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| The Salmon River outside Whitebird |
Idaho is famous for its scenery. There are mountains,
forests, rivers, and fields. There are four main rivers in North Central Idaho:
the Snake, the Salmon, the Palouse, and the Clearwater. The Clearwater is the result of the
convergence of three different rivers: the Middle Fork, the Lochsa, and the
Selway.
These rivers are a big part of what makes North Central
Idaho so beautiful. They also have
historical significance and they provide a number of great activities to do
outdoors.
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| The Snake River near Buffalo Eddy |
In 1805-1806, Lewis and Clark passed through North Central
Idaho on their journey across the American wilderness. The rivers played an important part in the
journey, as the explorers used canoes to travel down the Clearwater and Snake
Rivers on their way to the ocean.
The Clearwater and its tributaries the Lochsa and the
Selway, as well as the Salmon, are very popular for their whitewater rafting. Jet boat rides on the Snake River, which runs through Hells Canyon, has also become quite popular, with a number of companies offering rides and guides.
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| The Clearwater River in the Clearwater National Forest |
If you’re looking for something a little calmer, there are a
number of small beaches along these rivers.
Two of the best are Three Devils on the Clearwater and Skookumchuck on
the Salmon. There are also picnic
tables at these and many of the other beaches.
A word of warning, though – if you decide to go swimming, the currents
and undertows in the rivers can be tricky and dangerous. Be very careful.
Miles and miles of highway lie along these rivers,
much of it also passing through forests.
If you just want a scenic drive, you need look no further than the
rivers of North Central Idaho.
