Idaho's Elk River Region Offers Scenic Trails, Waterfalls, And A Campground With Lush Scenery

Are you planning a fun outdoor adventure in Idaho? Elk River is an exciting destination for nature lovers. This small town in northern Idaho has a friendly community and an inviting escape for hikers and campers. With its beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and forests, Elk River is arguably one of the best riverfront towns to visit in America.

Elk River is situated about 50 miles east of Moscow, Idaho, and 70 miles northwest of Lewiston. The nearest major airport is Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport(LWS), about 70 to 100 miles southwest of the town, depending on the route that you use. Once a thriving logging town in the early 1900s, Elk River grew rapidly when the Potlatch Lumber Company established a major sawmill in the area. Although the mill is closed, Elk River has become a gateway for outdoor fun. However, you can still see remnants of its logging heritage.

The Elk River region is one of the main reasons Idaho is regarded as one of the absolute best states for hiking across the US. A must-visit is the Elk Creek Falls, accessible via the Elk Creek Falls Trail, which is about 2.6 miles round-trip. As you hike the trail, you will love the scenic overlooks and soothing sounds of rushing water. The trail will first take you to the Upper Falls, then descend to the Middle Falls before reaching the Lower Falls, which is the tallest at around 60 feet. This is where the river cascades into a gorge. While it is a moderate hike, it has some steep sections, as well as benches and viewpoints along the way where you can pause and enjoy the panoramic views.

Another highlight of the region is the Giant Cedar Grove Trailhead, which leads to what is arguably one of the largest trees in America. Located about 11 miles north of Elk River, the trailhead leads explorers to a paved recreation trail with jaw-dropping vistas of the 177-feet-tall "Champion Tree of Idaho." For those who enjoy sleeping under the stars and waking up to stunning morning views, the camp at the Elk Creek Campground is perfect. Tucked in a tranquil atmosphere along the banks of the Elk River, it features six camp sites with picnic tables and fire pits, ideal for enjoying relaxed evenings grilling or stargazing. Other amenities on the camping site include restrooms and drinking water. If hunting is your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails around the campground, great for game hunting. You will have opportunities to aim at different types of wildlife around Elk River, including elk, deer, and moose.

About an hour's drive from Elk River is the college town of Moscow, buzzing with coffee shops, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants, thanks to its proximity to the University of Idaho. Exploring Moscow's vibrancy is a nice contrast to the quiet seclusion of Elk River, making it a great destination if you need to mix things up a bit. If you want to spend some time along the Clearwater River, drive to Orofino, about 75 miles south. You will enjoy walking along the riverfront of the Clearwater River or fishing from the shores — anglers from across the region flock here for a chance to catch trout.

If the trails and waterfalls didn't quench your trailblazing cravings, try a laid-back trip along the Elk River Backcountry Byway, one of the most scenic road trips you need to take before you die. The 55-mile scenic drive will reward you with stunning views of dense forests, a suspension bridge crossing, and different types of wildlife, including bobcats, deer, and cougars. If you need to refuel, head to Tom's Tavern, a rustic charm eatery known for classic comfort treats like burgers, paired with cold drinks. For a hearty meal prepared with farm-to-table ingredients, visit the Elk River Lodge & General Store along 201 Main Street. On the menu, you will find varied foods, including milkshakes, ice creams, and pies. Besides the delicious treats, the facility is also great for camping, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing.