Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs title bar with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead


Idaho Segments, A-M

National Park Service
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance
909 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-1060

Click for segments A-M

River in Idaho surrounded  by pine trees

River
County
Reach
Length (miles)
Year Listed/ Updated
Potential Classification
ORVs
Description
Other States
Owyhee River, South Fork Owyhee From its source to a point approximately two miles downstream from Wilson Creek Canyon
61
1982
  R, G, F Major dry region, deep canyon stream with some entrenched meanders and many wild areas.  
Owyhee River, South Fork Owyhee (Elko, NV) From a point approximately 3 and 1/2 miles upstream of the confluence with Fourmile Creek to the confluence with the East Little Owyhee River
54
1982
  R, G, F See initial comments.
NV
Pack River Bonner Forest boundary in SE 1/4 of Sec. 34, T.59 N., R.2 W. to Harrison Lake in SW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.62 N., R.2 W.
14
1993
R
F Noted for Dolly Varden trout.  
Pahsimeroi River, East Fork Custer Mouth at Pahsimeroi River, in NW 1/4 of Sec. 35, T.10 N., R.23 E. to headwaters in NW 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.9 N., R.23 E.
4
1993
S
S, G Spectacular views of highest peaks in Idaho. Unique example of glacial geology, with high rugged peaks, U-shaped valleys and alluvial deposits.  
Panther Creek Lemhi From the mouth in NW 1/4 of Section 19, T.23N., R.18E. to the origin in SE 1/4 of Section 2, T.17N., R.18E.
45
1993
R
S, R, W The entire drainage is recognized as a distinctive visual resource. The upper portions of the stream are characterized by a gentle canyon morphology. The lower half of the stream follows a deep, rugged canyon.  
Payette River and South Fork Boise The South Fork from the boundary of the Sawtooth Wilderness Area downstream to the confluence with the Middle Fork; and then the mainstem to the confluence with the North Fork
54
1982
  S, R, G, F Substantial quantities of recreational boating and fishing; scenic canyons interspersed with wider valley area. This very scenic river rises in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area, and flows past several geothermal (hot springs) sites. Jointly designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, and Idaho Fish and Game as a "highest-valued fishery resource".  
Payette River and South Fork Boise Confluence of Middle Fork Payette to confluence of North Fork Payette
8
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, F Recreational boating and fishing, scenic canyons interspersed with wide valleys.  
Payette River, South Fork Boise Grandjean/Highway 21 Junction to Lowman
26
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, G Scenic canyon with vistas of forested mountainsides. Floating, fishing, and camping. Several hot springs.  
Payette River, South Fork Boise Forest Boundary to confluence with Middle Fork Payette
4
1982/ 1993
R
S, R Flows through narrow canyon with series of rapids and pools. Extremely popular for rafting and kayaking.  
Payette River, South Fork Boise Lowman to Little Gallagher Creek
13
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, G Spectacular canyon, challenging rapids for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Natural hot springs.  
Payette River, South Fork Boise Sawtooth National Recreation boundary to junction of Grandjean Road and State Highway 21
9
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G Spectacular panoramic views of Sawtooth Mountains. Hot springs, fishing, and floating.  
Payette River, South Fork Boise Little Gallagher Creek to Forest Boundary
10
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, G Rugged canyon with scenic cliffs. Challenging river floating experiences. Numerous hot springs.  
Payette, North Fork Boise From McCall, Idaho, downstream to slack water at Cascade Reservoir and from Cascade Dam downstream to confluence with mainstem
52
1982
  S, R, F Stellar example of continuous white water in a moderately sized canyon; river supplies expert kayaking opportunities as well as considerable scenic qualities, despite the presence of a major road and railroad line. Upper portion meanders through wide flood plain. Jointly designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, and Idaho Fish and Game as a "highest values fishery resource".  
Priest River Boundary, Bonner Canadian border to Upper Priest Lake
18
1993
W
S, R, F, W    
Running Creek Idaho NW 1/4 of Sec. 28, T.30 N., R.13 E. to boundary of Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
7
1993
W
G, F, W Outstanding hot springs. Anadromous fisheries and elk viewing and hunting.  
Running Creek Idaho Wilderness boundary to headwaters near Running Lake
8
1993
S
G, F, W See initial comments  
Salmon River Custer, Lemhi From its source downstream to North Fork, Idaho, except that part through Salmon, Idaho
177
1982
  R, G, F Long, major high flow river with a variety of topographic settings, providing fine views of interesting geological features. Supports considerable recreational boating and fishing. Jointly designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, and Idaho Fish and Game as a "highest-valued fishery resource".  
Salmon River Custer, Lemhi Source downstream to North Fork, Idaho, except part through Salmon, Idaho
62
1982/ 1993
R
F Prime spawning and rearing habitat for spring and summer chinook salmon.  
Salmon River Nez Perce, Lewis, Idaho Confluence with Snake River to Long Tom Bar.
112
1993
S, R
S, R, G, F, W, H, O    
Salmon River, East Fork Custer Confluence of West Fork of East Fork of Salmon River and South Fork of East Fork of Salmon River to Forest Boundary
11
1982/ 1993
W, S, R
F Outstanding salmon fishery. Upper portion in Sawtooth National Recreation Area which enhances recreational value. Initial 4 miles suitable for wild classification. Remaining 7 miles suitable for recreation or scenic.  
Salmon River, East Fork Custer From the Sawtooth NRA boundary downstream to the confluence with the mainstem
20
1982
  S, R, F Very clear, essentially undeveloped river beginning in Sawtooth Wilderness Area and flowing through a broad, steep sided valley. High recreational and scenic values, including kayaking, rafting and fishing opportunities. Jointly designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA and Idaho Fish and Game as a "highest-valued fishery resource".  
Salmon River, South Fork Idaho, Valley Smith Creek to confluence with main Salmon River
12
1982/ 1993
W
S, G, F See initial comments  
Salmon River, South Fork Idaho, Valley Three Mile Creek to landing strip at Smith Creek
23
1982/ 1993
S
S, G, F See initial comments  
Salmon River, South Fork Idaho, Valley Headwaters on Boise N.F. to confluence with Three Mile Creek on Payette N.F.
47
1982/ 1993
R
S, G, F Important anadromous fishery which is tributary to main Salmon River. Flow through highly scenic meadow - stringer timber landscapes. Deeply disected canyon within granitic Idaho Batholith.  
Salmon River, South Fork Valley From its source downstream to the confluence with the mainstem
46
1982
  S, R, G, F, W Outstanding scenic qualities and landscape diversity. Mostly wild and essentially undeveloped stream supports kayaking and fishing. Many interesting geological features; popular pack trip area; important spawning ground for salmon. Jointly designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, and Idaho Fish and Game as a "highest-valued fishery resource".  
Secesh River Valley Entire river.
38
1982
  S, R, F Outstanding whitewater boating river. Roadless middle reach has trail system with opportunities for hiking, camping and fishing in highly scenic canyon. High quality salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout fishery.  
Slate Creek Idaho Confluence with Salmon River (NW 1/4 of Sec. 36, T.27 N., R.1 E.) to Gospel-Hump Wilderness boundary (NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T.27 N., R.4 E.)
14
1993
R
G, F, H Natural limestone cliffs along lower portion of Slate Creek. Prehistoric sites. Excellent anadromous and resident fish habitat.  
Slate Creek Idaho Wilderness boundary to headwaters at Slate Lakes
5
1993
W
G, F, H See initial comments  
Snake River Bingham From Blackfoot, Idaho, downstream to slack water at American Falls Reservoir
21
1982
  G, F Excellent example of major river flowing through a wide flood plain; displaying large meanders, numerous sloughs, channels and backwaters.  
Snake River Gooding, Twin Falls Lower Salmon Falls Dam downstream to the head of Bliss Reservoir
9
1982
  R, G, W, H, O Mid-section of 1,000+ mile river; highest volume in Northwest after Columbia River. Broad, deep fixed channel cut through flood basalts. Contains three USFWS candidate threatened and endangered aquatic species: Snake River snail, Bliss Rapids snail, and Shoshone sculpin. Critical habitat and type location for both snails. Riparian zone contains several threatened plant species. Outstanding waterfowl habitat; identified in the USFWS Unique Ecosystems Study. Regionally significant "big river" fishing and whitewater boating opportunities.  
Snake River Bonneville, Jefferson From Palisades Dam downstream to the confluence with the Henrys Fork
61
1982
  S, R, G, F, W An outstanding remaining free-flowing segment of the Snake with ample recreation opportunities; superior wildlife habitat and good scenic vistas, particularly in the Upper Snake Canyon. Mature flood plain with many sloughs and channels, especially near Henrys Fork confluence. Presence of levees in lower portion is relatively unobstructive. Sustains raft and canoe use on swift, notable bald and golden eagle nesting area. Jointly designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA and Idaho Fish and Game as a highest-valued fishery resource".  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont Buffalo River (NE 1/4 of Sec. 33, T.13 N., R.43 E.)
3
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont Riverside Campground to Warm River (NW 1/4 of Sec. 13, T.9 N., R.43 E.)
18
1982/ 1993
W
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont Box Canyon to Harriman State Park Boundary
2
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont Flat Rock to McCrea Bridge (SE 1/4 of Sec. 8, T.13 N., R.43 E.)
6
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont North Fork Summer Homes to Flat Rock
3
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont Big Springs (NE 1/4 of Sec. 33, T.15 N., R.44 E.) to North Fork Summer Homes
3
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G, F, W Several major waterfalls. From tranquil slow moving water through scenic marshes and meadows to swift rapids in canyon. International reputation as one of best trout streams in US. Fishing, boating, and sightseeing. Essential bald eagle habitat.  
Snake River, Henrys Fork Fremont Harriman State Park Boundary to Riverside Campground
11
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
Snake River, South Fork Bonneville, Jefferson Palisades Reservoir to confluence with Henry's Fork
61
1993
S, R
S, R, G, F, W Outstanding free-flowing segment of the Snake, ample recreational opportunities, superior wildlife habitat, good scenic vistas, native flood plain with many sloughs and channels.  
Three Links Complex Idaho Confluence of Selway River (SW 1/4 of Sec. 22, T.32 N., R.11 E.) to headwaters in complex
18
1993
W
S, G, F, O Excellent spawning habitat for steelhead and chinook salmon. Outstanding lakes and vegetation.  
Warm River Fremont Warm springs to Forest boundary
9
1993
  S, R, G, W, H    
White Bird Creek Idaho Confluence with Salmon River (NW 1/4 of Sec. 22, T.28 N., R.1 E.) to confluence of North and South Forks of White Bird Creek (SE 1/4 of Sec. 5, T.28 N., R.2 E)
6
1993
R
G, F, C Dissected basalt cliffs adjacent to creek. Excellent habitat for anadromous and resident fish. Abundant cultural resources associated with Nez Perce Indian Battleground.  
White Sand Creek Idaho White Sand mouth at Forest Road #111 (NE 1/4 Sec. 34, R.14 E., T.37 N.) to point where trail #47 intersects trail #50 (NW 1/4 Sec. 5, R.15 E., T.36 N.)
3
1993
R
S, R, F Precipitous slopes carpeted with stands of fir, larch and pine. Potential to restore traditional runs of Chinook salmon to Clearwater system. Fishing, hunting, hiking, and horseback riding.  
White Sand Creek Idaho Trail #47 and 50 intersection to Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary at mouth of Dan Creek (NE 1/4 Sec. 36, R.15 E., T.36 N.)
9
1993
W
S, R, F See initial comments  
Yankee Fork Custer Jordan Creek to Eightmile Creek (SE 1/4 of Sec. 30, T.13 N., R.16 E.)
6
1993
R
R, G, F, H See initial comments  
Yankee Fork Custer Mouth at Main Salmon River (NW 1/4 of Sec. 20, T.11 N., R.15 E.) to Pole Flat Campground (beginning of dredge tailings)
2
1993
R
R, G, F, H, C Native American religious and ceremonial fishery. Challenging white water for kayaking during high spring run-off. Spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous steelhead and Chinook Salmon.  
Yankee Fork Custer Pole Flat Campground to Jordan Creek
6
1993
R
R, G, F, H See initial comments