Summary
There are plenty of good reasons to visit this park, including its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities. The park covers an area of 17,000 acres and is situated along the banks of the Dworshak Reservoir, which is the third largest reservoir in the state.
One of the main attractions of Dworshak State Park is the plethora of outdoor activities available to visitors. These include fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and swimming. There are several miles of hiking trails that wind through the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in Dworshak State Park include the Dworshak Dam and Visitor Center, which offers an informative look at the history and construction of the dam. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching and photography in the park.
Interesting facts about Dworshak State Park include that it was created in the 1960s as part of a dam construction project on the North Fork of the Clearwater River. The park was officially established in 1970 and has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts ever since.
The best time of year to visit Dworshak State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is perfect for swimming and boating. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy a variety of winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, Dworshak State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and outdoor recreation that Idaho has to offer. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and wide range of activities, this park is sure to impress visitors of all ages and interests.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Damascus Group Camp
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Cold Springs Group Camp
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Pink House Recreation Site
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