Dworshak Dam Control Room Operator can be reached at 208-476-1231. Recorded Dworshak reservoir information can be obtained by calling 1-800-321-3198.
The Dworshak Dam creates a reservoir 54 miles long, with 184 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is 630' deep at the dam during high water, at an elevation of 1445 feet. Common animals of the area include elk & deer, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, river otter, Pacific tree frog, bald eagle, osprey, great blue heron, Canada goose, and others. There are over 100 primitive mini-camps along its shore, with tent pads, fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. There are, in addition, three developed campgrounds for RV's and tents, etc. (see pictures and info below). There are numerous hiking trails and the area is well-known for fishing and hunting of elk, dear, bear, etc. There are seven public boat launches on the reservoir, with no privately owned commercial resorts/marinas (see launches and marina info below).
Fishing: Brown Bullhead (native); Bull Trout (also known as Dolly Varden - native); Chinook Salmon (below dam - native); Cutthroat Trout (native); Kokanee (stocked), good for year-round fishing, using maggots & white corn or trolled lures; Rainbow Trout (stocked), good for year- round fishing, using nightcrawlers, scented baits, and spinners; Smallmouth Bass (stocked) & Largemouth Bass (native), best fished in spring as in summer heat they head to deeper water, bait includes nightcrawlers and plastic grubs, ask locals about other baits used; Steelhead Trout (below dam - native), many found below dam in clear water, baits include various types of live bait, large shiny spoons or variety of minnow lures, slip bobber with jig and shrimp. Clearwater Region Fish & Game 208-799-5010.
Maps: Printable map coming soon!
Sailing: Like most inland lakes July is the lightest time of year for wind, with spring and fall developing the most wind, and winter is variable. The best place to sail on this lake is near the dam, where you will find the most open water and consistent wind. Bruce Eddy launch facility is the best location to launch from, placing you in the area of the most wind and open water. Big Eddy is by far more congested than Bruce Eddy, but is a good place to sail from if you have friends/family that want to swim and play in the park while you sail. Info: Clearwater County Sheriff's Office 208-476-4521; Dworshak Dam & Reservoir - main office 208-476-1261 & water level 800-321-3198 (recorded message), Visitor Info. 800-321-3198, Visitor Center 208-476-1255, http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/CorpsOutdoors/dwa
Boat Launches, Marinas, Moorings, Docks
Moorage Docks are located at Cranberry Creek, Drift Creek, Elk Creek, Indian Creek, and Merry's Bay. These docks are popular swimming and picnics sites.
1. Merry's Bay
Includes beach, picnic tables, grills, vault toilet, pack in/pack it out bags - Must hike to site and portage kayaks/canoes to site, no running water. Approximately 100 feet off shore is a moorage dock. Directions: From US HWY 12 cross the river to Orofino, Idaho; take State HWY 7 a short distance then turn right onto Wells Bench Rd. Once on this road turn left onto Eureka Ridge Rd. and follow this down the 14% grade (4x4 vehicles only) until you see a sign and parking area for Merry's Bay Rec. Area. Via hiking trail one can access this site from Bruce's Eddy rec. site. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.509166, -116.269502
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Wide dirt area to beach area. Primitive trail along shoreline; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. No developed launch. Launch from bank/beach; 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/Accessible Tent and RV campsites, with/no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud; Terrain: Level to 7% grades over sand/gravel/dirt surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
2. Bruce Eddy Boat Launches
Includes multiple large paved launches, restrooms, running water, hiking trailers, no beaches. Directions: From US HWY 12 to Orofino, take State HWY 7 west toward Dworshak Dam. Before crossing North Fork Clearwater River there will be a sign directing you to Bruce Eddy rec. facilities; follow this road to the launches. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.510823, -116.289160
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Wide paved areas to launches; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… 2 accessible launch docks. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grad, and 1 double lane 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: Access to water only via launches; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over paved and gravel surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
3. Big Eddy State Park
Includes launch, marina, beach, restrooms, running water, park, store, hiking trails, no camping. Directions: From US HWY 12 to Orofino, take State HWY 7 west toward Dworshak Dam. Just after you cross North Fork Clearwater River there will be a sign directing you Big Eddy rec. facilities and the Dworshak Dam. Follow this road to the launches. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.526824, -116.305585
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Developed paths/trails to store and around parking area, and to launch dock... steep descent of about 7% to dock. Primitive trails along shoreline; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One accessible launch docks. Marina docks not accessible to wheelchairs. Single lane cement launch at about 7% 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 camping; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level paved areas to 9% along shoreline; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
4. Dworshak State Park & Freeman Creek Campground
Include launch, docks, beach, restrooms, running water, campground, park, hiking trails. Directions: From US HWY 12 to Orofino, take State HWY 7 west toward Cavendish, Idaho. Just after the town of Cavendish turn right/east onto Freeman Creek Rd.; follow this road all the way to State Park and boat launch. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.572838, -116.275514
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved and gravel parking lots; PATHS/TRAILS... Developed gravel and paved paths/trails through park/campground; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… 2 docks, One accessible launch docks, and one dock that is not wheelchair accessible. Double lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Non wheelchair accessible Launch from bank/beach; 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... Accessible Tent and RV campsites, with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud shoreline; Terrain: Level to 7% grades over lawn/sand/gravel/dirt surfaces. Steep grade of about 10% at shoreline; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
5. Dent Acres Campground
Includes launch, docks, small beach depending on water level, restrooms, running water, campground, park, hiking trails. Directions: From US HWY 12 cross the river to Orofino, Idaho; take State HWY 7 a short distance then turn right onto Wells Bench Rd. Stay on this road until it forks, then take Upper Wells Bench Road all the way across Dent Bridge to Dent Recreation Area. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.623472, -116.222061
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large parking lots; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Wide paved road to beach/dock and throughout campground. Primitive trail to through park and into hills; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two accessible docks, one launch dock and one mooring dock. Double lane cement launch at about 6% grade. Can potentially launch from bank/beach that is not accessible to wheelchairs; 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... Accessible Tent and RV campsites, with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades over lawn/sand/gravel/dirt surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Orofino or Elk River, ID.
Dent Bridge - Depending on water level clearance is 10'-20'.
6. Grandad Launch and Campground
Includes primitive campground and boat launch, restroom, camping at launch site and up the road at Grandad Campground, hiking trails, no running water or beach at launch site. Directions: From US HWY 12, turn northeast/cross the river to the city of Greer, Idaho on HWY 11 and on to Pierce, Idaho. From Pierce travel to Headquarters, Idaho. Once in the town of Headquarters turn left where the road tees onto Forest Service road 247 (follow arrow on sign at T to N. FK. Clearwater R.). Once on this road turn left at the sign indicating 27 miles to Grandad Bridge; this road is called Silver Creek Rd. This road quickly turns to gravel; you must stay on the road that appears the most well traveled as there are no signs from this point on for 27 miles to Grandad. This gravel road can be at times extremely rough. When coming down to the hill to the lake you will come to a T in the road; turning right you go to the boat launch and left you go to Grandad Bridge and the town of Elk River. About 20 miles into the drive to Grandad there is the access road to Little Meadow Creek Campground. You can also continue on FS 247 after leaving Headquarters and then take Grandad Bridge Rd. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.824311, -115.912439
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Primitive trail up steep hill area; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane grated cement launch at about 5% 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... Primitive Accessible Tent and RV campsites, no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud shoreline; Terrain: Level to 5% grades over sand/gravel/dirt surface. Very steep bank at shoreline; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Extreme heat with high humidity during summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Pierce and Orofino, ID.
Grandad Bridge - Depending on water level clearances is 10'-20'.
7. Canyon Creek Campground
Includes launch, dock, restroom, campground, hiking trail, no running water. There is no beach just rocky shoreline. Directions: From US HWY 12 cross the river to Orofino, Idaho; take State HWY 7 a short distance to Wells Bench Road. Continue on this road until you reach High Valley Road; turn left onto High Valley Rd., and left again onto Canyon Creek Rd. Follow this road to the launch. This road is about 6% grade at points and very rough. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.556220, -116.233397
ACCESSIBILITY: This launch and campground are not accessible to wheelchairs/wheeled mobility devices. PARKING... Gravel parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Primitive trails; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One non accessible docks that may or not be installed. Single lane grated rough cement launch of 7% grade. Not well maintained launch; 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... Non Accessible Tent and RV campsites, no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud/marine vegetation; Terrain: Level to 7% grades over sand/gravel/dirt surfaces; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Extreme heat and humidity during summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
8. N. Fork Clearwater River (below Dam) Boat Launch
Includes launch, restroom, no dock or running water. Directions: From US HWY 12 to Orofino, take State HWY 7 west toward Dworshak Dam. After crossing North Fork Clearwater River, there will be a sign directing you to the dam powerhouse. Turn right and shortly after you turn you will see the launch site. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 46.505675, -116.317214
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane grated cement 7% 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: Water access via launch only; Terrain: Level to 7% grades over cement/sand/gravel/dirt surface; H2O/Water: Water clear/murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Orofino, ID.
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