The Clearwater National Forest is nestled on the west side of the Bitterroot Mountains in north central Idaho. The high mountains on the east descend to the fertile Palouse prairie to the west. Elevations range from a low of 1,600 climbing to nearly 9,000 feet. Within the borders of the Clearwater National Forest are 1.8 million acres of northern Rocky Mountain paradise land as significant as any in the national-forest system in terms of historic interest, wildlife habitat and recreational potential. The Clearwater National Forest is almost completely surrounded by other forests and wilderness area. The remarkable Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area lies within the borders. Bitterroot National Forest, which is known for its wide variety of plant and animal life, runs along Clearwater’s southeast border. To the south is the 2.2-million acre Nez Perce National Forest and to the direct west are Orofino and Lolo State Forests. Directly to the east is Montana’s Lolo National Forest, where the deep canyons and steep terrain please hikers and rock climbers alike. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area lies southwest of Clearwater, over the Oregon border.
The North Fork of the Clearwater and the Lochsa rivers provide miles of tumbling white water interspersed with quiet pools for migratory and resident fish. The mountains provide habitat for elk, moose, whitetail and mule deer, black bear, gray wolf, cougar, mountain goats and many smaller mammals.
The ridges between the deep canyons have provided travel corridors across the mountains for centuries. These routes were used by the Nez Perce Indians and, in 1805-1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Today the main travel route is U. S. Highway 12 following the dramatic canyon of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River and its tributary the Lochsa River.
Recreation
The Clearwater National Forest’s 1.8 million acres of diverse and spectacular mountainous country provide recreation opportunities and an important stimulus to the area’s economy. The Clearwater offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, rafting, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Clearwater National Forest
12730 U. S. Highway 12
Orofino, ID 83544
Phone: 208-476-4541
Weather/Climate
The weather in the Clearwater National Forest varies with elevation. Summers tend to bring clear days, with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Daytime highs are normally warm to moderate, with relatively cool to cold nights, depending on elevation. Winter can bring cold temperatures with heavy snows, especially at the high elevations. Sunny days are common between winter storms.
