Welcome to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests—4 million acres of beautiful and diverse land. From the dry, rugged canyons of the Salmon River to the moist cedar forests of the Selway drainage to the rolling uplands of the Palouse, the forest offers something for everyone.

This vast, diverse area is managed to provide a variety of goods and services including breathtaking scenery, wilderness, wildlife, fisheries, timber harvest, livestock grazing, mining, pristine water quality and a wide array of recreation opportunities.

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is best known for its wild character. Nearly half of the forest is designated Wilderness. It also sports three rivers popular with thrill-seeking floaters—the Selway, the Lochsa and the Salmon.

Name

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests encompasses the traditional homelands of the Nimiipuu ("The People"). The Nimiipuu were later named the Nez Perce Indians during the Lewis and Clark expeditions. We are proud of this name and the rich heritage it represents. Therefore, to show respect to the Nez Perce Tribe, the name Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests was chosen when the forests administratively combined in 2012.

Origin

The Nez Perce National Forest was created by Executive Order No. 854 signed by President Theodore Roosevelt. That Order, which became effective July 1, 1908, established the Forest from lands given up by the Bitter Root and Weiser National Forests.  On October 29, 1934 part of Selway National Forest was added by Executive Order No. 6889.

The Clearwater National Forest was created by Executive Order No. 842 signed by President Theodore Roosevelt.  That Order, which became effective July 1, 1908, established the Forest from lands given up by the Coeur d'Alene National Forest and Bitterroot National Forest.  On October 29, 1934 part of Selway National Forest was added by Executive Order No. 6889.

Location

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are located in the heart of north-central Idaho.  It stretches from the Oregon border on the west to the Montana border on the east, and is bounded by the Idaho Panhandle National Forest on the north to the Salmon River on the south.  It is located within the Latah, Nez Perce, Idaho, Clearwater and Lewis counties.