station

Seth Tonsmiere resident of Lemhi and whitewater outfitter

Tom Page local landowner and grazer

Tom Stuart salmon expert and part-time resident of Stanley

Toni Ruth resident of Salmon and Executive Director of Salmon Valley Stewardship

Tom OrsquoKeefe American Whitewater

Salmon Challis National ForestWild amp Scenic River Recommendations 38

wwwamericanriversorg

wwwamericanriversorg