Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is a vast national forest located in north-central Idaho. It encompasses a diverse landscape, ranging from arid canyons and sub-alpine forests to lush cedar groves and rolling uplands. This varied terrain, featuring deep canyons, rivers, and highlands, provides extensive opportunities for several outdoor sports like hiking. The forest's rugged character and expansive wilderness areas make it a significant destination for outdoor activities.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest offers…
17
Routes
5
(1)
Average rating
50
People visited

6
hikers
8.08km
02:32
500m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
hikers
2.02km
00:33
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
5.58km
01:42
200m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.39km
01:56
160m
310m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, with a primary focus on hiking. The forest features diverse landscapes, including deep canyons, sub-alpine forests, and rivers, providing extensive opportunities for exploration. More than 15 hiking routes are available for visitors.
The forest offers a range of hiking experiences, from challenging upland treks to more accessible paths. Visitors can explore trails in the Salmon River Mountains, Seven Devils Mountains, and Bitterroot Mountains. For a comprehensive overview of hiking options, consult the Hiking in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest guide.
Yes, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest includes options for less strenuous excursions. These can include enchanting strolls through cedar groves or short hikes to natural hot springs. The Easy hikes in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest guide provides suitable routes for beginners or those seeking a relaxed pace.
Key natural attractions include Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, and the Salmon River, known as Idaho's 'River of No Return.' Other notable features are the Seven Devils Mountains, Weir Creek Hot Springs, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, and Elk Creek Falls, which is Idaho's tallest waterfall. Visitors can also find Crystal Lake and Hump Lake, along with the DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove.
The forest is distinguished by its vast and rugged wilderness character, with nearly half of its four million acres designated as wilderness. It holds rich cultural significance, tracing Lewis and Clark's historic route and honoring the heritage of the Nez Perce people. This remoteness provides opportunities to immerse oneself in pristine nature.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest features 15 routes available for exploration on komoot. These routes are primarily focused on hiking and traverse varied terrain. The community has rated these routes highly, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
The komoot community has given the routes in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. More than 120 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to this high rating. This indicates a strong positive reception from those who have explored the area.
Yes, komoot offers dedicated guides to help plan visits to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. These include the Hiking in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest guide and the Easy hikes in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest guide. These resources provide detailed information on various routes and experiences.
Information regarding permits for backpacking and other wilderness activities is typically managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors should consult the official website for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests for current regulations and permit requirements. This ensures compliance with local guidelines for wilderness use.
The official website for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater. This site provides comprehensive information on forest regulations, alerts, maps, and visitor services. It is the primary resource for planning a visit.
The main Supervisor's Office for Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest can be reached by phone at (208) 935-2513. For specific inquiries related to different areas, various ranger districts also have direct lines. It is advisable to check the official website for additional contact information.

