The Clearwater River passes through the homeland of the Nez Perce Tribe, flowing through the Clearwater National Forest with its pine and fir trees, past steep cliffs and ridges and beautiful sandy beaches. This river is well known for its large steelhead, along with king and silver salmon. The river has class I & II rapids, making it a popular intermediate river for rafting and kayaking. In mid to late summer when the river slows significantly it becomes popular with float tubers and swimmers. Camping is a popular activity all along its shores with most sites not requiring a fee. The Clearwater River travels from the Montana border to Lewiston, Idaho, where it empties into the Snake River. There are 15 public boat launches that vary from paved to hard-packed gravel. Depending on river depth, at the end of the launch pads you will have to pass over boulders to launch. There are other sites along the river that are not designated as launch sites, such as beaches and banks, that you can portage over to access the river. And of course there are many sites along the river where you can stop and fish.
Pictures and info about boat launches, access points, etc. below this map...
Clearwater River Boat Launches
All boat launches are numbered starting near Lewiston, Idaho and going easterly. There are 10 bridges that pass over the Clearwater River varying in clearance above the river. The lowest is around ten feet. Maps: View Google Map above...
This launch is in Lewiston Idaho right off of HWY 95. This launch is at the end of Clearwater River where it empties into the Snake River. Directions: Where HWY 95 and 12 meet take Frontage Rd (south side of HWY 95/12 to Steelhead Way into Steelhead Way Park and boat launch. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.430369, -116.983499
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Developed path to boat launch and dock. A bike/pedestrian paved trail passes through this park; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two accessible docks, one of which is a launch dock. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: No water access other than via docks or launch; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over lawn/paved surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear to murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Lewiston, ID.
Directions: This boat launch is directly across from Vista Rd. off of HWY 95, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.425832, -116.932147
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch. A bike/pedestrian paved trail passes past the entrance to this launch facility; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None accessible restrooms that may or may not be open. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 5% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 5% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear to murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Lewiston, ID.--- Pic Coming Soon ---
3. HWY 95 BRIDGE AREA LAUNCHES
There are two boat launches via Mullalley Rd. off of HWY 95/12. Directions: These two boat launches are east of HWY 95/12 intersection (and east of HWY 95 Bridge) off of HWY 95 via Mullalley Rd. Just as you come off HWY 95 onto this road you will see the access road to the first launch, if you continue east on the road it dead ends into the other launch, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.446925, -116.860565 for first launch, or 46.444085, -116.847565 for second launch.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lots; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms that may or may not be open at first launch but second launch next to bridge has no restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane gravel launch at about 5% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 5% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas at Clearwater Casino or in city of Lewiston, ID.
Directions: This boat launch is across and just east of the Clearwater Casino off of HWY 95, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.479535, -116.752784
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms that may or may not be open. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 5% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 5% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas at Clearwater Casino or in city of Lewiston, ID.
Directions: This boat launch is west Cherrylane Rd and Bridge off of HWY 12, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.512150, -116.683599
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… No restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane gravel launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
Two launch facility within the Lenore town area. Directions: The Lenore Rest is right off of HWY 12 and the launch is on the west side of the rest ara. To access the Lenore city launch one exits HWY 12 by crossing the river bridge on Lenore Grade Rd, then turn right onto the gravel road to the launch. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates for Lenore Rest area Launch 46.509665, -116.562600, and coordinates for town of Lenore launch 46.506330, -116.549047
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Pave parking lot at rest area and gravel parking lot at city launch; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms at rest area and no restrooms at city launch. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane gravel launch at boat sites of about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 5% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
Directions: This launch is directly across from Riverbend Ln, off of HWY 12, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.491587, -116.449913
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane gravel launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
Directions: This launch is just west of Big Canyon Creek, Canyon Creek Road, and Canyon Inn, off of HWY 12, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.498738, -116.439387
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… No accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane gravel launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
Directions: This launch is on the west outskirts of the city of Orofino, off of HWY 12, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.502685, -116.351132
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... Developed paved path through park and campground, and boat launch and beach; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane paved cement launch at about 5% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Fully accessible tent and RV campsites, with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
There are two launches at this location with no restrooms.
Directions: These launches are on the east side of the Clearwater River Hatchery, off of HWY 7, use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates of 46.500535, -116.317590 or 46.499941, -116.314394
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking area/lot right off HWY 7; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launches; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… No accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Two single lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Launch from steep bank over steep rocky shoreline; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces/at launches; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
Directions: This launch is off of HWY 12 giving access to the river between two sets of rapids. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.418171, -116.205673
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… NO accessible restroom. There a non-accessible portable vault toilet just east up the road. May or may not be there depending on the time of year. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
Directions: This launch is off of HWY 12. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.355575, -116.164114
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking lot/area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Orofino or Kamiah, ID.
Directions: This launch is off of HWY 12. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.276219, -116.097761
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… NO Accessible restroom. Non accessible vault toilet, which may or may not be there depending on the time of year. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Kamiah, ID.
There is a day park across the street from the launch. Directions: This launch is within the city limits of Kamiah off of HWY 12/3rd. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.276219, -116.097761
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved parking lot right off HWY 12/3rd Street; PATHS/TRAILS... Paved Developed path from launch area to park across the street (passes under the river bridge); RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully Accessible restroom in park across the street. Shade via trees and covered pavilions; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. The path that crosses under the river bridge from the launch area does pass near the shoreline; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces. There is a lawn area within the park; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. Drinking water available within park; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Kamiah, ID.
Directions: This launch is off of HWY 12 a short distance from the town of Kooskia. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.166382, -115.995672
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… NO accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Kooskia, ID.
Launch facility on the outskirts of town of Kooskia.
Directions: This launch is off of HWY 13 a short distance from the HWY 12/13 junction on the outskirts of the town of Kooskia. Use Google maps for exact directions. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.146902, -115.980349
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area right off HWY 12; PATHS/TRAILS... No Developed path to boat launch but there is a wide sandy/rocky area that gives access to the water next to the boat launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… No accessible restroom but one can access accessible restrooms within the town of Kooskia. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 4% grade. Launch from bank/beach over small boulders and sand also; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/dirt/rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 4% grades over gravel/dirty/sand surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Kooskia, ID.Upper Clearwater River Access Points/Sportsman Accesses: From this point on up the river there are 19 more official access points to the river none of which are considered formal boat launches. There are many more points along the river that one could potentially access the river. Please watch for private property signs and all other river cautions signs... obey these signs so as not to affect future access to the river. Remember to pack it in and pack it out. View the above interactive Google Map to learn about these access points/sportsman access sites.
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