As the weather starts to warm up, adventurous Idahoans are known to take advantage of our state’s amazing rivers. From jet boat tours down the Snake River to whitewater rafting on the Payette River, there’s no shortage of awesome river adventures to be had in the Gem State. One gorgeous river that definitely makes for an excellent outing is the 75-mile-long Clearwater River in north-central Idaho. Home to all sorts of recreation, there’s something for everybody to enjoy along this river’s crystal clear waters.
Winding through the wilderness of north-central Idaho, the Clearwater River offers up some incredible scenery to go with its endless opportunities for recreation. If you have yet to see it for yourself, you'll want to be sure to make an adventure of it soon!
Flowing westward from the Bitterroot Mountains along the Idaho-Montana border, the beautiful Clearwater River joins the Snake River at Lewiston. Regarded as the Snake River's largest tributary, the crystal clear waters of this majestic river are certainly a sight to see.
Considered one of the top steelhead streams in the Northwest, the Clearwater is probably best-known for its fishing opportunities. Boasting B-run steelhead, chinook salmon, and native cutthroat trout, the river is truly an angler's paradise.
However, fishing isn't the only thing can enjoy on the river. Whitewater rafting is another treasured activity in the area. There are numerous guides and outfitters that offer both day and multi-day river trips on the Clearwater's Class II rapids.
Known for its gentle and peaceful current, the river is the ideal destination for families and first-time rafters. Surrounded by north-central Idaho's jaw-dropping wilderness, every trip on this river is one to remember.
There are also a fair amount of recreation sites situated along the river that makes it easier than ever to enjoy the Clearwater's pristine beauty. Sites such as Harpers Bend, McKay's Bend, and Pink House all offer amenities like boat ramps and camping right on the shores of this magnificent river.
Other iconic adventures along the river include the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail which follows the Clearwater from Greer to the confluence with the Snake River. Additionally, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway follows the river from Grangeville to Lewiston, and it makes for an excellent scenic drive.
We definitely consider ourselves lucky to live in a state that's filled with fantastic river adventures. The Clearwater River is especially unmatched, so make it your mission to experience it for yourself soon.
