Clearwater National Forest

High summits descending to the Palouse Prairie, miles of white water punctuated by quiet pools and deep canyons providing passage through the Bitterroot Mountains are all part of the 1.8 million-acre Clearwater National Forest.

The ridges between the canyons have provided travel corridors for centuries. The forest is well known for its large herds of elk, moose and other big game animals. Wildlife use these routes to reach the excellent habitat in the mountains.

Lewis and Clark followed Native American routes through the area on their way to the Pacific. Today's traveler can follow a much easier route on the two-lane Lewis and Clark Highway.

There are campgrounds and picnic areas near the Lolo Pass Visitor Center.

There are numerous scenic drives, 1,700 miles of hiking trails, elk herds and white-water rivers. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on a thick blanket of snow.

The forest is noted for its clean and fast-running rivers, most with native or stocked fish. There are plenty of opportunities for wilderness exploration. One-fourth of the massive Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is situated within the Clearwater forest.

Much of the forest is snowbound from December through May. A pleasant summer season extends from June through September though higher elevations remain snowbound and inaccessible until July.

Summer temperatures may reach the 90s F, but nights are cool. Lightning storms often strike in July and August. Snow can begin falling in late summer or early autumn.

Two visitor centers offer educational resources for travelers seven days a week during summer:

-Lochsa Historical Ranger Station, 50 miles east of Kooskia along U.S. Hwy. 12

-Lolo Pass Visitor Center, 12 miles east of Powell Ranger Station along U.S. Hwy. 12

These forest offices are open weekdays, year-round, and offer information, displays, maps, brochures and other services for travelers:

-Palouse Ranger District in Potlatch

-North Fork Ranger District in Orofino

-Pierce Work Center

-Lochsa Ranger District in Kamiah and Kooskia

-Powell Ranger District

Major highway routes leading to the forest include U.S. 12, which crosses the forest traveling east and west, and U.S. 95, which travels north and south. Nearby Idaho cities and towns include Lewiston, Orofino, Kamiah, Kooskia and Moscow, and Missoula, Montana.