Nez Perce National Forest

The Nez Perce National Forest is composed of 2.2 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, 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 Forest is best known for its wild character. Nearly half of the Forest is designated wilderness. It also sports two rivers popular with thrill-seeking floaters—the Selway and the Salmon.

Origin

The Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF) 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.

Name

The Forest was the traditional home of the Ni Mii Pu (The People). The Ni Mii Pu were later named the Nez Perce Indians by the Lewis and Clark expeditions. We are proud of this name and the rich heritage it represents.

Location

The Nez Perce National Forest is 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 roughly bounded by the Selway River drainage on the north to the Salmon River on the south. It is located entirely within Idaho County and comprises approximately 50% of the entire county landbase.

Come enjoy this forest with an America Outdoors outfitter, who offer horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, hunting, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and dude ranch lodging.