The mountains in this forest provide wildlife habitat for timber wolf, raccoon, moose, black bear, coyote, cougar, elk, two species of fox, bald eagle, pika, beaver, flammulated owl, pine marten, white-tailed and mule deer, muskrat, river otter, peregrine falcon, mink, marmot, fisher, and mountain goat.

On October 29, 1934, part of Selway National Forest was added.

[4] There are local ranger district offices in Elk City, Grangeville, Kooskia, and White Bird.

[5] In 2018, the Penman Mine in Nez Perce served as a filming location for Discovery Channel's Gold Rush.

During this filming, on October 5, 2018, Raw TV production staff member Terrance Woods Jr. (27) was reported as missing, as was Connie Johnson (76), a cook for Richie Outfitters last seen October 2.