The Payette National Forest encompasses some of Idaho's most beautiful and diverse country. Located in west-central Idaho north of Boise, the 2.3 million acre forest extends 100 miles west to east from Hells Canyon to the Middle Fork Salmon River. It stretches 70 miles north to south, from the Salmon River to the Weiser River. Highways 95 and 55 cross the Forest and meet in New Meadows.