Cayuse Creek
Cayuse Creek is the perfect marriage between hiking and blue ribbon trout fishing.
- Location: North Fork Clearwater
- Status: Roadless
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Elevation: 150 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maps: Clearwater National Forest; USGS Gorman Hill; or Google Maps
- More information: 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest
Cayuse Creek is a major tributary of the more widely known Kelly Creek. Both streams are blue ribbon cutthroat trout fisheries. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains special catch-and-release fishing regulations for both streams. Anglers are also required to use barbless hooks to protect this unique fishery.
Trail 532 follows Cayuse Creek for about 4 miles to Pony Flats and offers phenomenal backcountry fly-fishing opportunities. It's the perfect marriage between hiking and angling for those who enjoy both and want to get away from "combat fishing" in the roadless backcountry.
Directions
You can access Cayuse Creek from Forest Service roads off Highway 12 near Orofino or Lolo Pass. For the best directions, see Rich Lander's guidebook, 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.
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Interactive Panorama of Cayuse Creek Use your mouse to "pan." You may need to download QuickTime. Photo credit: Mountain Visions |
