1.8 million acre Clearwater National Forest is nestled on the west side of the Bitterroot Mountains in north-central Idaho and encompasses the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The high mountains on the east descend to the fertile Palouse prairie to the west. Several major tributaries to the Columbia River flow through the forest. The Clearwater River runs through deep canyons, dramatic "slashes" cut through the mountains. 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 excellent wildlife habitat of these mountains provides for large herds of elk, moose, and other big game. The ridges between the deep canyons have provided travel corridors across the mountains for centuries of mankind, including 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.

• Lochsa -
• North Fork -
• Palouse -

• Explore the high mountains on the east or descend into the fertile Palouse prairie to the west.
• Dig for fossil remains near Elk River.
• Walk the ridges between the deep canyons following in the footsteps of the Nez Perce Indians and the Lewis and Clark Expedition team.
• Watch for a variety of wildlife including elk, bear, moose, cougars, and more.