Challis, Idaho is a rural mountain community of about 1000+ people.  Highway 93 is a major thoroughfare that stretches all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Missoula, Montana and on to the Canadian border, passing through the central part of Idaho where Challis is located.  Spring, summer and fall are busy traffic times for Challis as many vacationers, hunters, and seasonal workers are in the area.  National Forest Service and  Bureau of Land Management are two major employers who bring in a number of seasonal employees. And because this region is known for its trophy elk and mule deer populations, hunters come from all over the country for the fall season. 

       

Challis is situated less than 20 miles from the Frank Church “River of No Return” Wilderness Area.  Vacationers come from great distances to visit the historic mining area of the Yankee Fork, float the Salmon River, enjoy pack trips into the National Forest, and see the lands first visited by Lewis and Clark.  The Salmon River offers fabulous steelhead fishing, and all the lakes and streams in the area provide excellent trout fishing. This central part of Idaho is popular also because of the rugged beauty of the area.