Idaho · Hiking · Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness · Near Ketchum

Upper North Fork

5.4 mi
round trip
1,339 ft
climb
8,489 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Upper North Fork open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Sawtooth National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Sawtooth National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Upper North Fork is a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike in Idaho's Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness, part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area within the Sawtooth National Forest. The trail climbs from about 7,156 feet to 8,489 feet, a gain of 1,339 feet, and is rated moderate. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is open year-round. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. That makes it a good fit for a pack horse trip or a day on foot with a pack. The route is a straightforward climb, and the high point sits well above the starting point. The surrounding wilderness and recreation area offer plenty to pair with the hike. Amber Gulch and West Fork-North Fork are both about 1.3 miles away, and East Fork is about 2.5 miles off. For an overnight base, Caribou Campground is about 3.7 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Cougar Cg

    Campground

    Campground · 3.3 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    The Sun Valley Club

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 12 mi
  • If it rains

    Sun Valley Museum of Art

    Museum

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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