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Musselshell Meadows
Only 30 minutes southeast of the town of Pierce in north central Idaho, visitors will find Musselshell Meadows. Home to beautiful and rare wildlife, dense forests, eye catching scenery, and interpretation explaining the significance of the area. OHV trail riding, hiking, fishing, hunting, scenic driving, horse trail riding, wildlife viewing and for the winter sports enthusiasts, cross country skiing and snowmobiling, are only a few of the fun memory making adventures awaiting you at Musselshell Meadows--and with parking for several vehicles provided, you can bring the whole family!
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | FS Road 100 is groomed for snowmobile access during the winter months. Some access to the Musselshell WC area is not plowed during the winter. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No Fee. |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Stock not allowed in meadow. |
| Closest Towns: | Pierce and Weippe, ID |
| Water: | No drinking water provided. |
| Restroom: | 1 vault toilet at north end of meadow near the Trail 40A trailhead |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Lochsa/Powell Ranger District, 208-926-4274 |
Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is available on some of the surrounding developed roads.
Dispersed Camping
Some dispersed camping available on roads in the area and near trailhead.
General Info:
DirectionsFrom Orofino, ID travel east on Highway 12 for 7 miles, then turn Left on ID 11. Travel for 17.8 miles toward Pierce, where road turns into Musselshell Rd. or FS Road 100. Travel another 11.5 miles and turn Left onto Rd 535, in 1 mile the Shell will be on your left.
Day Hiking
Trail 40A: Musselshell Meadow Trail; connecting trail to Nee Me Poo National Historic Trail; .3 miles; approx. 1 hour; an easy walk beginning at junction with Road 535 at north end of Musselshell Meadows and ending at trail 40, the Nee Me Poo National Historic Trail.
Learn all about the Nee Me Poo National Historic Trail here!
Horse Riding
Horse riding is available on Trail 40.
Big Game Hunting
Viewing Wildlife
The area has a wide diversity of wildlife, including deer, moose, elk, wolf, geese, ducks, etc. especially in spring and summer. This site has a Watchable Wildlife nature trail near the mill pond.
Viewing Plants
This site presents a rare mix of mesic to wet meadow habitats surrounded by dense coniferous forest. Considered a Northern Region Wildlife and Plant viewing area: Click here to learn more and see beautiful pictures of the plants!
OHV Trail Riding
With gentle grades and wide trails, the 12.5 mile loop is ideal for families and beginners. The trails are open only to vehicles 50 inches or less in width, so this is not a ride for UTVs.
Click here for a map of the trail system.
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Interpretive Areas
The meadows were, and still are, an important gathering ground for the native Nez Perce people. Camas (Camassia quamash) root was particularly prized by the Nez Perce. This location is near the site where William Clark of the Corps of Discovery encountered young Nez Perce boys who led them to their camp after their arduous crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains in September 1805.
There's an interprative panel at the site where vistors can learn more.
Picnicking
Scenic Driving
This area is known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Come take a slow drive through the surroundings and see for yourself!
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
There are many opportunities for cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the Musselshell Meadows area.
Click here to see a map of the trails!
Snowmobiling
During the winter months FS Road 100 is groomed for snowmobile use.
Location
