We hunted the Salmon last year (2017). Hunted the Sawtooth region the year before. This year, I hunted Colorado for a change of pace. I still haven't got an elk, but hopefully the 4th time is a charm.
This year we are discussing the Salmon again. The camp grounds and trail heads will be full of campers. You can work past them and have large areas to yourself. Only other hunters I saw away from the roads, were 2 guys on horseback. Still trying to figure out the anterless deer tag thing. Despite everyone talking about a 2016 mule deer kill-off, we were seeing mule deer everyday. BIL did shoot a small mulie buck.
Big tip: Have chains. Biggest mistake we made was not having chains. The mud was even worse than the snow. We spent a lot of time trying to get to areas we had planned on hunting, only to be forced to turn around and try plan B and C.
Another tip. Get the Avenza app and download the Salmon-Challis NF Motor Vehicle Use Map series. There are 3 or 4 maps you will need, they do not show terrain, but show the road networks which will help you out in getting around. You can also get them for free in the forestry offices.
