Statewide - Idaho

North Central
| Official Idaho State Travel Guide
28
Elk
Lochsa River
visitidaho.org
Salmon River
North central Idaho is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with the largest wilderness areas in the Lower
48 states. Whether you are into watching or photographing wildlife, listening for the gentle sounds
of nature, or the thrills of whitewater, this is the region for you.
» While northern Idaho is known for
its lakes, rivers rule this region. The
Lochsa, Selway, Clearwater, and
Salmon rivers—seriously big rivers—all
rush down from the continental
divide to join the Snake River at
Lewiston. It takes big fish to live here.
Not just any fish but steelhead—the
enormous first cousin of the rainbow
trout—populate the rivers, along with
salmon, bass, and kokanee. If you’re
ready to take on something “out of this
world,” giant sturgeon are waiting for
you; 10-plus feet of finned, fighting fish.
Ladies, watch for the Women with Bait
tournament in Riggins in February. Let
the boys handle the bait, while you get
to focus on reeling in the winning catch.
» But you don’t have to fish to enjoy the
rivers. Just sit back and relax—or not.
Grab the side of your jet boat or raft
and get ready for some serious adven-
« Take one of our full-immersion courses »
ture. Expect action with places named
Hell’s Canyon, the Seven Devils, and
the “River of No Return.” Outfitters will
do the planning, cooking, and guiding
so you can thrill to Class IV-VI rapids.
» When snow falls, the expansive plains
of the Palouse just cry out for the whir
of snow machines. There are more
than 1,200 miles of groomed trails and
thousands of off-trail powdery acres to
roam. A great snow season means good
riding until late April and even into May
in Clearwater County. Interpretative
signs along the Lewis and Clark Trail
explain rugged conditions the explorers
experienced long ago.
» Without a doubt, an area with thousands
of acres of pristine wilderness
would have incredible wildlife viewing
opportunities. Any of the national recreation
areas, wildlife management areas,
or state parks will give you a window on
the wild side. During the summer, stop
in at the Wolf Education and Research
Center near Winchester to learn more
about these magnificent animals and
their interactions with humans.
cReATion