The Selway River flows west and north from the Bitterroot Mountains to converge with the Middle Fork of the Clearwater and the Lochsa River at Lowell. The South Fork of the Clearwater flows from the Bitterroot Mountains to converge with the main branch at Kooskia. The North Fork of the Clearwater flows south from St. Joe National Forest to converge with the main branch at Orofino. Agriculture, forest and wood products drive the economy. The most significant natural hazards that impact Clearwater County are floods, wildfires, and landslides.
Flooding is the most significant threat to the citizens of the county.
Severe flood damage has occurred as recently as 1996 and 1997. Orofino Creek represents the largest threat and has caused the most personal property damage in the county. Over the past decade, numerous wildfires have occurred in Clearwater County. However, the region to-date has not yet had a major wildfire. The wildfires have created a greater emphasis on education and preparedness, especially with growing development in rural areas of the county.