Outdoor Recreation resources

Prepare for the elements with up-to-date forecasts and road conditions.

• NOAA forecasts – National weather predictions and updates.
• US SNOTEL data – Snow depth and mountain weather reports.
• Idaho 511 road reports – Live traffic and road closure information.

Stay safe on the water with real-time flow data and river guides.

• Idaho and national river levels – Real-time flow conditions.
• Mountain Buzz – River beta and gear discussion.
• American Whitewater – River access, safety info and advocacy.

Explore winter backcountry responsibly and plan your resort visits.

• Avalanche.org – National avalanche forecasts.
• Wallowa Avalanche Center
• Wallowa Alpine Huts (WAH) – Guided ski trips and hut rentals.
• Winter Wildlands Alliance – Advocacy and education.
• Brundage Mountain
• Silver Mountain Resort
• Lookout Pass Ski Area
• Schweitzer Mountain

Discover where to hike, ride, paddle or explore in and around the Palouse.

• North Idaho River Trips – Paddling and rafting options.
• Road Ride the Palouse – Scenic road cycling routes.
• Local Mountain Bike Areas – Top trails near Moscow.
• Palouse Region Day Trips– Easy getaways for hiking, nature and more.
• North Idaho Winter Backcountry Tours – Guided or self-led snowy adventures.
• XC Ski and Snow Tours – Trails and routes for winter recreation.

Connect with groups that support outdoor safety, education and access.

• Moscow Mountain Bike Association
• Desert Mountain Medicine
• Swiftwater Safety Institute
• Redside Foundation
• Association of Outdoor Recreational and Education
• Climbing Wall Association
• Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
• NW Collegiate Climbing Circuit (NC3)

Adventure awaits in UIdaho’s Experimental Forest

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing are great ways to explore the U of I Experimental Forest's (UIEF) roads and trails. Visitors are encouraged to use trails at the Upper Hatter, Hemlock, Basalt Hill and Big Meadow Creek Special Management Areas (SMAs), as well as a network of smaller SMA parcels, that support research and teaching throughout the UIEF.

In 2024 and 2025, UIEF is enhancing its trail system with the installation of seven custom-built timber bridges over streams along some of the most picturesque trails. These additions will improve accessibility and enrich the hiking experience. Additionally, 16 professionally designed informational signs about forestry are being installed throughout the forest, offering educational insights into the area's ecology and management practices.

View a digital map of UIEF recreation areas for the most up-to-date information on trail maintenance and closures.

Download UIEF recreation area maps.

UIEF rules and regulations for recreation activities

• Follow all signs and do not interrupt research activities.
• No motorized recreational access of any kind is permitted in the experimental forest.
• Target shooting is not allowed.

Hunting

All hunting on the experimental forest land requires a no-cost permit. Permits and more information can be obtained by emailing cnr-uief@uidaho.edu.

Hunting is not allowed at the Roger Guernsey Outdoor Classroom (Pinestia), Blodgett Outdoor Classroom or Big Meadow Creek recreational area because of the small size and heavy recreational use. 

Cross-country skiing

Groomed cross-country skiing is available on the Flat Creek unit of the UIEF. Students work the cross-country ski trails in the area, ensuring visitors have a clear and comfortable path to explore.

To ski on the UIEF, please complete the Cross-Country Skiing Permit form.  Please make a donation when filling out the form — your support makes grooming possible. You can also download a trail map for the Flat Creek unit that is compatible with the Avenza Maps phone app.

Hiking, biking and riding

UIEF offers a diverse network of trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Notable routes include the 2.7-mile Camp 1 Loop near Princeton, known for its easy terrain and scenic beauty, and the Big Meadow Creek trail, a popular choice for both hiking and mountain biking.

No permit or reservation is required to use UIEF trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding.