North Central Idaho is an area which spans the central part of the state of Idaho and borders Oregon, Montana, and Washington. It is the southern half of the state's Panhandle region and is rich in agriculture and natural resources. Lewis and Clark traveled through this area on their journey to the Pacific Ocean in September 1805, crossing Lolo Pass and continuing westward in canoes on the Clearwater River. They returned the following spring on their way eastward.
The primary cities are Lewiston and Moscow, home of the University of Idaho; both are on the region's western edge, near the Washington border.
Geography North Central Idaho consists of the following counties:
Clearwater Idaho Latah Lewis Nez Perce
With the exception of the southern portion of Idaho County, this region observes Pacific Time.South of the western-flowing Salmon River, Idaho observes Mountain Time, beginning at Riggins.
Primary cities
Lewiston: inland port on the Snake River, first capital of Idaho Territory in 1863. Moscow: home of the University of Idaho, established in 1889.
Highways
Federal - US-12 - west to Walla Walla, east to Missoula - US-95 - north to Coeur d'Alene, south to southwestern Idaho - US-195 - north to Pullman and Spokane
State - SH-3 - SH-6 - SH-7 - SH-8 - SH-9 - SH-11 - SH-13 - SH-14 - SH-62 - SH-64 - SH-99 - SH-162
Attractions
Attraction CityAppaloosa Horse Museum MoscowCamas Prairie Railroad GrangevilleDworshak Dam and Fish Hatchery OrofinoFrank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area RigginsGospel Hump Wilderness Area Elk CityHells Canyon National Recreation Area RigginsHistorical Museum at St. Gertrude CottonwoodLewis and Clark National Historic Trail KooskiaNez Perce National Historical Park SpaldingPalouse Region MoscowSalmon River Canyon Area RigginsSelway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area LowellSeven Devils Mountains RigginsUniversity of Idaho MoscowWhite Bird Battlefield White BirdWolf Education and Research Center Winchester
Lakes Dworshak Reservoir – North Fork of Clearwater River
Rivers
Clearwater Lochsa Selway Palouse Salmon Snake
Forests Clearwater National Forest Nez Perce National Forest Payette National Forest
Parks McCroskey State Park Nez Perce National Historical Park Dworshak State Park Hells Gate State Park Winchester State Park
External links Visit North Central Idaho - travel site Visit Idaho - official state travel site University of Idaho - official site