Slate Creek Recreation Site ~ Idaho

Flickr album link: Slate Creek Recreation Site

​The summer season is busy at the primary destinations out west, but soon after Labor Day the tourism industry experiences a lull during the change of seasons. For those who have the patience to wait till the big crowds go home, starting a tour this time of year will guarantee plenty of breathing room. This is especially true at the lesser known outdoor destinations up north and these place usually sit empty until the next summer tourist season rolls around. In fact, just about the only visitors are anglers, hunters and bird watchers. Those who have the savvy to enjoy the wide open spaces and endure some chilly nights will find the peace and quiet that many people assume no longer exists. 

One of the best bets for finding fall season peaceful solitude is to head for the rivers up in the mountains of Idaho. The bass boats are already stored for the winter and the whitewater river rafters have all gone home, so endless miles of the waterways can be explored without hardly ever seeing another soul. The Salmon River definitely offers this kind of opportunity and there are many options for finding a lonesome campsite right on the riverbank. Some of the developed sites will close before the water freezes, while the primitive areas have few limits, which is something to keep in mind.

The BLM Slate Creek Recreation Site definitely is one such destination that practically sits empty after Labor Day. This nifty little recreation area is located on the Lower Salmon River and the grounds are immaculate, just like a well maintained city park. This small campground features a boat launch, gazebos, picnic tables, basic facilities and chargrill fire rings. This is a very picturesque section of the Lower Salmon River and there is plenty to explore in the area. For those who yearn to do some fly fishing and wildlife viewing between the seasons, the Slate Creek Recreation Site is well worth chalking up high on the list!
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