Clearwater National Forest

Clearwater is almost completely surrounded by other forests and wilderness areas. The remarkable Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area lies within the borders. Bitterroot National Forest, which is known for its wide variety of plant and animal life, runs along Clearwater's southeast border. To the south is the 2.2-million acre Nez Perce National Forest, and to the direct west are Orofino and Lolo State Forests. Directly to the east is Montana's Lolo National Forest, where the deep canyons and steep terrain please hikers and rock climbers alike. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area lies southwest of Clearwater, over the Oregon border.