19 Best Things To Do In Orofino, Idaho

1. Take a drive along the picturesque Idaho State Highway 12

Go on a literal road trip and cruise the scenic length of Idaho State Highway 12. On paper, it sounds a bit unusual to treat this Idaho highway as a point of interest, but you’ll soon discover that the route offers plenty of picturesque sceneries to share.

You’ll be passing several forks of the Clearwater River, which are all part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Stop for a picnic at the numerous campsites you’ll find along the way, such as the North Fork Ranger Station near Orofino. If you have a lot of spare time, you can even go swimming or hiking around the area.

Idaho State Highway 12

Address: West End: US 101 at Aberdeen, WA; East End: Cass Avenue in Detroit, MI

Website: Idaho State Highway 12 Booklet by the USDA

2. Attend the Orofino Lumberjack Days

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A beloved tradition of the city, the Orofino Lumberjack Days has been held annually for decades, celebrating the town’s forest industry and way of life. Held during September, the three-day revelry is arguably Orofino’s top-drawing attraction. It involves a dizzying array of exciting and dangerous skill and strength competitions. Birling, for example, has contestants try to balance on a 15-inch (38.10 centimeter) log rolling on the water.

For those who’d like to take it easy, you can watch the parade of automobiles and floats. You’ll also find vendor stands where you can buy and try local products and foods.

Orofino Lumberjack Days

Address: 155 Wisconsin St, Orofino, ID 83544, United States

Website: Orofino Lumberjack Days

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Presale tickets at 30 USD

3. Bring your kids to Orofino City Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dining in Orofino City Park is an experience you will definitely enjoy. Here you will find different cuisines that will tantalize your senses with delicacies that are unique to Orofino. For instance, you will be intrigued by their pizza, pasta, Chinese and Mexican dishes. After dining you can take a leisure walk in the park while the kids partake in face painting, bouncing castles and splash pad. Further, the covered cabanas are ideal for barbecuing on a warm summer holiday. As a whole, the large space and different amenities make Orofino City Park a perfect place for family get-togethers, birthday parties, or class reunions.

Orofino City Park

Address: 155 Wisconsin St, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Orofino City Park

4. Discover Orofino's rich history

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Clearwater Historical Museum invites people to come and see its rich collection based on its people, culture, and events of Idaho’s Clearwater rich history. Here you will see artifacts related to the Nez Perce, farming, mining, Lewis and Clark Expedition, logging and ancient homesteading. An important entity in the collection is a 1923 Logging Truck, which was recently donated by the Finke Brothers. This is a crucial piece of history and a must-see for the logging fraternity. Ideally, when you read an early article you will probably be left with only the facts and your imaginations. In Clearwater Historical Museum, you can access over 4500 historical photos to better understand past moments. This museum is a perfect place for a quick visit and group tours.

Clearwater Historical Museum

Address: 433 Bartlett St. Orofino, Idaho

Website: Clearwater Historical Museum

Opening hours: Wed, Fri & Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu & Sun)

5. See mesmerizing sunsets at Clearwater Crossing RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

What better place to experience the beauty and tranquillity of Idaho’s Orofino than at Clearwater Crossing RV Park. This is the one place you are sure of enjoying breathtaking views of the river, surrounding mountains, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Situated on the picturesque Clearwater River, the park has many appealing amenities for families and individual visitors including concrete patios, fast WIFI, water/sewer, fish cleaning station, clean shower, laundry room and spacious restroom. Moreover, the establishment is welcoming to bikers, pet-friendly and has pavilion suitable for get-togethers and group barbeques. A visit to this park is an important opportunity for families to bond and create memories to be cherished.

Clearwater Crossing RV Park

Address: 500 Riverfront Rd 83544 Orofino, Idaho

Website: Clearwater Crossing RV Park

Open: 24 hours (daily)

6. Learn fish farming at Dworshak National Fish Hatchery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Also located on Clearwater River is one of the renowned producers of anadromous fish called Dworshak National Fish Hatchery. The facility is open to visitors during the day and allows both self-guided and pre-arranged tours. Visiting this hatchery is exciting considering the different fun activities to participate in and a variety of fish species to see. One thing you can do here is to take a tour of the facility. Visitors are usually guided through the spawning balcony to learn hatchery operations and a brief history of fish at the facility. Bring your kids to this amazing destination for fishing and partaking in fish painting (Gyotaku).

Dworshak National Fish Hatchery

Address: 276 Dworshak Complex Drive, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Dworshak National Fish Hatchery

Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (daily)

7. Indulge in fun activities at Kiwanis Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you looking for a great place to relax, picnicking and other outdoor activities, Kiwanis Park is right for you. To begin with, the park is situated close to the Orofino Creek and therefore it an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a snack or even a nice meal in a natural set up. Besides, the park gives an unique opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the area at the comfort of any of the benches overlooking the scenic Orofino Creek. Here you will also discover that irrespective of whether you sit on a blanket or at a picnic table, food is more delicious outside. So pack your delicacies, grab something to sit on and go find yourself a nice spot at Kiwanis Park.

Kiwanis Park

Address: Michigan Avenue, Orofino, Idaho 83544

Website: Kiwanis Park

8. Camp at Pink House Recreation Site & RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Treat yourself to at least a night in a clean and serene campsite. Camp at The Pink House Recreational site, a tranquil campground equipped with all essential amenities including an RV site, power (electricity) sewer system, fire rings, ample parking area, concrete boat ramp, and picnic tables. Pink House is also surrounded by picturesque semi-arid mountains that boast some of the best hiking and trekking trails: an example of such trails are the historic Lewis and Clark’s trail. The other popular outdoor activity at Pink House is fishing; the facility has some of the best breeding grounds for salmon and steelhead trout.

Pink House Recreational site

Address: 4815 US-12, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Pink House Recreational site

9. Watch a movie at Rex Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Having a movie night with family is a great way to spend time together, improve communication and strengthen the emotional bond between members. The best place to do that in Orofino is at Rex’s theatre of performing arts along 156 Johnson Avenue. Watching a movie here takes you back in time to the good old days when most people used to watch films in theatres only. Although the theatre appears small, the seats are well spaced to avoid overcrowding the room. The interior is magnificent: the owner has invested in high definition projector and sophisticated sound systems. In addition, the lighting is perfect, the room is dimmed for a better watching experience.

Rex Theatre

Address: 156 Johnson Ave, Orofino, ID 83544, United States

Website: Rex Theatre

10. Tee off at Orofino Golf & Country Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located a short distance from the town, on Highway 12, this gem of a golf course near Orofino offering wonderful views and challenging play to all players from amateurs to professionals. This difficulty is attributed to the contoured greens and hilly terrain of Orofino Golf & Country Club. Nonetheless, the scenery is spectacular over the Clearwater River, which meanders beautifully through the valley. Early in the morning and late in the evening you will see moose, elks, deer, and bears wandering around the facility. It is worth noting that even the course is regarded as a country club but it is accommodative of the public too.

Orofino Golf & Country Club

Address: 423 Debertin Dr, Orofino, ID 83544, United States

Website: Orofino Golf & Country Club

11. Go fishing with Jarrett's Guide Service

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Create a tremendous fishing experience with Jarrett’s Guide Service, the leading float boat fishing charter company in Idaho. At Jarrett’s, you will be chasing some of the largest steelheads, smallmouth bass, Crappie, and Kokanee Salmon in North America using drift boats. You will be provided with a heated boat, fishing tackle, knowledgeable guide and any technical assistance needed in the adventure. The guides are quite friendly and are always willing to help. However, you are required to bring your lunch, beverages, Idaho fishing license, a camera to capture all beautiful moments and the right attire including rain gear and warm clothes.

Jarrett's Guide Service

Address: 11120 US-12, Orofino, ID 83544, United States

Website: Jarrett’s Guide Service

12. Choose your favorite activity at Canoe Campsite

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Canoe Camp is a famous destination where Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery collaborated with Nez Perce in 1805 to carve canoes that would take them to the Indian Ocean. Today, the camp has become a major destination in Orofino for a number of reasons. First, the site features a scenic hiking trail with symbols that tell more about the history of Canoe Camp. In addition, Canoe camp is surrounded by a myriad of recreational facilities worth exploring. For instance, opposite of the facility you will find Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, a place where you can indulge in horseback riding, fishing, boating, hiking, camping and mountain biking.

Canoe Camp

Address: 85 Canoe Camp Loop, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Canoe Camp

13. Cool off at Bruce's Eddy Recreation Area and Boat Launch Site

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bruce’s Eddy Recreational Area is a perfect pit spot for a road trip to Orofino, Idaho. This facility is nothing short of spectacular, it is surrounded by the scenic Clearwater River, North Fork, and Dworshak. The recreational center also features great kayaking, boating, and swimming sessions to cool off the summer heat. The perfect place to take a dip is far from the shoreline because of the debris which may be quite uncomfortable. To get to a favorable spot you will need a boat and whether renting or visiting with your own boat, your vessel can never be safer than at Bruce’s Eddy Recreational Area where you can access several boat launches and floating swim docks.

Bruce's Eddy Recreation Area and Boat Launch Site

Address: Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Bruce’s Eddy Recreation Area and Boat Launch Site

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

14. Enjoy mouth-watering dishes at Riverside Lanes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

In terms of food, Riverside lanes serve a wide range of delicacies some of which are arguably the best in the entire country including homemade burgers, popcorn shrimp, fries, chicken strips, and onion strips. Most of these dishes are so great that once you have tasted them, you will definitely come back for more. Riverside Lanes feature nothing but the best services in town, friendly staff and delicious food to make your visit a memorable one. The facility offers open bowling for adults to enjoy and kids alike without age restrictions.

Riverside Lanes

Address: 10820 Highway 12 83544 Orofino, Idaho

Website: Riverside Lanes

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

15. Get your caffeine fix at Caliber Coffee

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Coffee in Clearwater Valley does not get any better than at Caliber java shop. At Caliber, you will be mesmerized by excellent customer service from the baristas, delicious drinks and innovative creations that the whole family can enjoy. The quality of coffee here is attributed to the fact that the beans are roasted in one of the leading java processing plants called the Black Rifle Coffee Company. Besides coffee, the other interesting products that are worth trying in this java stand include the Redbull Bomber, real fruit smoothies, ice cream, Italian sodas, and the famous Big Train Chocolate Peanut Butter blended with ice coffee.

Caliber Coffee

Address: D1163 Michigan Ave, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Caliber Coffee

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 4pm ; Sun: 9am - 3pm

16. Sample the goodies at Ronatta’s Cakery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ronatta’s Cakery is a family-owned and operated business established in 2009 as the ultimate destination for cakes, pastries, and old fashioned donuts. Today, the bakery has grown into one of the leading bakeries in the Northwest region specializing in a variety of delicious goodies namely brownies, cookies, maple bars, Persians, glazed chocolate, jelly donuts, and pies. Here you can get cakes in chocolate, carrot, lemon, and vanilla flavors to suit different occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, reception, and birthday. To top it up, the staff at Ronatta’s Cakery are friendly and the décor is welcoming to visitors looking for great-tasting snacks without breaking the bank.

Ronatta’s Cakery

Address: 235 Main St, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Ronatta’s Cakery

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 6am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

17. Savor the dishes at Ponderosa Restaurant & Brass Rail Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you looking for a place in downtown Orofino where you can check in with family for great foods (in large portions too), cheap eats, creative cuisines, healthy menu, and classic cocktails? For breakfast, you will be served one or a combination of fresh sirloin steak, eggs, sausage patty, bacon and hash brown omelet. Further, you can indulge your taste buds with finger-licking hamburgers, chicken fried steak, and chicken breast strips served with French fries, hash browns or mashed potatoes. The dish usually garnished with a dinner roll, vegetable, and a cup of hot soup.

Ponderosa Restaurant & Brass Rail Lounge

Address: 220 Michigan Ave 83544 Orofino, Idaho

Website: Ponderosa Restaurant & Brass Rail Lounge

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 5am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 5am - 11pm

18. Relish Mexican fare at Fiesta En Jalisco

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are into Mexican dishes, you will definitely love the magnificent Fiesta En Jalisco located in Orofino along 203 Johnson Avenue. Fiesta En Jalisco is a local chain store that serves traditional Mexican foods and cocktails in a casual yet colorful setting. Some of their daily specials include the sizzling shrimp or chicken fajitas topped with sour cream, tortillas, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The restaurant has a lounge where you can relax and watch sports as you enjoy authentic Mexican dishes and drinks that have been hand-crafted to perfection. The beverage menu consists of cocktails, margaritas, tequilas and Mexican beer.

Fiesta En Jalisco

Address: 207 Johnson Ave 83544 Orofino, Idaho

Website: Fiesta En Jalisco

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11.30am - 10pm

19. Unwind after a long day at Shot Glass

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Shot Glass is a local pub, bar, and grill with a great atmosphere to socialize and enjoy your favorite beverage. The drinks at this pub are pocket-friendly and you can drink anything from beer to a few tots of whiskey, vodka, brandy, or gin. You should try the tacos here before taking any alcohol. Besides the drinks and food, there are several live sports to keep you entertained including throwing darts, Pool table, Dance, and karaoke. Consider Short Glass if you need a perfect venue to host birthday or graduation parties with friends.

Shot Glass

Address: 101 College Ave, Orofino, ID 83544, USA

Website: Shot Glass

Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)

Explore Orofino's beauty, history and culture

As can be seen, Orofino has many fascinating places worth visiting. Kindly utilize the ideas in this article to decide what you will do when you travel to Orofino, Idaho.

For your next stop, drop by the city of Lewiston, where you can plenty of historical attractions, picnic spots, and pet-friendly rentals.