Pierce IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pierce, Idaho.
1. J. Howard Bradbury Logging Museum
PRESERVING LOGGING HISTORY
The J. Howard Bradbury Logging Museum is housed in a 1928 log cabin and preserves the local mining and logging history of Pierce. The museum grounds are adjacent to a park with a picnic area and Idaho's first public building, the 1862 Shoshone County Courthouse. It is open from mid-June to mid-October with special group tours available by appointment.
2. Shoshone County Courthouse
IDAHO'S FIRST PUBLIC BUILDING
The Shoshone County Courthouse, constructed in 1862, stands as Idaho's oldest public building. Located behind the Logging Museum, this historic structure served as the first government building in the state. The courthouse represents an important piece of Idaho's territorial history when Pierce was the county seat for Shoshone County.
3. Orofino Creek Gold Discovery Site
BIRTHPLACE OF IDAHO GOLD
The Orofino Creek Gold Discovery Site marks where Elias D. Pierce and Wilbur F. Bassett discovered gold in October 1860, a mile north of Pierce. This historic location represents the first discovery of gold in what would later become Idaho Territory. The discovery sparked significant changes to the region, including the reduction of Nez Perce tribal lands and eventually led to the Nez Perce War in 1877.
4. Weitas Creek Trail
SCENIC WILDERNESS HIKING
The Weitas Creek Trail offers visitors a beautiful hiking experience through the forests surrounding Pierce. The trail winds through scenic wilderness areas and provides opportunities to observe local wildlife and vegetation. Hikers can enjoy various difficulty levels and distances depending on their experience and available time.
5. Hoodoo Mountain Trail
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE PATH
The Hoodoo Mountain Trail provides adventurous hikers with challenging terrain and breathtaking views near Pierce. The trail ascends through diverse forest ecosystems and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding Clearwater region. Outdoor enthusiasts particularly appreciate the trail's natural beauty and relative seclusion.
6. Campbells Pond
PEACEFUL FISHING SPOT
Campbells Pond is a tranquil fishing and recreation area in the Pierce region. The pond offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic setting among the forests of Clearwater County.
7. Pierce Community Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Pierce Community Park serves as a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike in the heart of the city. The park features picnic areas, open spaces, and recreational facilities for families to enjoy. It frequently hosts community events and provides a relaxing green space in the historic mining town.
8. Dworshak Reservoir
OUTDOOR WATER RECREATION
Dworshak Reservoir is a popular recreational destination located near Pierce offering boating, fishing, and water sports opportunities. The reservoir stretches 54 miles through the scenic North Fork of the Clearwater River with numerous coves and inlets to explore. Visitors can enjoy camping at several developed sites along the shoreline or take advantage of the excellent fishing for kokanee, trout, and smallmouth bass.
9. Canal Gulch Historical Site
GOLD RUSH HERITAGE
Canal Gulch Historical Site marks the location where gold was first discovered in Idaho, launching the region's gold rush era. This historic area provides interpretive information about the significance of the 1860 discovery and its impact on Idaho's development. Visitors can explore the site and gain insight into the early mining operations that shaped the community.
10. Pierce General Store
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Pierce General Store serves as both a practical shopping venue for locals and a nostalgic attraction for visitors. The store offers a variety of everyday necessities, local products, and mining town memorabilia in a historic setting. Customers appreciate the friendly service and the store's connection to the community's gold rush heritage.
11. Timber Inn Restaurant
LOCAL FLAVOR DINING
The Timber Inn Restaurant provides hearty meals in a rustic atmosphere reflecting Pierce's logging heritage. The menu features homestyle cooking with generous portions that satisfy hungry hikers and visitors exploring the area's attractions. The restaurant serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists to exchange stories about their adventures in Clearwater County.
12. Clearwater County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Clearwater County Historical Museum, located near Pierce in Orofino, houses an extensive collection documenting the region's rich history. The museum features exhibits on Native American culture, pioneering settlements, mining operations, and the development of the timber industry. Visitors can view historical photographs, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of Clearwater County's diverse heritage.
13. Weippe Prairie
LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL
Weippe Prairie is a historic site where the Lewis and Clark expedition first encountered the Nez Perce tribe in September 1805. This expansive meadowland features interpretive displays explaining the significance of this meeting and the assistance the Nez Perce provided to the weary explorers. The prairie is known for its beautiful camas flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, creating a stunning blue carpet across the landscape.
14. Orofino Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Orofino Farmers Market brings together local growers, artisans, and food producers to showcase the best of Clearwater County's harvests. Visitors can browse stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, handmade crafts, and prepared foods while enjoying the community atmosphere. The market operates seasonally and provides a perfect opportunity to experience the region's agricultural bounty and meet local residents.
15. Brown's Creek Wildlife Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE VIEWING
Brown's Creek Wildlife Area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor photography near Pierce. The protected habitat supports diverse species including deer, elk, and numerous bird varieties native to the Clearwater region. Nature enthusiasts can explore the area via hiking trails that wind through varied ecosystems while enjoying the tranquility of this natural setting.