Wilderness Gateway

About

Wilderness Gateway Campground provides direct access to the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River at milepost 122 on Highway 12, the Lewis and Clark Highway. The campground occupies heavily wooded forest at 2,100 feet elevation, with Boulder Creek cascading through on its descent from the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Four camping loops offer 91 total sites: Loop A contains a group site accommodating up to 208 people and 52 vehicles; Loops B and C provide standard single-family camping; Loop D is dedicated to stock camping with hitching rails and a watering station. The Lochsa River is world-renowned for continuous whitewater and does not require a permit to float, though technical expertise is essential. The river also offers destination fly fishing for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead. Several trails depart from the campground into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the third-largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, including the 15-mile Lochsa Peak Trail and 27-mile Boulder Creek Trail. A 1-mile birding trail loops the campground, and the Lochsa Historical Ranger Station visitor center sits one mile southwest.

Directions

From Lowell, travel east on Highway 12 for approximately 25 miles. The campground is at milepost 122, 120 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho and 100 miles west of Missoula, Montana.