Recreation Sites & Activities

Lower Salmon River Website

The Cottonwood Field Office offers a diversity of recreational sites and facilities for north central Idaho visitors. These include 11 developed sites (including three fee campgrounds), 183 miles of water trails, over 200 undeveloped or semi-developed recreation sites along the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers, a 750-acre section of the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness, segments of Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, as well as dispersed recreation opportunities on 143,826 acres of CFO-managed land. This region of Idaho also provides access to Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, and is the setting for the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1805-1806 and the home of the Nez Perce Indian Tribe.

An abundance of recreational activities are available in the Cottonwood Field Office for people of all interests and age levels. Primary recreation activities are: water sports (whitewater boating, swimming and water play), driving for pleasure, picnicking, fishing, camping, and trophy big game hunting. The planning area receives over 500,000 recreation visits per year. Although the BLM manages a relatively small amount of land in the region, much of the land is strategically located along major rivers in the area. Most recreation opportunities and activities are centered around water-based resources, particularly rivers. CFO locations along the Lower Salmon River and the Clearwater River receive the most visitors. The Salmon River Canyon offers outstanding recreational opportunities such as Class III-IV whitewater boating and fishing for steelhead and trout.

Information and education are key components of recreation management in the Cottonwood Field Office. Numerous publications, including a Lower Salmon River Guide, river maps, and environmental ethics brochures, and signs have been developed to help educate recreationists on land use ethics and stewardship and to inform visitors of recreation opportunities and responsibilities.

Once proper precautions are taken, visitors can explore the expansive Idaho scenery without borders or restrictions. Visitors are also encouraged to explore off the beaten path and camping is allowed in non-designated areas on BLM land. But if you choose to do this, please remember to stay on established roads and trails, “leave no trace,” and “pack out, what you pack in.” Also, be prepared for wide temperature changes and dry conditions in this arid, high desert climate, and be alert for fire/fuels conditions and seasonal restrictions.