Clearwater County, Idaho

Clearwater County, Idaho
Location within the U.S. state of Idaho
Coordinates: 46°40′N 115°40′W / 46.67°N 115.66°W / 46.67; -115.66
Country United States
State Idaho
FoundedFebruary 27, 1911
Named afterClearwater River
SeatOrofino
Largest cityOrofino
Area
 • Total
2,488 sq mi (6,440 km2)
 • Land2,457 sq mi (6,360 km2)
 • Water31 sq mi (80 km2)  1.2%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
8,734
 • Estimate 
(2024)
9,151
 • Density3.555/sq mi (1.372/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitewww.clearwatercounty.org

Clearwater County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,734. The county seat is Orofino. Established in 1911, the county was named after the Clearwater River. The county is home to North Fork of the Clearwater River, and a small portion of the South Fork and the main Clearwater. Also in the county are the Dworshak Reservoir, Dworshak State Park, Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, and the Dworshak Dam, third highest in the U.S. The modest Bald Mountain ski area is located between Orofino and Pierce.