Orofino’s mild climate and small-town feel
In 1805, Lewis and Clark stopped in Orofino, and members of the Nez Perce Tribe helped them hollow out logs to make canoes. In the mid- to late 1800s, the area’s natural resources lured miners and loggers. Though logging is still one of the region’s main industries, Orofino is now better known for its water-based recreation and relatively mild climate. “It’s at a low elevation, so it’s warmer throughout the year than you’d see in southern Idaho,” says Ashley Nelson, a Realtor with North Central Idaho Properties at Silvercreek Realty Group who has lived in Orofino for more than 20 years. “You get a lot of retired people in the area. They like it because they can see the snow in the mountains, but they don’t have to shovel snow.”
Orofino is home to around 3,000 people and is officially classified as a city, but “it’s still got a small-town charm to it,” Nelson says. “Everyone knows who you are. If you’re new, you’re not new for very long because people are just really friendly and welcoming, and they want to get to know their neighbors.”
City recreation and the nearby Dworshak Reservoir
Residents have access to a wide range of recreation, including tubing on the Clearwater River, playing the nine-hole course at Orofino Golf & Country Club or bowling at Riverside Lanes & Restaurant. Orofino City Park, on the banks of the river, has shaded picnic areas and a playground. “People also do lots of hiking and hunting nearby,” Nelson says. A few miles north of Orofino is the Dworshak Reservoir, which spans more than 50 miles and provides opportunities for boating, waterskiing and fishing. “You can go fly-fishing for trout or plunk for steelhead and salmon,” Nelson says.
Homes on the hillsides and in the valley
A few residences dot the hillsides, and stone retaining walls stabilize their steep driveways and sloping yards. Most houses rest along the valley floor, where the streets and lots tend to be relatively flat and on-street parking is common. Throughout the community, housing options include Craftsman cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes. Prices tend to fall between $200,000 and $580,000, although fixer-uppers sometimes range between $50,000 and $180,000. Manufactured homes generally sell from $25,000 to $250,000, and lot rental fees can add around $550 per month.
The land along the Clearwater River is prone to flooding, so lenders may require flood insurance. Orofino’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Gardening and sports at local schools
Children may attend Orofino Elementary School, which holds a B-minus Niche rating. Students at OES grow flowers and vegetables in the school's garden. Orofino Junior-Senior High School gets a C-plus. It boasts a strong sports program, and its teams regularly qualify for statewide tournaments.
Retail and dining in and around Orofino
Orofino has two full-service grocery stores, Watson’s Market and Barney’s Harvest Foods. From May through the middle of September, locals can also buy directly from farmers at the weekly market in Orofino City Park. “Homesteaders sell their produce, and ranchers from around the area bring in coolers of lamb and beef,” Nelson says. “You can also find plant starts and bouquets of flowers.” For more retail selections, some residents drive into Lewiston, about 40 miles west, where there are big-box retail chains and larger grocery stores.
Dining options include House of JuJu, an elevated burger restaurant with craft beers and homemade desserts. In the evenings, some people head to O-Town Mugs and Grubs. “It’s a small hole-in-the-wall with a simple menu, but they’ve got beers on tap, and it’s just a fun place to hang out,” Nelson says.
Easter egg hunts, lumberjack contests and a lighted Christmas parade
In spring, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post holds an Easter egg hunt at Orofino City Park. Each September, the park also hosts the Orofino Lumberjack Days and Clearwater County Fair, a multiday festival with carnival rides and logging skill competitions. “In December, we have a big lighted Christmas parade, and Santa Claus comes and meets all the kids and gives out candy,” Nelson says.
Transportation and healthcare options
Residents depend on cars for travel. State Route 7 runs through the northeastern part of Orofino, and a bridge connects it with U.S. Route 12. Residents have access to 24-hour emergency care through Clearwater Valley Health on Cedar Street. The Lewiston Nez Perce County Airport is about 45 miles west, and it offers direct flights to Seattle and Salt Lake City.
Risk of wildfires
During the dry season, which typically begins in late summer, the risk of wildfire increases. Orofino has three fire stations that serve the city and the surrounding communities. Area fires can also lead to poor air quality.
