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
editNorth Central Idaho consists of the following counties:
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
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Administration Building (1909) in Moscow
- 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
editFederal
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- 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
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Attractions
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southwest of Riggins
northwest of Orofino
| Attraction | City |
|---|---|
| Appaloosa Horse Museum | Moscow |
| Camas Prairie Railroad | Grangeville |
| Dworshak Dam and Fish Hatchery | Orofino |
| Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area | Riggins |
| Gospel Hump Wilderness Area | Elk City |
| Hells Canyon National Recreation Area | Riggins |
| Historical Museum at St. Gertrude | Cottonwood |
| Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail | Kooskia |
| Nez Perce National Historical Park | Spalding |
| Palouse Region | Moscow |
| Salmon River Canyon Area | Riggins |
| Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area | Lowell |
| Seven Devils Mountains | Riggins |
| University of Idaho | Moscow |
| White Bird Battlefield | White Bird |
| Wolf Education and Research Center | Winchester |
Lakes
edit- Dworshak Reservoir – North Fork of Clearwater River
Rivers
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in north central Idaho
Forests
editParks
editExternal links
edit- Visit North Central Idaho - travel site
- Visit Idaho - official state travel site
- University of Idaho - official site