The Clearwater Story: A History of the Clearwater National Forest

Most Forest Service employees become very familiar with the various areas where they are stationed. Ralph Space had the fortunate experience of finishing out his career in the area where he was reared. So in addition to the usual interest any new employee would bring to the Clearwater, Ralph brought a keen interest in its people and history which he had developed as a youth and nurtured as he pursued his Forest Service career.

The story of the Clearwater country is written in the lives of individual people. Ralph gives us a glimpse into some of these lives. He has preserved a look at life as it was in the early-day Forest Service and reminds us of some of the triumphs and tribulations of Indians, explorers, miners, homesteaders and others who preceded the Forest Service by many years.

This work will be a great help to the student of local history and will be a good historical reference for Forest Service land managers. It will also help give new forest employees an understanding of the forest's heritage and will bring back many good memories for retired personnel.

We in the Northern Region praise Ralph for his fine work and thank him for preserving this collection of Clearwater "color."

Regional Forester
Northern Region

Clearwater National Forest Location Map (click on image for a PDF version)

The Lolo Trail (click on image for a PDF version)