Pink House Recreation Site

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

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Pink House Recreation Site

A Bureau of Land Management site is an area in nature that's under the protection of a federal agency but is open to the public. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are sometimes managed near these sites to provide convenient camping. Search "BLM camping near me" to check for nearby locations. Pink House Recreation Site sits at an elevation of 980 feet by the Clearwater River in Idaho. It has views of semi-arid hillsides and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Canoe Camp Nez Perce National Historical Site is just under a mile away. Fishing, boating, and picnicking are popular activities at Pink House Recreation Site. Many people choose to camp here too.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Merry's Bay

The Merry's Bay Trail is an out-and-back trail along Dworshak Reservoir. March through October is the best time to visit. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they need to be on leashes. Length: 2.5 miles Intensity: Easy

East Ridge #103

This difficult trail consists of a steep climb in Ahsahka. Dogs are allowed off leash. Length: 1.3 miles Intensity: Hard

West Ridge #102

Beginning at Dworshak Reservoir, the West Ridge #102 Trail ascends to a ridge where there are other possible trails to take for a deeper exploration of the area. At the top, you'll have views of the lake and a nearby town. Dogs are allowed off leash on this trail. Length: 2.4 miles Intensity: Hard

Elk Creek Falls

The Elk Creek Falls Trail takes you to the tallest waterfall in Idaho. There are benches along the route for those who need to rest. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trail. Length: 2.6 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

You can catch steelhead and salmon in the Clearwater River at Pink House Recreation Site. Boating, including river rafting and canoeing, are other possible river activities. There is a concrete boat ramp at the site. Two other nearby boat launch ramps are at Bruce's Eddy Recreation Area.

Wildlife Viewing

At Pink House Recreation Site, you have a chance of seeing river otters and eagles. The West Ridge #102 Trail and Dworshak Reservoir are other nearby wildlife viewing areas.

Picnicking

There are two reservable group pavilions at Pink House Recreation Site where you can have a picnic. Amenities at the pavilions include grills, accessible picnic tables, electricity, and outdoor lighting. Bruce's Eddy Recreation Area and Orofino City Park also allow picnics. Dumpsters at Bruce's Eddy Recreation Area are only available in the summer. The site has potable water and bathrooms.

Winter Sports

The Bald Mountain Ski Area, 33.9 miles from Pink House Recreation Site, offers 140 acres of varied terrain for skiing and snowboarding. It's in the Clearwater Mountains and by the Gold Rush Historic Byway.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping is possible for RVs up to 40 feet long at Pink House Recreation Site. Full hookups and drinking water are available, and pets are allowed. Each site has picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings. Pink House Recreation Site also has flush and vault toilets.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping isn't available near Pink House Recreation Site. Free nearby dispersed camping is possible at Canyon Creek Campground. This campground has two restrooms, pack-it-out bags, and a boat launch with a dock. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads as well. Canyon Creek Campground is open from April 1 to November 30.

RV Rentals Near Pink House Recreation Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Pink House Recreation Site BLM trip

Expect cool to warm summers and cold winters in this region. If you go for a swim in the Clearwater River, the water is cold. The average low stays below freezing throughout winter. Because this region is in a "rain shadow," it gets less rain than the rest of the country. May, June, and September are the most comfortable months temperature-wise to visit. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll want to have a backup campground in mind. There's a parking lot for visitors who aren't staying overnight. The parking lot has space for RVs too. Full-time campground hosts watch over the site to promptly respond to any issues. Pink House Recreation Site, including its boat ramp, is open year round. Camping in this region gives you convenient access to the Clearwater River and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. You can enjoy water activities, hiking in the forest, and serenity in quiet areas. Amenities like toilets and drinking water aren't far away either. Pink House Recreation Site is a family-friendly trip to make. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Cleaning up after yourself and leaving the land as you found it is important when you're visiting sites in nature. This preserves the natural beauty of the area and protects its ecosystem. If a site doesn't have trash receptacles, then you need to come prepared to pack out your trash, including food scraps. Organic materials, such as rocks and leaves, must be left where you saw them too. Carving on trees and rocks are other prohibited activities on BLM sites and other protected lands. You may take pictures and buy local souvenirs to remember your stay.

Pink House Recreation Site Location

From Orofino, travel north on Main Street toward Michigan Avenue, and turn left onto Michigan Avenue. Make a right turn onto US-12 W, and after about 4.8 miles, turn right onto Pink House Road. Turn left onto the first road that you come across, and the recreation site will be on the right-hand side. Address: Pink House Recreation Site, 4815 US-12, Orofino, Idaho, 83544 Ready to visit Pink House Recreation Site? 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 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.