SHOSHONE COUNTY - Lakes & Rivers

NEZ PERCE, CLEAR WATER, & IDAHO COUNTIES - Clear Water River

Click here to visit North Fork Clear Water River & Dworshak Reservoir

CLEAR WATER RIVER

The Clearwater River passes through the homeland of the Nez Perce Tribe, flowing through the Clearwater National Forest with its pine and fir trees, past steep cliffs and ridges and beautiful sandy beaches. This river is well known for its large steelhead, along with king and silver salmon. The river has class I & II rapids, making it a popular intermediate river for rafting and kayaking. In mid- to late summer when the river slows significantly it becomes popular with float tubers and swimmers. Camping is a popular activity all along its shores with most sites not requiring a fee. The Clearwater River travels from the Montana border to Lewiston, Idaho, where it empties into the Snake River. There are 15 public boat launches that vary from paved to hard-packed gravel. Depending on river depth, at the end of the launch pads you will have to pass over boulders to launch. There are other sites along the river that are not designated as launch sites, such as beaches and banks, that you can portage over to access the river. And of course there are many sites along the river where you can stop and fish.

Fishing: King and Silver Salmon, and Steelhead. The largest fish hatchery in the world is based in Orofino, Idaho.

Clearwater River Boat Launches - Directions: All boat launches are numbered starting near Lewiston, Idaho and going easterly. Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Lewiston, Idaho. Click to aerial view setting and follow the Snake River westward OR type in Orofino or Kooskia Idaho and view either direction along the river. Info: There are 10 bridges that pass over the Clearwater River varying in clearance above the river. The lowest is around ten feet.