A large part of Blaine County lies in the Saw tooth
national forest. This reserve was created by President Roosevelt on
May 29, 1905, its original area being 1,947,520 acres. An addition
of 1,392,640 acres was made on November 6, 1906. The name "Forest
Reserves" was changed to "National Forests" in 1907. Major Frank E.
Fenn was the first supervisor, with headquarters at Boise. He was
later transferred to northern Idaho and was succeeded by Emil
Grandjean. On July 1, 1908, the Sawtooth Forest was divided, and the
local unit, retaining the name "Sawtooth," was placed under the
administration of Clarence N. Woods as supervisor, with headquarters
at Hailey. In the fall of 1914, Mr. Woods was transferred to Ogden,
Utah, and his place was taken by M. S. Benedict. Shortly after war
was declared against Germany on April 6, 1917, Mr. Benedict left for
training camp, and was succeeded by Herbert G. Mc Pheters, who held
the position until Benedict returned as a captain in the spring of
1919. Three other members of the Sawtooth Forest Force saw service
in the World war, namely, Guy C. Hendrickson, who was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, John Gilman and Albert R. Griffith, all of whom
saw service overseas.
The Sawtooth Forest is considered very beneficial to Blaine and
Lincoln Counties. Its lofty mountains, its many lakes and streams,
its great forage resources, are contributing, in one way or another,
to the welfare of the residents of these counties. It is protecting
from damage the headwaters of Wood River, without which the valley
would be a desert as the white man found it, it furnishes lumber and
fuel for local needs, its extensive ranges are the means of feeding
many thousands of sheep and lambs during the summer season and of
finishing for - market thousands of Idaho's prime lambs. The
government is building a comprehensive road and trail system and
making other improvements to open up, conserve, and protect the
forest. In the forests of pine and fir are bear, deer and small
game. Deer are protected by law. But during the open season, hunters
from far and near, duly licensed, with high-powered rifles kill
scores of these beautiful, inoffensive, fleet footed creatures. In
those beautiful lakes are several varieties of fish, chief of which
are salmon and mountain trout. This forms an ideal resort in summer
for recreation and amusement. James McDonald, the Hailey
millionaire, has a country residence on the beautiful shore of
Pettit Lake. The snow capped peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains range
all the way from 10,000 to 12,000 feet in altitude. The bracing
mountain air and the sublimity of the scene make it seem like an
earthly paradise to those who are fortunate enough to take advantage
of its attractions.
This region is often referred to as "The Switzerland of America."
Hyndrnan Peak is 12,078 feet above sea level. It forms a part of the
boundary line between Blaine and Custer Counties and is about 18
miles in a northeasterly direction in an air line from Hailey, or
about 24 miles by the road and trail. The view from its summit is
indescribably grand, as the writer knows at first hand. While
contemplating the grandeur of this scene the following words of
Byron irresistibly came to mind: "Though sluggards deem it but a
foolish chase, And marvel men should quit their easy chair, The
toilsome way, and long, long league to trace, Oh! there is sweetness
in the mountain air, And life, that bloated ease can never hope to
share."
Wood River, from which the valley takes its name, rises in the
Sawtooth Mountains and drains a region of about 100 miles in length
from north to south, and about 60 miles in width from east to west.
Its principal tributaries are the Malad, Little Wood River, Silver
Creek, Rock Creek, Deer creek, East Fork, Warm Springs Creek,
Prairie creek, and Cherry Creek. Without these streams, the valleys
would be nothing but barren wastes. Fish are to be found in all
these streams, but Wood River and Silver Creek are especially famed
for their trout, and tourists from afar visit this region
principally as disciples of Izaak Walton. Grouse and sage hens are
plentiful throughout the county.
Blaine County |
