By:
Submission
The Clark Fork River Area (Cabinet Ranger District) is bordered by the Idaho line on the west and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness on the east. The Clark Fork River flows north and west through the District, and the Bull and Vermilion Rivers join it from the north. Rugged peaks ranging in elevation from 6000-8700 feet overlook the valley bottom. Almost ½ million acres of National Forest lands offer a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Approximately 400 miles of trail are available to the hiker, hunter, and stock user to access various lakes and scenic viewpoints. 150 miles of these trails are open to motorized use. The District maintains almost 400 miles of open road, and many miles of gated roads offer additional opportunities to mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters. Four developed campgrounds with boat launches provide access to the Noxon and Cabinet Gorge Reservoirs. Fishing, canoeing, and swimming are popular in the numerous other lakes and streams. The District maintains two lookout towers and one cabin for rental to the public. Winter activities include cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. A groomed snowmobile route is located on the south side of the Clark Fork River which accesses the popular Gem Saddle Snowmobile Shelter.
The pics of others already posted tell the story. We got off onto the forest road drove a short distance down and had our choice of free camping near the RR bridge. It had a fire ring made by other visitors. Due to high fire danger at the time, a Ranger had taped the fire ring with fluorescent pink tape. Except for trains at night, a few others using the area and a bit of road dust, the view of the river and trains crossing the bridge is very cool. Great location with river access for kayaking canoeing rafting fishing etc. slept well and would definitely stay again. PS. We enjoyed watching a bald eagle hunt up and down the clear waters of the river!
I live next to the river and creek. I have lived here since 1996 and have no plans of going anywhere else 🙃
Fun! We camped at Cascades national campground. It's a primitive dry campsite. Great for fishing. Great view of the river.
We were traveling through the scenic byway and decided to pull off to make lunch. There are a bunch of pull off spots with informational markers. Definitely had beautiful views!
So if you're driving any distance and you see the Clark fork River you're going to pass by it about 200 more times before you get where you're going! Every bridge you come to you'll be like oh what river is this? Oh hey it's the Clark fork AGAIN!! LOL It's beautiful though for real
