Recreation

A Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness sign nailed to a tree next to a trail in the forest

Our recreation opportunities are organized by activity and by corridor. To browse by activity type, use the drop-down menu above to select your activity of choice.

To browse recreation areas by location, click on the corridor name below. Learn more about each corridor on the Travel Planner page.

Outfitter and Guide Information

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The table below highlights the status and current conditions of popular recreation locations on the forest. For more information about each location, click on the link under Area Name to navigate to the page dedicated to each location.

Sites that are open seasonally are typically open during the summer months, but precise opening and closing dates vary by location. Please click on the Area Name for opening and closing dates for specific locations for the current season.

This table is not an exhaustive list of recreation opportunities on the forest. For more information, please click the corridor names above or the activity names in the left-hand column.

At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations for all reservable sites - campgrounds, cabins, lookouts, etc. - are made on www.Recreation.gov.

Activities

Sand Play

Areas for Sand Play at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Mountain Biking

Photo of people cycling. Mountains in the background. Check out Meadow Creek Trail #726. Mountain bikes are allowed on the first three miles through this beautiful area. As you travel through an area similar to a rainforest you can expect to see ferns, mosses and cedar trees in abundance. Be alert, you could be sharing the trail with motorbike or horse riders.

Areas for Mountain Biking at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Campground Camping

A picnic table under a cedar tree at a campground in the forest

Scroll down for a list of campgrounds on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests!

Developed campground fees vary per site. Water and garbage services are provided at some sites during peak season. You will find volunteer campground hosts at some campgrounds. The hosts can provide good information about places to go and see. Some sites within the campgrounds can be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777.

The stay limit at a developed campground is 14 days.

A few rules may be posted in campgrounds or at popular dispersed sites. The rules are meant to protect the site and the environment and to help you enjoy your camping trip.

Areas for Campground Camping at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

RV Camping

Some of our developed sites can accommodate larger RVs and some dispersed sites can accommodate small and medium sized RVs. It’s best to check with the local Forest Service office prior to pulling your RV into an area. Many places could turn out to be a tight spot.

Areas for RV Camping at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Group Camping

A group campsite in the forest with multiple picnic tables and fire rings

Scroll down for a list of group camping areas on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests!

There are several group camping areas on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Some of these sites can be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777.

Johnson Bar Group Site sits on the scenic Selway River. Site #5 of the South Fork Campground off of Highway 14 is a group use site. Fish Creek Group Use is a primitive site one mile south of the developed Fish Creek Campground.

Areas for Group Camping at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Dispersed Camping

A campfire ring made of rocks sits in an open camping space next to a river.

Scroll down for a list of some dipersed camping areas on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests!

Currently the forest is open to dispersed camping in most areas. Limited motorized access for dispersed camping or parking may be allowed from the centerline of designated roads (300 feet) and designated trails (100 feet).

Camping in dispersed sites is limited to a total of 18 days use. Camps must be moved to a minimum of 5 miles from the original site to qualify for a new 18-day limit; camps cannot be returned to the original sites within 45 days [36 CFR 261.58(a)].

A few rules may be posted in campgrounds or at popular dispersed sites. The rules are meant to protect the site and the environment and to help you enjoy your camping trip.

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Cabin Rentals

A small cabin near the edge of a tall cliff overlooking a lake in the forest

Take yourself to the “way back when” and rent one of our rustic cabins or lookouts. This is as close to nature as you can get with a roof over your head.

Scroll down for a list of cabin rentals on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests!

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Lake and Pond Fishing

photo of a pond, mountains and trees There are many lakes and ponds on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The Fenn Pond, near the Historic Fenn Ranger Station, is stocked by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. It has a smooth accessible trail and boardwalk and is ideal for children and those who cannot traverse rugged terrain.

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

River and Stream Fishing

Photo of people fishing from boulders. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are famous for wild waters. We are bordered to the south by the Salmon River, also known as “The River of No Return.” Portions of this river are designated wild and scenic. To the west, the Snake River cuts a deep swath through Hells Canyon, a national recreation area. To the northeast is the Selway River, a wild and scenic river with premier rafting opportunities. Through the middle is the South Fork of the Clearwater River which offers prime steelhead and salmon to the fishing enthusiast. Many streams feed into these mighty rivers and lakes can be found nestled in the high mountain peaks.

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Day Hiking

Photo of people hiking through a grassy area There are day use opportunities where you can literally step out your back door and enjoy the Forest.

Areas for Day Hiking at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Backpacking

Over one half of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are Wilderness. The remoteness of our forests adds to their allure, requiring a commitment of time from visitors along with backcountry and recreation skills. Be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions and terrain. There are no communication services in most areas of the forest.

Areas for Backpacking at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Horse Camping

There are access points into the wilderness areas located on within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Some points offer a stock loading ramp, stock feeders, hitch racks and/or a corral. Contact local forest offices for specific information.

Areas for Horse Camping at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Horse Riding

There are access points into the wilderness areas located on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Some points offer a stock loading ramp, stock feeders, hitch racks and/or a corral. Contact local forest offices for specific information.

Areas for Horse Riding at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Big Game Hunting

Areas for Big Game Hunting at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Viewing Scenery

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are well known for its variety in landscapes. Elevations range from 9393 feet at He Devil in the Seven Devils Mountain Range to Jones Creek at 1083 feet. The forest is surrounded by Wild Water – the mighty Snake, the Salmon River of No Return, and the powerful and serene Selway. Some roads are only open for a few short months due to early snow fall and late snow melt. The forest experiences rain forest-like conditions in one area and summer temperatures in excess of 100 degrees a short distance to the south. Plan your trip well and enjoy these different locales.

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

OHV Camping

Photo of a man on a 4-wheeler rounding a corner of a dirt road, dark wooded area.

Areas for OHV Camping at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

OHV Trail Riding

Photo of a man riding a 4-wheeler on a curved, dirt road.

The Milner Trail is one example of an excellent off-highway vehicle route. The system is graveled having a tread surface of 8-16 feet in width with good sight distance and drainage. The grades are gentle and provide good travel for beginners and advanced users. The route is open year-round and is groomed by a local snowmobile club.

Visit the Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Guide web site for information on ATV trails in the State of Idaho.

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Visitor Centers

Areas for Visitor Centers at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Picnicking

Most of our campgrounds provide picnic tables and fire grates. There are many undeveloped picnic spots on the forest as well.

Currently the forest is open to dispersed use in most areas. The forest is in the process of gathering information and making a decision on future management. Limited motorized access for dispersed use or parking may be allowed from the centerline of designated roads (300 feet) and designated trails (100 feet).

The forest is yours to enjoy, watch, and keep clean. We ask that you leave it as you found it. You can report any damage you see to the nearest Forest office.

Areas for Picnicking at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Group Picnicking

Go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to find out which of our group picnic pavilions/areas are available for you to reserve.

Areas for Group Picnicking at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Scenic Driving

There are a number of scenic drives on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. For an introduction into our mining history consider a self guided tour of the Florence Basin. Not much exists of the mining district. The Gospel Hump Wilderness corridor is a rare scenic drive. The views are outstanding along this route; wilderness surrounds you on either side of the road. Another historical drive is the Elk City Wagon road from the town of Clearwater, all the way to Elk City. Interpretive signs are posted at prominent points along the route. And for the adventuresome, consider the Magruder Road Corridor east of Elk City to Darby, Montana. This primitive 101 mile road was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s and has held up to the test of time beautifully.

Areas for Scenic Driving at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Boating - Motorized

A silver jet boat navigating rough water in a rocky river canyon

The Main Salmon Wild and Scenic River (Long Tom Bar to Corn Creek) offers powerboat users a fun, challenging and beautiful trip through a deep and rugged canyon. The Main Salmon River travels east to west for over 80 miles bisecting both the Frank Church River of No Return and Selway Bitterroot Wilderness areas. This undammed, free flowing river contains many Class III and some Class IV rapids, depending on water level, and its whitewater characteristics change greatly over the course of the year as flows fluctuate. The Main Salmon not only offers river users the opportunity to seek solitude, but also provides a unique glimpse into the past, from prehistoric pictographs to old homesteads.

Permit and Season Information

For more information and to apply for/purchase a river permit, visit Main Salmon River (Powerboat), Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests - Recreation.gov.

There are two primary seasons on the Main Salmon: Control and Non-Control.

Control Season lasts from June 20th - September 7th each year. During this period, six powerboats are permitted on the river per day, with no more than three powerboats traveling together as a group. The maximum stay is limited to six nights and seven days during this season, with a maximum group size of 30.

There is no limit on the number of powerboats allowed on the river during Non-Control Season (September 8th - June 19th). The maximum stay limit during non-control season is 10 days and nine nights, and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Permits are required year-round for any river travel upstream of Vinegar Boat Ramp.

Important Dates

June 1, 2022: Control season permits available to reserve at 6 a.m. Eastern
June 20, 2022: Control Season Starts
September 8, 2022: Non-Control Season Starts

Control Season Regulations (June 20th - September 7th)

Permits are required year-round (in both control AND non-control season) for any river travel upstream of Vinegar Boat Ramp
Maximum party size is 30 people
Maximum stay of six nights, seven days
Up to three boats can travel together as a group. Each boat is required to have their own permit.
Permits are non-transferable. The permit holder must be present on the trip and is responsible for all members of their group.
Carry a copy of your permit and be ready to present it to Forest Service personnel upon request.
Boat registration numbers on motorized river craft must be displayed pursuant to state and federal requirements; this includes float craft with kicker motors.

Non-Control Season Regulations (September 8 - June 19)

Regulations are the same as listed above with the following exceptions:
- No limit on the number of powerboats in the river corridor or in a group
- Maximum stay is nine nights, 10 days

More information is available on our Powerboating Information webpage

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Boating - Non-Motorized

Photo of people in a raft on the river. Floating permits are required for the Salmon and Selway rivers. The Rivers Lottery went “green” in 2010, incorporating an entirely online system at Recreation.gov. Click on the Permits tab across the top of the screen. Each applicant will be required to have their own email address to create a profile online. Visit the Salmon-Challis NF web site for more information.

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Rental info:

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Swimming

Photo of people on the shore of the river.

Spring Bar Campground has a good beach area for swimming in the Salmon River. O’Hara Campground, located on the Selway River has good access to the river with some swimming spots. Johnson Bar, also on the Selway, is a nice beach location. There are many rafting opportunities where you can swim along with your group at times. South Fork Campground on the South Fork of the Clearwater River on State Highway 14 has river access for swimming also. Keep in mind these are large rivers with undertows which can take you by surprise – use caution when choosing to swim in our rivers.

Hours of Operation:
Rental info:

Areas for Swimming at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Tubing

Areas for Tubing at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Sledding/Tubing

Areas for Sledding/Tubing at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Palouse Corridor

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

A father and daughter ski happily in the snow at the Palouse Divide Ski Area Fish Creek Recreation Area is located just 7 miles south of Grangeville, Idaho. The area boasts a very popular Cross-Country skiing and snowshoeing trail. Recreationists can enjoy 1 to 7 miles of groomed trails. The trails are packed, groomed and tracked as weather and snow conditions permit.

See Fish Creek Meadows Brochure for more information. Fish Creek Meadows Park & Ski Area Map

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Snowmobiling

father and son have fun playing with their snowmobiles on a winter day in the Nez Perce-Clearwater We have many amazing places to adventure with your snowmobile on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Visit the Fish Creek Recreation Area, just 7 miles south of Grangeville, Idaho, or take a trip along the All American Road Highway 12 and visit the Lolo Pass Visitor Center's snowmobiling trails, or try one of our others within the North Fork Corridor and Palouse Corridor. Over 100 miles of trail are groomed by the Sno-Drifters Snowmobile club for snowmobiling each winter.