North Central Idaho facts for kids

Lewiston and Clarkston, WA, from the north, (old grade in foreground)

North Central Idaho is an area which spans the central part of the state of Idaho and borders Oregon, Montana, and Washington. It is the southern half of the state's Panhandle region and is rich in agriculture and natural resources. Lewis and Clark traveled through this area on their journey to the Pacific Ocean in September 1805, crossing Lolo Pass and continuing westward in canoes on the Clearwater River. They returned the following spring on their way eastward.

The primary cities are Lewiston and Moscow, home of the University of Idaho; both are on the region's western edge, near the Washington border.

Geography

North Central Idaho consists of the following counties:

• Clearwater
• Idaho
• Latah
• Lewis
• Nez Perce

With the exception of the southern portion of Idaho County, this region observes Pacific Time.
South of the western-flowing Salmon River, Idaho observes Mountain Time, beginning at Riggins.

Primary cities

University of Idaho's
Administration Building (1909) in Moscow

• Lewiston: inland port on the Snake River, first capital of Idaho Territory in 1863.
• Moscow: home of the University of Idaho, established in 1889.

Highways

Federal

• - US-12 - west to Walla Walla, east to Missoula
• - US-95 - north to Coeur d'Alene, south to southwestern Idaho
• - US-195 - north to Pullman and Spokane

State

Attractions

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness

Seven Devils Mountains,
southwest of Riggins

Dworshak Dam and Reservoir,
northwest of Orofino

Lakes

• Dworshak Reservoir – North Fork of Clearwater River

Rivers

Clearwater River drainage
in north central Idaho

• Clearwater
  • Lochsa
  • Selway
• Palouse
• Salmon
• Snake

Forests

• Clearwater National Forest
• Nez Perce National Forest
• Payette National Forest

Parks

• McCroskey State Park
• Nez Perce National Historical Park
• Dworshak State Park
• Hells Gate State Park
• Winchester State Park