Unit 49

Vegetation varies because of extreme elevation differences. Lowlands are mainly farm fields planted in alfalfa, grass hay and other crops and grassy pastures with low brush. Willows, birches, alders, grasses and sedges grow in wet areas with cottonwood groves growing along the Wood River. Douglas firs, Engelmann, blue spruces, aspens, subalpine firs and lodgepole pines grow above 6,500 feet on most eastern and northern slopes. Huckleberries, snowberries, white spirea, mallow ninebark, Oregon grape and other shrubs and forbs grow on forest floors. Southern and western slopes are covered with grass and sagebrush with willows and aspens found in draws. Most terrain above 9,000 feet is open with rock slides in some areas and grassy and brushy basins and draws. Scattered and sparse trees grow between 9,000 feet and 10,000 feet. Few trees grow above 9,500 feet. Alpine country has a lot of barren rock with large grassy basins with willows, other brush and forbs.

The northern half of the unit is mainly in the Sawtooth National Forest, which has good road access. The southern half of the unit has private, state and BLM land and includes two wilderness study areas — Friedman Creek and Little Wood — where motor vehicles are not allowed. Some of the best habitat in the south is on private property. Some foothills and mountains east of Sun Valley and Ketchum, including some ski slopes are privately held.

Some hunters camp along dirt roads, which is allowed on almost all public land. Forest Service campgrounds include Boundary, Sawmill and Federal Gulch. They usually close in September. A BLM campground is near Fish Creek Reservoir off Fish Creek Reservoir Road. Another campground is next to Little Wood Reservoir about 11 miles north of Cary. Riverside RV Park near Bellevue has 48 sites for daily fees. Ketchum and Sun Valley have several lodging options, including Knob Hill Inn and Tamarack Lodge.