Local Area Attractions Near Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA Journey

Heart of the Monster

Heart of the Monster

According to the nimíipuu (Nez Perce) creation story, Iceye'ye (Coyote) killed a large monster along the Clearwater River near present day Kamiah, Idaho, thus creating different tribes in the region, including the nimíipuu. A rock formation in the area is said to represent the heart of the monster described in the legend. It is sacred to the nimíipuu people.

U.S. Highway 12 at mile marker 68

Across HWY 12 from KOA

Kamiah, ID 83536

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Weir Creek Natural Hot Springs

Weir Creek Natural Hot Springs

Weir Creek Hot Springs is located in the beautiful Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. The hot springs are primitive rock walled and gravel bottomed pools. The hot spring is set among a gorgeous landscape of cedars and rock cliffs with spectacular views. Weir Creek is located at mile post 142.1 on Hwy 12, about 75 miles East of the KOA going towards Montana. 

The trail entrance is marked with a trail sign and the 1/4 mile hike leads to 2 hot springs.

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Dworshak Dam and Reservoir

Dworshak Dam and Reservoir

Dworshak Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the North Fork of the Clearwater River in north central Idaho. In Clearwater County, the dam is located approximately four miles (6 km) northwest of Orofino and creates the Dworshak Reservoir, which is used for recreation, flood control and hydro electricity generation.

At a height of 717 feet (219 m), Dworshak is the third tallest dam in the U.S. and the tallest straight-axis concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction in 1966 and the dam was completed in 1973.

Dworshak Dam is located 31.5 miles west of the Kamiah / Clearwater River KOA.

1842 Viewpoint Rd.

Ahsahka, ID 83520

208-476-1255

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Local Area Skiing

Local Area Skiing

Kamiah, Idaho, is perfectly positioned near several great ski areas ranging from small, family-focused community hills to larger destination resorts in the Idaho panhandle and central mountains.

Closest Local Ski Areas

  • Bald Mountain Ski Area: Located in Pierce, ID, this family-owned ski hill is roughly 25 miles (a 45-minute drive) northeast of Kamiah. Established in 1959, it's a tight-knit mountain offering affordable terrain for all skill levels and averages around 100 inches of seasonal snowfall. 
  • Cottonwood Butte Ski Area: Located near Cottonwood, ID, this resort is approximately 18 to 20 miles from Kamiah. It features scenic, laid-back skiing with daytime weekend hours as well as select Friday night sessions.

Larger Resorts & Day Trips
  • Lookout Pass Ski and Snowboard Resort: Located off I-90 on the Idaho/Montana border near Mullan, this resort is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Kamiah. It's famous for its abundant natural snowfall, free ski school programs, and great family terrain.
  • Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Located in Sandpoint, ID, this is the largest ski resort in the state. It is about a 4.5-hour drive north of Kamiah, making it better suited for an extended weekend trip rather than a quick day trip, offering 2,900 acres of terrain, sweeping views, and top-tier amenities.

Selway Falls

Selway Falls

Selway Falls is a series of rapids in the Selway River formed where a large landslide partially
dammed the river at one point. Several house sized boulders sit in the river, and the remnants of the slide
result in a drop of about 25 feet over one-sixth of a mile. Because the falls are formed by debris deposited
in the river rather than bedrock, it does not meet the requirements to be classified as a waterfall.

Selway Falls is a dramatic, 25-foot cascading whitewater drop on the Selway River in central Idaho.
Located within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, it is renowned for its spectacular spring
runoff and remote wilderness.

Location: About 44 miles southeast of Kooskia, Idaho. The route takes US Highway 12 to Lowell,
then follows Forest Road 223 along the river corridor.

The Falls: Formed by ancient landslide debris and massive house-sized boulders,
it's not a sheer drop but a powerful, high-speed series of rapids.

Whitewater: It serves as a major put-in/take-out for the Wild and Scenic section of the Selway River.
The run above the falls features Class IV rapids and requires highly sought-after permits during the summer.