Idaho WSAs 

Salmon Wilderness Study Area - Eighteenmile WSA

Most recreation activity in the WSA is associated with big-game hunting in the fall. Other uses include dispersed hiking and sight-seeing. The WSA is closed to all motorized use - as a result the WSA has become a popular location for non-motorized big-game hunters. Prior to visiting the WSA, we suggest you contact the Salmon Field Office for maps and information regarding access.

General Location: southeast of Leadore, Idaho; along Idaho-Montana border

Natural Features: The landscape within the WSA is mountainous - moving from foothills, to grassy meadows, to the steep cliffs along the Continental Divide. Vegetation varies from sagebrush-grass communities at lower elevations to forests of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine at the higher elevations.

The BLM supports Wilderness designation for all 14,796 acres of this WSA.

Rationale for Recommendation:

• Solitude - Outstanding opportunity for solitude due to rugged terrain, vegetative screening, remoteness and limited accessibility.
• Primitive and Unconfined Recreation - Excellent opportunities for backpacking, rock hounding, hunting, wildlife viewing, and cross-country skiing. Use is normally precluded between December and May because access roads surrounding the WSA are closed due to snow.
• Special Features - The Continental Divide forms the eastern boundary of the WSA.