Clearwater River

This dam was built from 1966 to 1973 on the North Fork of the Clearwater River in Orofino, Idaho. It is primarily used for flood control and hydroelectric power. It is the third tallest dam in the US at 717 feet tall and is the largest dam in Idaho. Unfortunately, this dam lacks fish ladders and other fish passages so it blocks all fish migration into the North Fork of the Clearwater.

The Clearwater is an outdoor enthusiasts' heaven with amazing salmon fishing, rafting, kayaking, camping, swimming, hiking, and so much more. People come from all over to experience the scenery and sanctuary of the area. The rapids of the Clearwater are generally gentle at a Class 2, but with tributaries of the Selway and Lochsa reaching up to Class 5.

In 2014, the Clearwater River and its tributary the Lochsa River made the Endangered Rivers list made by advocacy group American Rivers. They are unique because they didn't make the list due to pollution or dams but because of nearby travel of megaloads on Highway 12. Highway 12 is a long windy highway that stretches alongside the river. Megaloads are massive equipment that they carry along this road and if there was to be an accident could cause major consequences.

The Clearwater river is heavily managed by the US Forest Service as it is apart of the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forest. There is some regions that are privately owned so are not being managed by the federal government. This area is home too many species within the Endangered Species list, this region will continue to be crucial in the protection of those species.

There are many prevalent differences between the Clearwater River and the Boise River. The Clearwater is managed very differently than the Boise River due to its location. Since Boise is a highly populated area and relies extremely heavily on the river as its main resource for water and other things, they manage it very hands on with the reservoir and multiple dams throughout. Other than the Dworshak Dam, the Clearwater is not managed as hands on. Also with geographic and location differences, the rivers overall are extremely different. The Boise River facilitates a healthy ripiratian habitat, along with other animals but since it is so populated it is not as heavy with wildlife. The Clearwater is more remote and has all different kinds of wildlife, many of which are now rare and endangered. Each river is different in their own way.

I spent my childhood going to the Lochsa and Selway rivers, the tributaries of the Clearwater. My grandpa went there throughout his childhood and loved to fish and camp and shared this with us as we grew up. My grandpa passed away last year and this past summer we got to spread his ashes near the river. This place is truly amazing and holds a huge place in my heart!