CLEARWATER COUNTY
County Offices
150 Michigan Ave
Orofino, 208-476-5615
https://www.clearwatercounty.org/
Chamber of commerce
1125 Johnson Ave
Orofino 208-476-4335
www.orofino.com
Orofino
City Offices
217 Frist St
Orofino 208-476-4725
http://www.cityoforofino.org/
Clearwater County is a vast area covering 1,575,424 acres, this ranks the County as the 10th largest of Idaho’s 44 counties. Elevation ranges from 1,000 feet above sea level at Orofino, Ahsahka and Greer to peaks nearly 8,000 feet which are located in the Clearwater National Forest. Most of the land in Clearwater County averages from 2,000 to 3000 feet. The county is home to around 10,000 residents. The city Orofino is the county seat and the largest community in the county.
Lifestyle
Clearwater County is located in the magnificent North Central region of Idaho. From steep river canyons to high mountain vistas, it has a wide variety of terrain and outdoor activities for both residents and visitors. The county is home to the North Fork of the Clearwater River and a small portion of the South Fork as well as the main Clearwater. Also in the county is the Dworshak Reservoir which is 54 miles long with 19,000 surface acres of water. Boating and fishing spots are popular with visitors and residents. Also, Dworshak State Park, Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, and the Dworshak Dam, which is the third highest dam in the U.S. and the tallest straight axis concrete dam in North America. Dworshak State Park is located among trees and meadow on the western shores of Dworshak Reservoir. The park is comprised of three units, Freeman Creek, Three Meadows Group Camp, and Big Eddy Marina. This park is a valued recreational asset in the county.
The scenery is breathtaking, with numerous hills, mountains, forests, valleys, and rivers to delight any photographer. There are plenty of historic sites to experience, including the site where the starving Lewis and Clark met the Nez Perce Indians on the Camas Prairie after crossing the Bitterroot Mountains. In addition, the oldest town in Idaho, Pierce, which is a gold rush town and home to the oldest courthouse in the state. For the outdoor enthusiast, the area offers big game hunting, fishing, hiking, ATV trails, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and camping. The Bald Mountain ski area is located between Orofino and Pierce. In addition to the outdoor recreational opportunities, The county offers residents and visitors plenty of other things to do. Clearwater County is rich in Idaho and local history and is home to several museums. The Clearwater County Museum, located in Orofino is home to a collection of local artifacts of historical significance. The H Howard Bradbury Memorial Logging Museum and the Old Pierce Courthouse located in Pierce are both worth a visit. The Weippe Discovery Center located in Weippe, and the Elk River Museum located in Elk River are also favorites with visitors.
Communities in this very rural county are small and spread out. The City of Orofino is the largest community in the county and is home to most of the county services and amenities for residents. Orofino is the starting point for any visit to the county and for the many visitors to Dworshak Reservoir. The reservoir is literally at the end of the street in downtown and adds a amazing viewpoint to the city. There are shops and dining establishments as well as several other local shops in the downtown. Housing options are mostly single family and well-spaced out. Large lots and open farmland are common as well. Residents of this city and the county enjoy a slow pace of life surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Services
Newcomers to Clearwater County will find that the educational and healthcare services are well-developed and designed to support the population. Local schools seek out curriculums that are based on reliable research, solid child development principles, and proven practices. Affordable higher education is available close to home via the University of Idaho Extension Program and the Lewis Clark State College Outreach Center.
First-rate healthcare services that meet routine needs are available in the Clearwater Valley Hospital & area clinics, or the State Hospital North. These facilities offer a full-service approach and serve the medical needs of the community with skilled physicians, helpful health information, community programs, and wellness updates.
