Before You Go
Craig Mountain Fire Information
Craig Mountain had a fire in 2021 as part of the Snake River Complex. For more information, please view the most recent updates below or the Inciweb page for this fire. Please call our regional office with further questions: (208) 799-5010.
Craig Mountain's primary purpose is to enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat, but it offers many outdoor opportunities for the public. Recreational use of the WMA includes hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, mushroom and berry picking, OHV riding, and winter sports activities. The entire WMA is open to non-motorized travel year-round. Motorized vehicles are limited to existing roads and seasonal restrictions.
Visiting Hours:
Contact:
Clearwater Regional Office
WMA facts
Primary Purpose: Protect and enhance wildlife populations and habitat; public use
Habitat: Grassland, meadow, shrubland, riparian, conifer forest, agricultural
- 124,224 acres
- Nez Perce and Lewis counties
- Established in 1971
things to know
There is a mix of land ownership throughout the WMA. Please be sure to know whose land you are on.
Land ownership maps are available online or for purchase at the Clearwater Regional Office.
This area is black bear country. Be sure to store food and garbage accordingly.
resources
Information:
-
Map of WMA [PDF]
- WMA Plan [PDF]
- History of WMA
Forms:
- Rules for Public Use [PDF]
- WMA Special Use Request [PDF]
Overview
Rising from the Salmon and Snake rivers, Craig Mountain WMA reaches 5,395 feet into the surrounding mountains. Its primary purpose is to enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat, but it offers many outdoor opportunities for the public.
The sheer size of Craig Mountain WMA makes it home to many of Idaho’s resident and migratory wildlife species, including Idaho’s iconic bighorn sheep. Its proximity to Lewiston creates a rich public resource for area residents.
Craig Mountain WMA was born when Bonneville Power Administration built Dworshak Dam. BPA was required to mitigate for the loss of wildlife habitat and tribal lands, which now lie under Dworshak Reservoir.
The first land purchased by BPA “as a reserve for the conservation of wildlife” was the 60,000-acre Peter T. Johnson Wildlife Mitigation Unit. This property, combined with land previous owned by Idaho Fish and Game, became Craig Mountain WMA.
Today, WMA lands are intermingled with property owned by multiple public and tribal entities. A management agreement among the different groups allows for different parcels to be managed as a single unit for the benefit of wildlife and public use.
News
-
Idaho Fish and Game forest restoration work underway on Craig Mountain WMA
Friday, June 3, 2022 - 2:28 PM MDT
Activities
Hunting opportunities include general seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear and mountain lion. There are also controlled-hunt seasons for mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Upland game bird hunting is popular, with great opportunities for chukar, forest grouse, and wild turkey.
Fishing is available in several locations. Smallmouth bass, crappie and rainbow trout can be found in nearby Waha Lake and Soldiers Meadow Reservoir.
Dedicated bird watchers can enjoy sighting many bird species including yellow warbler, blacked-capped chickadee and pileated woodpecker, pigmy nuthatch, flammulated owl, and white-headed woodpecker. Visit the Idaho Birding Trail for more information.
There are several non-motorized trails for horse access, however water is limited. All animal feed, straw, or mulch must be certified weed-free. Check with WMA manager for available facilities.
There are several non-motorized trails open for hiking.
Trapping is allowed. All trappers must register at the Clearwater Regional Office.
Primitive camping is allowed; no facilities are provided. Camp fires are permitted unless fire restrictions are in place. This area is black bear country. Be sure to store food and garbage accordingly.