Unspoiled paradise

This area of Idaho is still a relatively unknown, unspoiled recreational paradise. The fishing, white-water rafting, hunting, horseback riding, hiking and scenery are not visited by many North Idaho residents. Three Rivers Resort offers a base of operation for whatever recreation suits your passion.

Three Rivers Resort is east of Lewiston at the confluence of the Lochsa, Selway, and Clearwater rivers, hence the name Three Rivers. It’s not often that a location gives a choice of three major river drainages to explore. Each river has a paved road winding along its banks, making exploring an easy experience. The drainages are surrounded by or are part of federally controlled wilderness areas. Wild animal and bird sightings are frequent. For the serious hiker and backpacker, access to the backcountry is also close by.

The area is full of the stories and history of the Nez Perce Tribe, Lewis and Clark, mining activities, early forest fires, wildlife, death and safe rescue of hunting parties. Borg Hendrickson and Linwood Laughy have written a small book titled “Clearwater Country,” which provides a mile-by-mile description of locations and events along Highway 12 from Lewiston to the Montana border. Just how rough and remote this country is can be explained by the fact that the highway to Montana wasn’t completed until 1961.

Rafting is why most people stay at Three Rivers Resort. Lochsa is a Native American word for “rough water,” and that’s exactly why the Lewis and Clark expedition did not try to raft the Lochsa River. Most of its 65 miles of length is considered some of the best white water in the country. Beside the overnight accommodations, the resort offers a rafting company as part the family-run business.

Back in the 1960s, after the road was completed, a family built cabins and a campground where the resort now stands. Mike and Marie Smith bought the 180-acre site in 1976. Gradually they have expanded the site for more log cabins on the river bank, a motel, restaurant, A-frame cabins and a tent and RV campground. They have recently installed a pool, three Jacuzzis (one indoors) and a playground. A hot water soak in a Jacuzzi is a fine way to end a day on mountain-fed rivers. Now the Smith’s are semiretired, and their two sons, Mike Jr. and Marty, are deeply involved with the business.

Despite being located in the middle of millions of acres of wilderness, this resort will satisfy your appetite. The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of dishes: hamburgers, Three River Pasta, rainbow trout, salmon, rib-eye steak, steak and prawns. Dinner is served indoors in the dining room or on a deck overlooking the Lochsa River. At the end of the day, there is a rustic bar to quench your thirst and to watch your rafting run down the white water in still photos and video.

If “getting away” means going to a quiet, beautiful, isolated part of Idaho where recreational activities are exceptional in a comfortable location, consider Three Rivers Resort.