What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Malm Gulch Trailhead
The Malm Gulch Trailhead is just a few miles north of the Deadman Hole Recreation Site off of State Highway 75. Exploration of the gulch takes hikers through the remnants of a petrified forest on an easy walk that's perfect for all skill levels. The short, out-and-back trail features two interpretive areas with signs describing what the gulch was like over 50 million years ago. You can also walk among the remaining stumps of the ancient redwood forest. Expect a two-mile drive from the turnoff to the trailhead unless you'd prefer to hike in from the parking area closest to the highway.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing & Boating
Deadman Hole Recreation Site lies adjacent to the Salmon River, which offers some of the best fishing in Idaho due to its high concentration and variety of fish species. Anglers have chances to snag sockeye and Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, mountain whitefish, steelhead, and three types of trout—bull, cutthroat, and rainbow. The recreation area also has a boat ramp for nonmotorized watercraft. Peaceful parts of the river are great for floating, while whitewater sections further north are popular for kayaking and rafting.
Climbing
Opportunities for rock climbing are just one mile south of Challis along Highway 75. Two climbable rock faces are noticeable from the highway, where there is a large pull-off area for parking. Each route offers a different climbing experience. No Time to Die is a sport climbing route with two challenging pitches, but if you prefer a traditional climb, Die Another Day is a short but epic crack route without a lot of choss.
Wildlife Viewing
Because of its prime location along the Salmon River, Deadman Hole Recreation Site is home to a variety of fish species along with large and small game animals. Mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars are among the mammals that roam through the area. You're also likely to see beavers, marmots, river otters, and skunks. Waterfowl and songbirds are frequently spotted during migration season, and other birds such as chukar and partridge reside in the area throughout the year.
Picnicking
Deadman Hole Recreation Site allows visitors to picnic in the primitive camping area at designated picnic shelters, though picnicking is also permitted throughout the recreation area.
OHV Riding
The area surrounding Deadman Hole Recreation Site is abundant with OHV trails for riders of all skill levels. Popular trails such as the Snake Ridge Trail, Lombard Trail, and Jimmy Smith Trail offer various types of terrain that range from rocky hills to flat dirt roads. Most of the trails are just a few miles from Deadman Hole.
