Clearwater River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began operations in 1946 and manages 10% of the land and 30% of its minerals. Developed BLM campsites are available along Clearwater River for a fee, including spots for RV and tent camping. Dispersed camping away from these developed sites is allowed if it does not interfere with intended activities, does not disturb wildlife, or is not in prohibited areas. Stays at BLM campsites are limited to no longer than two weeks per month.

Clearwater River is a 75-mile-long body of water that flows from east to west across north central Idaho. Starting in the Bitterroot Mountains, its waters flow into the Snake River at Lewiston, ID. Anglers appreciate the B-run steelhead and chinook salmon or its various trout species. Rafters enjoy the scenic float and smooth waters it offers beginners, with a couple of Class II rapids representing the most challenging obstacles. Mt. Rainier National Park showcases the 14,410-foot volcanic peak and is the closest such park at 283 miles west of Lewiston, ID, and the Dworshak and Hell's Gate Idaho State Parks sit nearby.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

P1FCU Community Fitness Trail

The multi-use path is a favorite among local bikers, hikers, and runners. It provides a 206-foot elevation gain on a loop route near Lewiston.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lewiston Levee Path

If you want a bit more challenge for biking or hiking, this out-and-back route averages 4.4 hours to complete and offers a 239-foot elevation change.

Length: 13.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Red Bird Trail

This nearby hiking trail is less traveled due to its difficulty, with an elevation change of 2,175 feet along the out-and-back route.

Length: 10.3 miles

Intensity: Challenging

Fishing and Boating

Clearwater River is one of the best steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest. B-run steelhead, chinook salmon, and cutthroat trout inhabit the waters. There are 13 boat ramps along the river, but no motors are allowed between September 1 and April 30, between the south and middle fork confluence to the bridge at Orofino. You cannot shore fish near the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery or the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Ladder. The boat ramps make an ideal spot to launch guided or solo rafting excursions down the beginner-friendly waters with Class II rapids.

Wildlife Viewing

The US Route 12 corridor offers several points for wildlife viewing, including Pink House recreation site. Several bird species are active here, including mountain quail, turkeys, and wintering bald eagles. Larger animals you might see include bears, big horn sheep, deer, elk, moose, and wolves. Nearby U.S. Forest Service sites like Castle Butte Lookout and the Elk Summit Campground are other spots for possible wildlife encounters.

Picnicking

Established picnic areas are available at Lenore, Lenore Rest Area, and the Pink House recreation sites. Other developed locations like McKay's Bend have picnic tables and BBQ grills for day use. Use common sense and practice general etiquette when picnicking on all BLM lands, avoiding interfering with dedicated activities, natural fauna, and wildlife. Remember to clean up trash and extinguish any grills or pits.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are a couple of BLM RV camping areas along Clearwater River. McKay's Bend recreation site sits 18 miles east of Lewiston, providing 14 full hookup sites with 50-amp service and sewer but no dump station. The Pink House recreation site west of Orofino has 15 RV sites with full hookups and 30-amp power for $18 per night. The Ahsahka Access campground has a 30-day stay period but is undeveloped, with no fees or registration required.

Free Camping

The nearby Musselshell Meadows does not charge a fee and is close to Pierce, ID. There is one vault toilet at the north end of the meadow. The Sherman Creek Trail #203 is another free camping area operated by the U.S. Forest Service located near milepost 122.5 on US Route 12. Free dispersed camping is allowed in undeveloped BLM areas around the river unless it adversely affects wildlife or fauna, interferes with designated uses, or you see a closed camping sign. Look for existing locations near secondary roads; try to use these sites when possible to avoid creating new disturbances in the area.

RV Rentals Near Clearwater River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Clearwater River BLM trip

You will want to wear a PFD (personal flotation device), helmet, and sunglasses with a strap if you are floating down the river. Use sunscreen on or near the water, and pack activity-specific footwear if you plan to hike or raft. The weather can change quickly, so pack plenty of clothes in your RV, and dress in layers that you add or subtract as the temperature fluctuates.

If you plan on wildlife watching, 8x magnification should be fine, and binoculars with a wide field of view will help catch glances of fast-flying birds or mammals moving through foliage along the banks of Clearwater River. Those unfamiliar with fishing the B-run steelhead should equip a monofilament line rated at least 10-14 pounds for these larger fish. Bring plenty of repellant during peak mosquito season from the end of June through early September. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLMs mission statement includes priorities like conservation and restoration. If you plan to visit Clearwater River, observe all rules and restrictions enforced by BLM and other agencies. Practice the philosophy of "Leave No Trace" by cleaning camping areas and trails, disposing of waste properly, packing out additional trash that is not yours, and keeping natural objects in place for others to enjoy. It will improve the recreational fun for future visitors and maintain the pristine settings you and others come to see.

Clearwater River Location

Bureau of Land Management

Cottonwood Field Office

2 Butte Drive

Cottonwood, ID 83522

Those approaching the headwaters can drive US Route 12 westbound or northbound on Idaho State Highway 13 from the south into Kooskia. If you are coming from the west, use US Route 12 or Washington State Highway 129 into Lewiston, ID at the border. Clearwater merges with the Snake River here. You can use US Route 12 to drive along the entire length of the river between these two cities.

Ready to visit Clearwater River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.