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Ride The Trails
There are hundreds of great trails crisscrossing through the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest in the area of Grangeville, Idaho.
If you don’t know where to start out and need some help in learning the trails, joining Idaho Pathfinders ATV Club as a member is an effective way to expand the voice of citizens who use the trail system and also to become more familiar with the trails in our mammoth playground. Riding with others in a group is a safe way to gain knowledge about the trails in our public lands and also builds a sense of camaraderie with others who enjoy four wheeling too.
In addition to learning about new trails, the Idaho Pathfinders Association work together in partnership with the USFS to maintain trails each year including trail cleanup and debris removal, building bridges across creeks, public awareness on proposed and new legislation as well as many other efforts that help to ensure good stewardship while enjoying the great outdoors.
Our local club is always looking for responsible new members as a way to educate and lead residents, new comers and visitors on appropriate trails and to avoid off-trail problems that can lead to trail closures.
ATV and Side by Side adventures in the area of Grangeville Idaho is a favorite pastime of many and a great family activity to enjoy together. As baby boomers age, many in this generation are migrating to four wheeling recreation for the mobility and safe, group activities that this fun sport represents.
Children under 16 are required to wear a helmet at all times and a mandatory ATV course for safe and educated riding among our younger adventure oriented generations.
Hunting
With the most square miles of wilderness in the lower 48 states, Idaho offers the best in big game hunting and experienced outfitters to escort you.
Elk, Mule & White Tail deer, Big Horn Sheep, Moose and Black Bear are among the favorites.
Grouse, quail, chukar and pheasant are a few of the upland game birds available, while Canada geese and mallards are the most common waterfowl.
For the best in hunting, set your sights on Idaho.
For more information, visit Idaho Fish and Game. All forest supervisor and ranger district offices. Travel plan maps of each forest include all drainages, roads and road closures. Idaho National Forest map orders call: 208-373-4007.
Fishing
North Central Idaho is legendary for its fishing and it’s no wonder. The Nez Perce people have fished from these clear waters since the beginning of time. Lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs — its your choice. Some of the nation’s hottest steelhead (a rainbow trout over 20 inches) fishing is here.
Fishermen line the South Fork of the Clearwater River and the Salmon River when the steelhead and salmon fishing gets hot.
You won’t want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch a sturgeon in Hells Canyon on the Snake River. The largest freshwater fish in the United States, the white sturgeon can reach lengths in excess of 10 feet and weigh more than 1000 pounds.
Winchester Lake is a fabulous destination for many favorite fish species. The Winchester Lake Park is about 50 miles north of Grangeville in the community of Winchester Idaho.
Fish North Central Idaho waters on your own or with an outfitter or guide. Visit Idaho Outfitters and Guides Website for licensed outfitters in Idaho.
Be sure to check with Idaho Fish and Game for licensing rules and regulations.
Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America at 7800 feet (2800 meters).Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is 700,000 acres (280,000 hectares) of some of the most rugged, spectacular wild lands on earth. At its heart is the wildest whitewater stretch of the Snake River.
How to see Hells Canyon?
HEAVENS GATE OVERLOOK
Heavens Gates Overlook is thought by many to be the best view into Hells Canyon from Idaho. From the south end of Riggins, allow a half day to reach the overlook on a very steep and winding gravel road (Forest Road 517).
PITTSBURGH LANDING ON THE SNAKE RIVER
The Pittsburg Landing Road (Deer Creek Forest Road 493) is a narrow, winding, steep, gravel road taking you over the ridge to the Snake River within Hells Canyon. Departing from White Bird Idaho, the Deer Creek Road is well maintained by Idaho County Road Department.
Once an expansive Native American village site, today Pittsburgh Landing is popular for river access and camping. Pittsburgh Landing offers tent and RV camping, pavilions and outdoor grills, and restroom facilities.
Hells Canyon Jet Boat Trips and Lodging uses the Pittsburgh Landing Marina for its jet boat adventures, where tourists from across the world get a comfortable and fun glimpse deep inside Hells Canyon from the comforts of a 32 person jet boat.
From Grangeville, go south on Hwy 95 to the White Bird exit. Follow White Bird Creek to the Salmon River, cross the bridge at Swiftwater RV Park and turn left for the 17 mile scenic drive to Pittsburgh landing. Be sure to start with a full tank of gas, since driving up steep grades can use more gas.
KIRKWOOD HISTORICAL RANCH ON THE SNAKE RIVER
Kirkwood Historical Ranch is the former home of Idaho’s Governor Len Jordan, the site of Grace Jordan’s book “Home below Hells Canyon”and has archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back 7100 years.
Accessible only by boat or OHV / Hiking trails, Kirkwood is staffed by volunteers throughout the year. Pack a lunch and enjoy the Kirkwood Historical Museum and the beautiful grassy oasis that is operated year around by volunteers for the U.S. Forest Service.
BY ATV or 50″ SIDE BY SIDE: At the top of Cow Creek Road from Lucille Idaho, take your ATV’s or 50″ Side by Sides for the most spectacular trip while making your way down the trail, descending 7000 feet to the historical Kirkwood Ranch. (This trail requires intermediate skill on an ATV).
Or, for a more leisurely trip that takes you into the heart of Hells Canyon, take a comfortable power boat trip up the river. There are several jet boat outfitters to select from. Killgore Adventures gets you right into the heart of Hells Canyon for a full day of history and discover. There are also options for jet boat outfitters departing from Lewiston daily. Plan on an longer round trip with 40 miles of navigation before you hit Hells Canyon.
ON FOOT: Get to Pittsburgh Landing by car and then take the foot trails that lead you on a 5 mile odyssey to Kirkwood Ranch. In mid to late summer, you might come across more rattle snakes that you’d prefer. It’s best to take this hike during the winter or early spring through June.
Grangeville Border Days
Grangeville Border Days Rodeo, Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo, is celebrated as a three day event every Independence Day holiday.
The Border Days rodeo is operated by a committee comprised of men from the Grangeville Community who spend many hours volunteering their time and efforts to make the annual event a success.
Rodeo is a cultural tradition in the region of the west. Starting in late spring, some nearby community in Central Idaho near Grangeville is always hosting its annual rodeo event.
White Bird Rodeo is always held on Father’s Day weekend.
Historical Fish Creek Lookout
Former Fish Creek Lookout Log Cabin
This historical cabin was donated in 1961 to Idaho County Historical Society Mining Museum and is now located on East Main Street in Grangeville. The outdoor display contains many original machines and equipment used in early gold mining in Idaho County.
Idaho County Courthouse
Our County Courthouse has interesting displays of Idaho Gems and Minerals, Idaho County 4-H Club achievements, and ‘Legacy to Idaho County’ Historical Photo Albums.
