North Fork Boise River

North Fork Boise River is a moderate out-and-back hike in Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area of the Sawtooth National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail crosses wilderness boundaries. The route is about 4.9 miles long and runs from the high point at 7,314 feet down to the low point at 5,245 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 4,672 feet. That makes the climb roughly double the single-way gain of about 2,054 feet. The steepest stretch comes at mile 1.6, where the grade reaches about 32 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. At the Stanley airport weather station, 13 miles away, typical July and August highs average around 80°F, with July and August typically the warmest months. Winter is cold. A nearby station at 6,500 feet shows typical January highs around 29°F. Grandjean Campground, about 4 miles away, is the closest place to camp. Wapiti Creek and Wapiti Creek Trail are both within about 4 miles. Baron Spire, also known as Old Smoothie, a climbing area, is about 6 miles off.