North Central Idaho:

Idaho Travel Regions
North Central Idaho


Whitebird Canyon in North Central Idaho
Whitebird Canyon in North Central Idaho.

North Central Idaho, sandwiched between the state’s two most populated regions, is best known for the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA), which shares the border between Oregon and Idaho and spans more than 600,000 acres in total. A favorite location for wilderness excursions and river rafting expeditions, HCNRA is touted as the deepest gorge in North America. Most of the roads to the recreation area can be found on the Oregon State side, although a number of forest roads are accessible from the Idaho side of the Snake River.

The Pittsburg Landing boat launch is accessible from White Bird, ID via FR 493. The landing is also home to ancient petroglyphs and to a 27-mile recreation trail. FR 517 links the town of Riggins with Heaven’s Gate Overlook and spectacular vistas of the canyon.  Visitors should check road conditions, vehicle clearance requirements and access routes when using forest roads. although there are campgrounds on the Idaho side of the HCNRA, some are located within the Hells Gate Wilderness Area and are only accessible by foot.

The Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Area, located on the eastern edge of the region, spans more than 1,300,000 acres across Idaho and Montana. Dramatic, glacier-carved peaks, winding canyons of coniferous forests and lush valleys make up this wilderness area, which is popular with wildlife photographers and river rafters during the summer months. Hundreds of miles of foot and horse trails stitch the wilderness area, offering unlimited opportunities for backcountry recreation.

Small towns dot the north central landscape and can be easily reached by Highway 12 and secondary roads. Lewiston and Moscow, on the western edge of the region, offer a moderate selection of accommodations, restaurant and shopping amenities as well as a number of historical and local attractions for the touring visitor.

Top Attractions in North Central Idaho 

  • Dogwood Festival, Lewiston
  • Dworshak Lake and National Fish Hatchery – created along with a dam
  • Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tours
  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area – deepest gorge in North America
  • Lumberjack Day, Orofino
  • Nez Perce National Historic Park and Museum – a mighty Indian nation
  • Three Rivers junction – the Selway and Lochsa combine to form the beautiful Clearwater River
  • Whitewater Rafting

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