Idaho is a truly special place if you haven't already heard. We've already been named the "middle of nowhere" and even have the second largest chunk of untamed, roadless wilderness in the contiguous US to prove it - 2.4 million acres of it, to be exact. It's incredible how in tune Idaho still is with its natural roots! So just imagine how much more in tune with nature you'll be after a trip to the most remote place in Idaho.
Based on the latest geographic calculations, the most remote spot in the entire continental US is actually on the border of Idaho and Nevada, overlapping Owyhee County. But for the most remote place in Idaho specifically (that is fully contained within Idaho), there's only one place that holds that title...and it's so positively breathtaking, you might be willing to take your chances to get there.
Project Remote is a unique venture that finds and documents the most secluded places in the US places to ensure their future preservation. Their criteria are fairly simple: accessible by hiking only, unmarred by plane trails, and completely obscured from the road, among others. A few years back, they noted one particular point within Idaho as being the most remote spot in the state, and naturally, it just happens to be found in Idaho's largest expanse of preserved wilderness. In fact, this amazingly isolated area is so remote that it requires six to seven days of hiking to get there. Are you ready?
The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is true Idaho backcountry. This wilderness region is so vast and untouched that adventuring through the diverse landscape is like a trip back in time.
Established in 1980, Idaho's largest wilderness encompasses 2.4 million acres of lush Central Idaho treescapes, multiple rugged mountain ranges, plunging canyons, and the renowned whitewater Salmon River. It's a natural wildlife and historic haven that remains unscarred by human presence.
The most remote point in the area is over 17 miles from the nearest road.
Those 17 miles are in a straight line, however. In real time, it takes approximately a week's worth of hiking to get here, depending on the season and individual hiking stamina.
Virgin pine trees dot the mountainsides for as far as the eye can see.
Tranquil, unexpected mountain lakes dot the rocky crags that characterize the Frank Church Wilderness.
Every new ridge scaled offers a scenic vista unlike any other.
You'll be hard-pressed to find another human for miles.
But you'll definitely brush up against wildlife habitats of every size and shape.
Note that this does include bears, snakes, and mountain lions. Be safe.
And once you reach the most remote spot in the Gem State...
Hint: it's far deeper into the wilderness than this!
You'll finally see the landscape just as Lewis and Clark did hundreds of years ago.
If this doesn't take your breath away, we don't know what will.
While we can't provide the exact coordinates for Idaho's most remote spot, we can definitely tell you that you'll feel a million miles away from everything no matter where you are in the Frank. Watch IPTV's video to learn more about the history of this wild and scenic place!
Reaching the most remote place in Idaho is quite the arduous hike. With only rugged wildlife trails to follow and not much else, we recommend that only experienced hikers consider attempting this intense week-long adventure. But it's definitely amazing to dream about nevertheless!
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Have you ever visited the Frank Church Wilderness or rafted the Salmon River? It's definitely breathtaking!
If you're looking for a ruggedly scenic place to stay and truly get away from it all in this most 'Idaho' way possible, check out this wilderness lodge in the middle of nowhere.
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