Clearwater National Forest – Image Gallery

Clearwater National Forest

Details

Clearwater National Forest

Clearwater National Forest is located in north-central Idaho and covers over 1.8 million acres of land. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes. The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Features of Clearwater National Forest:

• Mountains: The forest is home to several mountain ranges, including the Bitterroot Mountains and the Clearwater Mountains. These rugged peaks offer challenging hiking and backpacking opportunities.
• Rivers: Clearwater National Forest is intersected by several major rivers, including the Clearwater River, Lochsa River, and Selway River. These rivers provide excellent fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities.
• Forests: The forest is primarily covered in dense coniferous forests, including Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western white pine. These forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
• Wildlife: Clearwater National Forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and osprey.
• Wilderness Areas: The forest contains several designated wilderness areas, including the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Gospel-Hump Wilderness. These areas offer remote and pristine landscapes for visitors to explore.

Ecological Significance:

Clearwater National Forest plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological health of the region. The forest serves as a vital watershed, providing clean water to surrounding communities and supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems. The dense forests help to regulate the climate by storing carbon and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. The forest also provides habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered.

Overall, Clearwater National Forest is a valuable natural resource that offers recreational opportunities for visitors while also serving as an important ecological sanctuary. Visitors are encouraged to explore the forest responsibly and help preserve its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.

Clearwater National Forest

Points of Interest

Points of Interest in Clearwater National Forest:

• Lochsa River: Known for its world-class whitewater rafting and fishing opportunities, the Lochsa River is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Magruder Corridor: This historic 102-mile dirt road offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a favorite among hikers, bikers, and photographers.
• Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness: Covering over 1.3 million acres, this wilderness area is a haven for backpackers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore pristine alpine lakes and rugged mountain terrain.
• Kelly Creek: A meandering stream known for its excellent fly fishing, Kelly Creek is a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the forest.
• Elk City Wagon Road: This historic route follows the path of the original wagon road used by miners and settlers during the Gold Rush era, offering a glimpse into the area's past.

These are just a few of the many points of interest that make Clearwater National Forest a beloved destination for outdoor recreation and nature lovers alike.

Clearwater National Forest – Images

Description: A map of Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. The Lochsa, North Fork, Palouse, and Powell Ranger Districts of the forest are in orange. Surrounding national forests, including Bitterroot, Idaho Panhandle, Lolo, and Nez Perce are in green. This map was made using ARCMAP 10.1, and all data are in the public domain. Forest Service boundary data are from the US Forest Service FSGeodata Clearinghouse

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Happy Labor Day from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests! Remember, forest offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. Regular business hours will resume tomorrow, September 5. Lolo Pass Visitor Center and the Lochsa Historical Ranger Station are open for your enjoyment! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Image by Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Fire Lookout Esther Leslie shared these recent photos from a sunset viewed from Gardiner Peak Lookout in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Happy Forest Friday!

Image by Esther Leslie Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Fire Lookout Esther Leslie shared these recent photos from a sunset viewed from Gardiner Peak Lookout in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Happy Forest Friday!

Image by Esther Leslie Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: WE Steuerwald. 1955. Clearwater National Forest. Landscapes.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: WE Steuerwald. 1963. Clearwater National Forest. Landscapes.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Map illustration of the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. This map is an attachment to Executive Order 842 which originally defined the forest in 1908. A copy of the printed executive order is attached at the bottom left. The map was modified from one included with a presidential proclamation from November 6, 1906, which defined the original Coeur D'Alene National Forest, part of which was used to create the Clearwater National Forest (see File:United States Statutes at Large Volume 34 Part 3 image 1 following page 3256.png for the original map). It's possible the same or similar map was used with Executive Order 843 (which defined the new boundaries for the Coeur D'Alene National Forest) and Executive Order 844 (which created the Pend Oreille National Forest, also partly taken from Coeur D'Alene lands, and is shown at the top of this map).

Image by U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Scenic view of the Lochsa River in the Clearwater Forest of Idaho (United States) This photo was provided by and used with permission of the Idaho Travel Council ([1]) Please credit the Idaho Travel Council when used.

Image by The original uploader was Robbiegiles at English Wikipedia. – CC BY 2.5 – Wikimedia

Description: The Lochsa River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, flows through the Clearwater National Forest. U.S. Forest Service Northern Region photo.

Image by Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia