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Clearwater County - Activities

Experience Nature and History – Things to do in Clearwater County, Idaho

The area surrounding Clearwater County, Idaho boasts of fresh mountain air and crystal clear waterways. Both of these environmental qualities are part of the activities you can do when visiting.

Beyond experiencing the region's pristine wilderness, there are other exciting things you can do. No matter if you're taking a family vacation or just getting away for the day, here are some Clearwater Activities you should try.

The Clearwater National Forest

The first suggested activity in the Clearwater County area takes advantage of that fresh mountain air. A hike through any trail cutting through the Clearwater National Forest will bring you face-to-face with the beauty of nature.

The forest spans nearly two million acres. In 2012, the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests were combined to form the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The massive wilderness contains dozens of mountain ranges and river drainage areas.

A few miles outside Orofino is the Dworshak Dam Visitors Center and Reservoir. This is a popular recreation place for visitors and area residents. You can also visit the popular Jerry Johnson Hot Springs only a short hike from U.S. Highway 12 along trails in Clearwater National Forest.

There are markers on various points in the forest that signify exact locations where Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition passed. The Clearwater National Forest is a place with a variety of activities, including walking in the footsteps of one of our nation's most historic journeys.

Orofino Farmer's Market

Every Tuesday from early June through October you can indulge yourself in some of Clearwater County's freshest hometown products. The Orofino Farmer's Market boasts fresh local fruits and vegetables.

The market is held at the Orofino City Park on Michigan Avenue at the Clearwater River Bridge. You can browse an assortment of specialized booths with plants, flowers, baked goods, plus photography and craft exhibits.

Each Tuesday, the Orofino Farmer's Market opens at 11:00AM and stays open until 4:00PM. It's a perfect place to experience the warmth of a small Idaho community. In addition, you can stock up on some fresh produce or locally handcrafted treasures.

The Rex Theatre

You can step back in time to the eloquence of the old style theatres, but enjoy a motion picture in high-definition accented by moving surround sound. Rex's Theatre of the Performing Arts is located in downtown Orofino.

It may appear to be a small theater, but there is no loss on viewer comforts. The seats are large, comfortable, and perfectly spaced. Before the lights go down, be sure to absorb the artistic interior eloquence of a traditional American theatre.

The Orofino Golf and Country Club

If you're planning a trip to Clearwater County, don't forget your clubs if golfing is one of your favorite things to do. You can enjoy a relaxing round of golf at the Orofino Golf and Country Club located a short drive from Orofino.

The course cuts through the heart of the Clearwater River valley with impressive views overlooking the River. It's a 2,700 yard nine-hole course across hilly terrain with undulating greens. It is a challenging course with breathtaking natural scenery.

If you arrive early enough in the morning, or stay a little past dusk, you may catch a glimpse of local wildlife wandering across the course. It's not uncommon to see native bears, moose, elk, or a family of deer meandering past the clubhouse.

The Clearwater Historical Museum

There are centuries of history associated with the Clearwater River basin and Clearwater County. A perfect place to explore this history is at the place dedicated to the preservation of the area's historical treasures.

At the Clearwater Historical Museum, you can indulge yourself with an extensive collection of items that display the richness of Clearwater's history. There are artifacts from the native Nez Perce Indians dating back centuries.

You can view accounts and see items reminiscent of the important stop the Lewis and Clark Expedition made along the Clearwater River. There are displays to help impress upon visitors the vital importance that mining and logging industries had on the region.

The museum has an antique 1923 logging truck that can be viewed up close. Reading accounts of the Nez Perce, Lewis and Clark's famous Corps of Discovery, or tall tales of lumberjacks may be something you enjoy. There are historical accounts of homesteading as the Gold Rush pushed westward through Idaho.

At the Clearwater Historical Museum in Orofino, you can bring these stories to life with genuine artifacts and over 4,000 authentic photographs. At the museum, you can step back in time to points spanning centuries. It's the perfect activity for families or small groups as well.

The Pink House Recreation Site

Another way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, an integral part of life in the Clearwater River area, is at the Pink House Recreation Site. There are sites for RVs and tent camping is permitted. The facility is open year-round and does not require a reservation.

Even if you don't want to camp overnight, there is a day use area with permanent grills and picnic tables. The Pink House Recreation Site also has day use pavilions that can be rented for special events.

Swimmers can enjoy a sandy beach swimming area. Parts of the Pink House Recreation Site offer access to some of the best salmon and steelhead fishing locations in the nation. It's an outstanding place to get away for a few days, or just come for an afternoon of Clearwater River's natural mountain beauty.

One of the most pleasurable activities in Clearwater County, Idaho might be to just step outside and breathe the freshness of the mountain air. There are activities you can enjoy that go even further to impress the area's impressive natural beauty.

You can also catch a film, absorb some history, or play a round of golf. One thing's for certain, you breathe easy no matter what enjoyable activity you choose in Clearwater County, Idaho.