Outdoor Recreation

The Elk City groomed trail system covers the Nez Perce National Forest Area from Clearwater to Elk City, Red River, Red River Hot Springs, Dixie, Orogrande, Newsome, Mud Springs, the MOntana Road to Darby, White Water Ranch, and the Buffalo Hump area.

Over 350 miles of groomed trails connect these sites ... what an opportunity for four-wheeling, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Snow depth ranges from 1 foot to 10 feet along the groomed trails.

The scenery is abundant, with the elevation of the trails ranging from 3000 to over 7000 feet on Buffalo Hump. This is beautiful country, but isolated, so recreationists should go prepared when they set out on the trail system. Bring along some tools and a buddy or two, incase of a break down.

For events in the area such as fun runs, drag races, hill climbs and family play days, contact the communities of Elk City and Dixie.

For those who enjoy backcountry four-wheeling and mountain biking, opportunities abound. Take your mountain bike or ATV from the Red River Ranger Station 16 miles to the town of Dixie. Recreationalists who continue on from Dixie, 26 miles south, the travelway ends at Mackay Bar on the Salmon River at the edge of the vast Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness area.

As you choose your fishing location, be sure to find out the local rules before visiting the area. Remember, anyone 14 years old or older must have a valid license to fish in Idaho. Nonresident children under 14 may fish without a license if accompanied by a license-holding adult, who must include the childs fish in his or her bag limit. The streams and lakes within and adjacent to the Wilderness support many kinds of fish, including migrating sockeye salmon, steelhead, and chinook salmon. Several resident trout species are found as well.

 

 

 

Snowmobiles in the winter provide months of recreational fun and excitement in this area where snow is measured in feet rather than inches. Miles and miles of groomed trails are available for snowmobiling and cross country skiing.