Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
From Recreation.gov
O'hara Campground no longer has an active water system. Water is available at Cedar Flat and Johnson Bar Campground.
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 14 at 11:03AM MDT until March 15 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow. There is a likelihood of developing or ongoing moderate winter weather impacts. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Elk City, and Dixie. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Wet, heavy snow, and winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squalls are expected this afternoon through evening causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 14 at 11:03AM MDT until March 15 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood of moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and Evaro Hill. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Wet, heavy snow, and winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squalls are expected this afternoon through evening causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 14 at 11:03AM MDT until March 15 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow. There is a likelihood of developing or ongoing moderate winter weather impacts. Additional snow accumulations up to 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lolo Pass and Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Wet, heavy snow, and winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Intense snow squall are expected this afternoon through evening causing periods of very heavy snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions.
Flood Warning issued March 14 at 8:48AM PDT until March 15 at 7:48AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
...Observed flooding increased in duration for the following rivers in Washington...Idaho... Paradise Creek at Moscow affecting Latah and Whitman Counties. For the Paradise Creek ...including Moscow...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Record flooding is occurring. * WHERE...Paradise Creek at Moscow. * WHEN...Until tomorrow morning. * IMPACTS...At 11.3 feet, Flooding will increase across many streets and impact homes in the flood plain, including the intersection of E and Harding street, Lemhi at Mountain View street, Blaine at White street, and portions of the University of Idaho campus. Similar to the flooding of 2019. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:45 AM PDT Saturday the stage was 11.5 feet. - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:45 AM PDT Saturday was 11.5 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to recede into its minor flood stage by Saturday afternoon and into its action stage by Sunday morning. It is forecasted to remain in action stage through Monday. - Flood stage is 9.2 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 11.4 feet on 04/09/2019. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued March 14 at 8:39AM PDT until March 15 at 5:52AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Washington...Idaho... Palouse River near Potlatch affecting Latah and Whitman Counties. For the Palouse River...including Palouse, Potlatch...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Palouse River near Potlatch. * WHEN...Until late tonight. * IMPACTS...At 16.5 feet, Water will be up to the back door at the city shop in Palouse. Water will approach the home on Main Street near Hayton Greene Park. Lions Club Park in Palouse will be submerged and water will be around the playground at the Hayton Greene Park. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 AM PDT Saturday the stage was 15.3 feet. - Bankfull stage is 14.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:30 AM PDT Saturday was 15.3 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 16.0 feet late this morning. It will then fall below flood stage late this afternoon. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 15.9 feet on 01/08/2008. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Avalanche Warning issued March 14 at 7:07AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
AVWOTX The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ001 (MTZ001) NWS Spokane WA - ID 079 (Shoshone County) * WHAT...An Avalanche Warning is in effect from Saturday 7 AM PDT to Sunday 7 AM PDT. Very dangerous avalanche conditions developed Wednesday night from heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds, and these hazardous conditions are lasting through Sunday due to continued heavy snowfall in specific locations and sustained winds strong enough to transport the abundant new snow. A person's weight or a rider on a machine can very easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury or kill them, and some slides will release naturally. * WHERE...The Bitterroot Mountains - Silver Valley and the East Cabinet Mountains above 4,000 feet. * WHEN...In effect from Sat 07:00 PDT to Sun 07:00 PDT. * IMPACTS...An atmospheric river and violent jet stream joined forces to deliver heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds to the Inland Northwest. Wind speeds peaked on Wednesday night and have subsided considerably since then, however an uptick is expected on Saturday with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph possible. The sustained moderate to heavy snowfall is being measured in multiple feet at higher elevations and winds are forecasted to remain strong enough to cause significant transport and redistribution of snow. The recent snowfall has formed dangerous slabs of snow and will likely cause a widespread cycle of natural avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains and widespread areas of unstable snow are expected. The largest slides may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended and should be avoided during this period of significant instability. Consult http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
Winter Storm Warning issued March 14 at 4:43AM PDT until March 14 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations 3-5 inches in the mountains. * WHERE...Osburn, Pinehurst, Dobson Pass, St. Maries, Mullan, Lookout Pass, Wallace, Fernwood, Kellogg, and Fourth Of July Pass. * WHEN...Until 11 AM PDT this morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Heavy wet snow may result in tree damage and power outages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gusty winds will bring the potential for drifting and blowing snow at times in the mountains.
Wind Advisory issued March 14 at 2:40AM MDT until March 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Idaho and northeast and southeast Oregon. * WHEN...From noon MDT /11 AM PDT/ today to 9 PM MDT /8 PM PDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Flood Warning issued March 14 at 12:17AM PDT until March 14 at 1:45PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is expected. * WHERE...Portions of Idaho, including the following counties, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce and Southeast Washington, including the following counties, Asotin, Garfield and Whitman. * WHEN...Until 145 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1215 AM PDT, rain and snowmelt is occurring, and will cause flooding. Between 0.5 and 0.75 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75 inches are possible in the warned area through this afternoon. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Lewiston, Pullman, Moscow, Clarkston, Lapwai, Colfax, Pomeroy, Genesee, Troy, Potlatch, Juliaetta, Deary, Craigmont, Nezperce, Culdesac, Winchester, Kendrick, Bovill, West Clarkston-Highland and Clarkston Heights-Vineland. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
South Fork Salmon River Road Repair Closure
A landslide has closed the South Fork Salmon River Road from Poverty Overlook on the south side to Poverty Flat Campground on the north side.
Granite Mountain Over Snow Vehicle Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during commercial cat skiing and grooming operations.
Chamberlain Airstrip Campground Restriction
The purpose of this Order is to protect resources, and the quality and wilderness character of the area as well as to avoid user conflicts between agency stock and private stock users in the area.
Big Flat Campground Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety prior to and during reconstruction of Big Flat Campground, which was severely damaged during the 2024 Lava Fire. The purpose of this order is to protect the public from hazards associated with post fire events, such as flooding and falling…
Wilderness Camping and Grazing Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect fragile, high elevation, water-based natural resources within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness from stock and user impacts.
Big Creek Area Boating Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect Chinook Salmon and steelhead.
South Fork Salmon River East Trail Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety due to unsafe creek crossings on the Described Trail.
Lost Valley Closure Area
The purpose of this order is to protect a federally listed, threatened species and its occupied habitat.
Calf Pen Area Closure
The area adjacent to NFS Road #50073 has been identified as a sensitive area for a federally listed, threatened species.
South Fork Salmon Road Weight Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent potential resource damage during spring thaw conditions.
Commercial Hauling
The purpose of this order is protect public safety and National Forest resources.
Over-Snow Vehicle Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.
Payette Occupancy and Use- 14 Day Stay Limit
The purpose of this order is to address competition for campsites and to protect public safety and natural resources.
Frank Church Wilderness Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this order is to implement visitor use requirements for activities within the restricted area and on the restricted trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Brundage Mountain Resort Snowcat Route Closure
The closure of the snowcat routes to over-snow vehicles provides for the safety of persons recreating or using the area.
Gordon Titus Upper Elevation Parking Lot Winter Restrictions
To provide for public health and safety related to noise and to reduce user conflicts at high usewinter recreation areas.
South Fork Salmon River and Big Creek Float
The purpose of the order is to implement permit requirements for float boating on the South Fork of the Salmon River and Big Creek as required by the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Occupancy and Use of Wild and Scenic Snake River Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Prohibitions on all National Forest System Lands with in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a 1/4 mile of the Snake River Between Hells Canyon Dam, river mile 247.5, down stream to the Oregon-Washington boarder at river mile 176.0.
Hells Canyon Wilderness Occupancy and Use
To provide for resource protection, the following acts are prohibited within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This Order is effective from April 11, 2025 until April 10, 2027. Prohibitions1. Hitching or tethering of horse(s) or other saddle or pack animal(s) to trees…
Eagle Cap Wilderness Occupancy and Use
To provide for resource protection, the following acts, listed in the forest order below, are prohibited within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Forest Order: HCNRA Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Landswithin the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a ¼ mile of the SnakeRiver between Hells Canyon Dam, River Mile 247.5, downstream to the Oregon-Washington…
Forest Order: Anthony Lakes Over-the-Snow and Wheeled Vehicles
Prohibitions on vehicle use off road in areas around Anthony Lakes.
Forest Order: Tri-Forest 14-Day Stay Limit
Prohibitions for camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period.
Forest Order: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Domestic Sheep and Goats
Prohibitions on possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic sheep or goat in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage…
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. It also…
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Annual Mill Creek Area Climbing Closure
The Stevensville Ranger District is reminding everyone of the annual climbing closure in the Mill Creek area to allow for nesting of cliff-dwelling raptors. The closure will start February 1st of each year and continue until it has been determined that no raptors are nesting in the area or until…
Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Bitterroot National Forest, described further below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as…
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage…
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. It also…
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…
Gold Creek Road #126 Closed at Mile 7 Gate
Due to recent weather Gold Creek Road 126 is closed at the gate at mile 7. This temporary closure will continue until the already scheduled seasonal closure that begins May 1. This closure will prevent road and resource damage resulting from early spring conditions. Please respect all locked…
Gold Creek Road Closure- Missoula Ranger District
Due to recent weather Gold Creek Road 126 is closed at the mile 7 gate. This temporary closure will continue until the already scheduled seasonal closure that begins May 1. This closure will prevent road and resource damage resulting from early spring conditions.
Forest, Regional and Other Regulations
Welcome to the Lolo National Forest As a visitor to the national forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety.Forest and Regional RegulationsAll bear attractants, including any type of food and garbage, must be stored in…
Deer Creek Road & Snowmobile Trail Closed on Superior Ranger District
Deer Creek Road #236 and Deer Creek Loop Snowmobile Trail (SNO-70.1) on the Superior Ranger District are closed due to flood and wind damage to the road, bridge crossing, and trail.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
From Recreation.gov
Lookout Butte lookout is currently closed due to the discovery of structural deficiencies in the tower. For public safety, the tower and surrounding area are closed to the public until repairs can be completed.
Flood Watch issued March 13 at 10:55AM MDT until March 14 at 10:15PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
...The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Flood Watch for the following rivers in Idaho... South Fork Clearwater River At Stites affecting Idaho County. .Subtle changes in the snow levels will drastically impact the runoff potential. If the snow level lowers just 1000 feet then flooding is less likely. For the Clearwater River...including At Stites. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...South Fork Clearwater River at At Stites. * WHEN...From late tonight to late tomorrow evening. * IMPACTS...At 8.0 feet, Expect possible flooding to state Highway 13 near the town of Harpster. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 10:15 AM MDT Friday /9:15 AM PDT Friday/ the stage was 5.0 feet. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached just after midnight tonight. - Flood stage is 8.0 feet. - https://www.weather.gov/mso/hydrology
From Recreation.gov
Reservations for the 2026 season will be made available starting January 1, 2026.
Overview
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests encompass 4 million acres of diverse terrain in north-central Idaho, ranging from the rugged canyons of the Salmon River to moist cedar forests and rolling Palouse uplands. The forests are currently open with fire danger rated as Very High. Recent alerts include a closure of Fish Creek Campground, Pavilion, and surrounding roads (FSR 4600 and FSR 221) due to windstorm damage and hazardous snags as of December 19, 2025. Seasonal winter restrictions are in effect at the Lolo Pass Winter Recreation Area for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog use. The forests are known for cold, snowy winters (with snow depths of 1-10 feet) and hot, dry summers, offering extensive winter recreation including over 350 miles of groomed trails near Elk City. A new Land Management Plan was finalized in January 2025 after a comprehensive planning process. The forests contain four wilderness areas and provide diverse recreation opportunities year-round. Water quality issues were noted at Laird Park Campground in summer 2025. Always check current conditions before visiting as weather can be extreme and variable, especially at higher elevations.
Top Campgrounds
- Apgar Campground
- Austin Ridge Lookout
- Castle Creek Campground
- Corral Creek Campground
- Crooked River
- Fish Creek Group Use
- Fish Creek Pavilion
- Five Mile Campground
- Halfway House Campground
- Iron Phone Junction Campground
- JERRY WALKER CABIN
- Johnson Bar Campground
- LEGGETT CREEK
- Lookout Butte Lookout
- Lookout Butte Lookout
- Mystery Saddle Camp
- Nelson Creek Campground
- O'hara Saddle Campground
- Orogrande Campground #1 And #2
- Oxbow Campsite
- Rocky Bluff Campground
- Sing Lee Campground
- South Fork Campground
- South Fork Group Site 5
- Van Creek Campground
- Walde Lookout Cabin
- Walker Cabin
- Wildhorse Campground
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