Clearwater River, River tributary in northern Idaho, US
The Clearwater River is a waterway in northern Idaho that originates in the Bitterroot Mountains and flows westward across four counties. It eventually joins the Snake River near Lewiston.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed this river in the fall of 1805 during their journey to the Pacific. They built canoes near Orofino and used the waterway as part of their route westward.
This waterway held deep meaning for the Nez Perce people who lived along its banks. Their name for it, Koos-Koos-Kia, spoke to the clarity of the waters and the connection between the people and their home landscape.
Visitors can easily access the river at many points, particularly if they want to fish or go boating. Boat ramps and camping sites are scattered along the waterway to make exploring convenient.
Two major rivers meet and merge into this waterway at Kooskia, bringing water from a vast region. This merging point makes the area notable for those interested in the river system's size and scope.
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