Recreation Sites & Activities

Permits are required for commercial use, competitive use, special area use and organized group activity and event use

Lower Salmon River Website

The Cottonwood Field Office features 13 developed recreation sites (including five fee campgrounds), 183 miles of water trails, over 200 undeveloped or semi-developed sites along the Clearwater and Salmon Rivers, a 750-acre section of the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness, segments of Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, as well as dispersed recreation opportunities. This region of Idaho also provides access to Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, was the setting for the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1805-1806, and is the home of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Primary recreation activities are whitewater boating, swimming and water play, driving for pleasure, picnicking, fishing, camping, and trophy big game hunting. The area receives more than half a million recreation visits per year. Much of the land the BLM manages is located along major rivers in the area.  Most recreation is centered around water, particularly rivers. The Salmon River Canyon offers outstanding recreational opportunities such as Class III-IV whitewater boating and steelhead and trout fishing.

Information and education are key components of recreation management in the Cottonwood Field Office. Numerous publications, including a Lower Salmon River Guide, river maps, and environmental ethics brochures, and signs have been developed to help educate recreationists on land use ethics and stewardship and to inform visitors of recreation opportunities and responsibilities.

Once proper precautions are taken, visitors can explore the expansive Idaho scenery without borders or restrictions. Visitors are also encouraged to explore off the beaten path and camping is allowed in non-designated areas on BLM land. But if you choose to do this, please remember to stay on established roads and trails, “leave no trace,” and “pack out, what you pack in.” Also, be prepared for wide temperature changes and dry conditions in this arid, high desert climate, and be alert for fire/fuels conditions and seasonal restrictions.