It is a block-shaped region 102 miles (164 km) north-south and 122 miles (196 km) east-west, covering nearly 8,900 square miles (23,000 km2). The West Salmon River Mountains lie between the Little and South Forks of the Salmon, the Central range is between the South and Middle Forks, and the East range is defined by the mountains east of the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Although the northwestern corner of the range is only about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of the river port of Lewiston, the Salmon River Mountains are often said to be one of the remotest areas in the contiguous United States.[1]