| Middle Fork Clearwater River | |
|---|---|
 Map of the Clearwater River watershed, including the Middle Fork | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Confluence ofLochsa River andSelway River |
| • location | Lowell, Idaho |
| • coordinates | 46°08′25″N115°35′58″W / 46.14028°N 115.59944°W /46.14028; -115.59944[1] |
| Mouth | Clearwater River |
• location | Kooskia, Idaho |
• coordinates | 46°08′44″N115°58′57″W / 46.14556°N 115.98250°W /46.14556; -115.98250[1] |
• elevation | 1,224 ft (373 m) |
| Length | 23 mi (37 km)[2] |
| Basin size | 3,420 sq mi (8,900 km2)[3] |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Lowell[n 1] |
| • average | 6,532 cu ft/s (185.0 m3/s)[n 2] |
| • minimum | 260 cu ft/s (7.4 m3/s) |
| • maximum | 77,200 cu ft/s (2,190 m3/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Selway River,Clear Creek |
| • right | Lochsa River, Pete King Creek,Maggie Creek |
| Type | Recreational |
| Designated | October 2, 1968 |
TheMiddle Fork Clearwater River is a short, but high volume river inIdaho County, Idaho, United States and is the major source of theClearwater River, a tributary of theSnake River.
The Middle Fork flows west for 23 miles (37 km)[2] from the confluence of theSelway River andLochsa River atLowell, to the town ofKooskia where it joins with theSouth Fork Clearwater River to create the Clearwater River. The Middle Fork's entire length is withinIdaho County, although a small portion of itswatershed extends intoClearwater County.
The Middle Fork, along with the Selway and Lochsa Rivers, was among the original eight rivers designated as part of theNational Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It is a major migration route for Pacificchinook salmon that spawn in the Selway River.[8] Although the Middle Fork flows through a tight canyon, it is characterized by gentle Class I and II rapids suitable for floating, especially in late summer after the peak snow melt has decreased.[9]
U.S. Route 12 follows the entire length of the river.[2]
Media related toMiddle Fork Clearwater River at Wikimedia Commons
