Idaho County - 13 Attractions You Must Visit

The Clearwater National Forest, located in north-central Idaho, encompasses around 1.8 million acres of diverse terrain, ranging from rugged mountains to pristine rivers and expansive forests. It's renowned for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a wide array of recreational opportunities.

The Battle of White Bird Canyon, occurring on June 17, 1877, marked the initial clash in the Nez Perce War, a conflict between the U.S. Army and the Nez Perce Native American tribe. It took place in present-day Idaho, near the White Bird Creek and Salmon River confluence.

The Bitterroot National Forest spans across both Idaho and Montana, encompassing approximately 1.6 million acres of diverse landscapes and natural beauty. While the majority of the forest lies in Montana, portions extend into the northern part of Idaho.

The Clearwater Battlefield, also known as the Battle of the Clearwater, was a significant conflict between the United States Army and the Nez Perce Native American tribe during the Nez Perce War of 1877. It took place near present-day Kamiah, Idaho, in the region surrounding the Clearwater River.

The Gospel Hump Wilderness, located in north-central Idaho within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, spans over 200,000 acres of rugged and pristine wilderness. This area, named for two prominent peaks—Gospel Peak and Hump Mountain—offers a remote and breathtaking landscape for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, located in Idaho near the town of Kooskia, plays a crucial role in the conservation and restoration of fish populations in the region. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this hatchery focuses on the propagation, rearing, and release of various fish species to support fisheries conservation efforts.

The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station, located in Idaho County, Idaho, is a significant historical site within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Established in the 1920s, it stands as a testament to the U.S. Forest Service's history and its role in managing and protecting the nation's forests.

The Nez Perce National Forest, sprawling across north-central Idaho, encompasses approximately 2.2 million acres of diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to verdant valleys and clear rivers. Renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, this forest offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

The Payette National Forest, located in west-central Idaho, covers approximately 2.3 million acres and offers a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, lush forests, alpine lakes, and scenic rivers. Renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty, the forest draws visitors seeking adventure and tranquility.

Red River Wildlife Management Area at 314 acres (1.27 km2) is an Idaho wildlife management area in Idaho County near Elk City. It was purchased in 1993 from Don Wilkerson who offered it to the state to preserve it in a natural, undeveloped state. The property was acquired with the donations of $100,00 from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, $100,000 from Trout Unlimited, and $287,000 in mitigation funds from the Bonneville Power Administration.

The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, situated in Idaho and Montana, is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, covering approximately 1.3 million acres. Renowned for its pristine landscapes, rugged mountains, and remote wilderness, it offers an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Stanley Hot Springs, nestled in the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho, offers a relaxing and natural soaking experience surrounded by stunning wilderness. Accessible via a moderate hike, these natural thermal pools are a rewarding destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil soak in mineral-rich waters.

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, while primarily situated in northeastern Oregon, extends into western Idaho and covers over 2.3 million acres of diverse terrain. It's celebrated for its majestic landscapes, encompassing high mountain peaks, deep canyons, alpine meadows, and scenic rivers.