The Ultimate Guide to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Idaho is an underrated part of the country to begin with, but the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest might be one of the best parts of the state. If you’re looking to explore some of Idaho’s best scenery and to enjoy it without it crowds, this is the spot to do it. For pretty much any outdoor recreational activity, you an find it in this stunning national forest (fall is a beautiful time to go if you want to see a stunning change of leaves).
Everything you need to know about visiting Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
This guide covers what you need to know when you’re planning on exploring Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.
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Map of Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Where is Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Tucked away in the northwestern area of the U.S., Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is a beautiful spot that spans four million acres. This forest sits in north-central Idaho, offering views of canyons, uplands, and thickly wooded areas.
Nearly half of the forest area is wilderness, providing an excellent location for nature lovers to explore. There are many recreational activities available in this forest, ranging from fishing to white water rafting, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
Named after the Nez Perce Indians, this forest includes the infamous Lolo Trail, followed by Lewis and Clark on their expeditions. This trail remains a sacred area for the Nez Perce indigenous people.
How do I get to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Gravel and paved roads run throughout the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, providing convenient access to campgrounds and trailheads throughout the forest.
You’ll find many other methods of transport available throughout the forest, including off-roading vehicles, mountain bikes, snowmobiles (in winter), and more. Paper and digital maps are available, alerting you to areas specifically marked for OHV vehicles and other transportation methods.
You can find more information about digital maps on the Avenza website, with the option to download the app for easier digital map access.
When is the best time to visit Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is open year-round. However, some forest areas, including specific campgrounds, are closed during winter to account for the weather. Depending on the activities you’re pursuing, a different time of the year will be best for a visit.
In the summer, you can enjoy various watersports available at the national forest, along with hiking and exploring the trails. In the winter, you can go skiing, sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing.
Spring and fall bring changing colors and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for exploration of the area. The recreation opportunities are endless in this national forest, regardless of the season.
Can I camp in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is chock-full of camping options, ranging from dispersed campsites to RV campgrounds. Spending a night or two at a developed campground includes amenities such as vault toilets, drinking water, swimming ponds, fire rings, etc.
Each developed campground has a fee, though it varies between campsites. You’ll also notice that some amenities are seasonal at campsites, such as running water. Some campgrounds are only open during peak season, while others offer year-round camping opportunities. As always, check into your desired campground to ensure it’s open, available, and offering the amenities you need before crafting a trip.
Below are varying options for camping in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest:
- Ditch Creek Campground
- Five Mile Campground
- Red River Campground
- Sam’s Creek Campground
- Wild Goose Campground
- Wilderness Gateway Campground
- Granite Springs Campground
- Washington Creek Campground
- Weitas Creek Campground
- Rackliff Campground
- Selway Falls Campground
Can I rent a cabin in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Perhaps you’re unsure of the weather or need a break from tent camping. If that’s the case, there are plenty of cabins and lookouts to rent in this national forest. These cabins are rustic so that you won’t have modern amenities.
However, you’ll find the cabins provide a safe, comfortable spot to spend a few nights. Most cabins can hold around six people and offer convenient access to activities such as tubing, fishing, and more. These cabins also provide exquisite views of the surrounding nature.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest offers an array of cabins, including:
Is there dispersed camping in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Luckily for those who enjoy camping off-the-grid, most park areas allow dispersed camping. There are a few notes to remember when planning a dispersed camping trip to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, including the following.
You can only camp at a dispersed site for up to 18 days. After that, you need to find a site that is at least five miles away from your initial camping area. There may also be additional rules listed at campgrounds, so it’s necessary to check out all the signage in the area to ensure you’re camping correctly.
Below are a few dispersed campsites in the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest:
- Lake Creek Trailhead
- Mallard Creek Campground
- Musselshell Meadows
- Burnt Knob Lookout
- Fourth Of July Trailhead
- Iron Phone Junction Campground
Is there group camping in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Group camping is available at the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. It’s an ideal way for you to spend time with a larger number of people in a shared space. Each group campground has a different number of maximum campers allowed. Ensure you check the details of your desired campsite before heading to the park.
It’s necessary to reserve some of the group campsites beforehand, so double-check the requirements for your site. Otherwise, the group may need to separate and camp at different sites.
Below, you’ll find a list of some of the group campsites in Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest:
- South Fork Group Use Site #5
- Glade Creek Group Campground
- Aquarius Campground and Purple Beach Group Site
- Fish Creek Group Use Campground
- Johnson Bar Campground & Group Site
Is there RV camping in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
RV camping sites are spread throughout the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Some RV-suitable campgrounds are located in developed sites. Other areas that can accommodate smaller RVs coincide with dispersed camping locations.
Always contact the local Forest Services office first to ensure the available spots can accommodate the size of your RV. This is especially important if you’re traveling in a larger RV, as some available sites are best for small to medium RVs.
Below are some RV camping areas found in Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest:
- Leggett Creek Campground
- Powell Campground
- Wendover Campground
- Giant White Pine Campground and Trailhead
- Boyd Creek Campground
Do I need to have a backcountry permit for Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
No backcountry permit is required for spending time in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. However, there are permits for specific activities during peak season. For example, spending time on the water at the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Selway, and the Snake requires a permit purchase.
Permits are also required to gather specific goods, such as Christmas trees, firewood, poles, etc. There are also fees and costs associated with staying in a developed campsite. Overall, you’ll find a visit to this national forest to be budget-friendly, even with the inclusion of excursions and activities.
Can I bring my dog to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
You can plan to bring your pup to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, as many of the trails are dog-friendly. Ensure you keep your dog leashed while hiking using a leash that’s six feet or shorter in length.
Dogs are allowed at quite a few areas around the park, including picnic areas, campsites, hiking trails, and on the side of roads in the national forest. Some locations in the park do not allow dogs, like buildings and specific cabins. There is an exception for service dogs, as they are allowed in the park buildings. As a reminder, never leave your dog unattended.
What do I need to know about bears in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest?
Black bears are the most common type of bears you’ll see in the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest. These bears are generally non-aggressive, so there’s no need to worry. However, it’s best to take preventative measures to avoid a conflict.
Below, you’ll find a few general guidelines to help you avoid bear conflicts:
- Always travel in a group and avoid traveling at dusk, early in the morning, and early at night.
- Avoid traveling too quickly, as this can cause you to surprise a bear.
- Never feed wildlife or bears; keep all food in a bear-resistant container.
- Clap or talk loudly to alert bears that you are coming; this will also help prevent surprising a bear.
Hiking trails in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Hiking is one of the top activities in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. You’ll find a peaceful location to explore with trails offering views of lakes, streams, and the Clearwater Mountains. The Clearwater Mountains in Idaho is the largest mountain range in the state, making a trip to the trails more than worthwhile.
Snake River Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 28 Miles
The Snake River Trail is a full-day excursion, depending on your hiking skill level. Expect it to take about 13 hours to cover the entire route of this out-and-back trail. It’s an ideal trek for backpackers, hikers, and campers who want views of the canyon and Snake River.
Campsites are situated along the trail, offering many opportunities to split up the route into a multiple-day affair. You’ll also see old homesteads along the route, providing a unique trail experience. Keep an eye out for pictographs from various Native American tribes as they run along the Snake River Trail.
Skookum Butte
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.6 Miles
This trail will only take about two hours, providing an excellent opportunity to explore nature in the area without committing to a long excursion. It’s a less popular trail, so expect a peaceful hike when traveling on the Skookum Butte route.
This trail is mainly shaded, offering a top choice for warmer days in the national forest. Expect a steep incline nearby the mountain, which will be easier with hiking shoes and poles. Dogs are allowed on this trail, though some areas require your dog to be leashed. Head to Skookum Butte between July and September for the best hiking weather.
Lower Canyon Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 Miles
Situated near Riggins, Idaho, this out-and-back trail will take about four hours to complete. Like the Skookum Butte route, the Lower Canyon Lake trail will mainly take you through shaded areas. So, it’s a great choice for hotter days in Idaho.
You’ll find mountain brooks along the route, where you can stop for a break and refill your water canister. At the end of the trail, you’ll come across Canyon Lake. You can go for a swim in the lake to cool off after a rigorous hike with many grade changes. As there are many uphills and downhills spread throughout the trail, this route may not be suitable for younger kids or the elderly.
Sheep Lake
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 14.8 Miles
Also found in Riggins, Idaho, the Sheep Lake route is the most challenging on this list. It’s a 14.8 out-and-back trail that will take about 9.5 hours from start to finish. You can also hike this trail in the winter, though keep an eye out for slippery spots, especially near the Sheep Lake Shortcut.
You’ll see stunning views of the Seven Devils Mountains along the route. Make sure to pack plenty of water, as a good portion of the Sheep Lake Trail does not offer shade cover. This trail can be a bit challenging to follow, so it’s best to download an offline version of the trail map to help you stay on track.
Have you ever been to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest? Let me know in the comments!
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