Salmon offers a remote Idaho community with world-class recreation
For homebuyers who want to disappear into the rugged Idaho mountains, the small community of Salmon has them covered. Home to just over 3,000 people, this small mountain community is on the Salmon River, renowned as one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the United States. “The most obvious thing is the beauty. It’s absolutely gorgeous. People come here and just fall in love,” says Dana Miles, a Realtor with Equity North West Real Estate and longtime Salmon resident. “It’s just a slower pace of life. People are trying to get away from the crazy and the busyness of the cities, and they come to Salmon. It’s like going back in time 20 years.” While the natural beauty and recreation are appealing, Miles says the seclusion can be too much for some homebuyers. Larger cities like Missoula and Idaho Falls are over two hours away, making Salmon a peaceful, quiet location for those looking to escape.
Buyers can find a mix of housing styles in the Idaho mountains
Homes in the center of the community include cottages, New Traditional and ranch-style and are usually close together on narrow streets that are sometimes unpaved. The area has a rural feel, with many trees along the roads and few sidewalks. Farther out from downtown, buyers can find cabins and Craftsman homes on larger lots of up to 12 acres. Properties with one to two bedrooms cost between $160,000 and $400,000. Homes with three or more bedrooms typically range from $180,000 to $600,000. Due to the river, much of the community faces a severe flood risk.
Rafting, fishing and hiking along the Salmon River
The Salmon River is the main recreational attraction in the area. Known as the River of No Return, it flows for 425 miles, making it one of the longest undisturbed rivers in the lower 48 states. Residents can reach the river at multiple points; Island Park offers boat ramps and fishing access, while Lemhi Hole is a popular spot to fish for Steelhead Trout from the riverbank. For more adventurous river experiences, guides and outfitters in the community take folks on whitewater rafting trips or all-day fishing excursions through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Discovery Hill is a network of trails just north of the community with space for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. Visitors can ride through hills dotted with sagebrush while enjoying views of the Continental Divide and the Salmon River Valley. The area also has traditional city parks with playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields and a public nine-hole golf course.
Celebrating the heritage of Central Idaho
The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center is on Main Street and honors Salmon’s most notable resident. Exhibits here detail Sacajawea’s life and role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The center also has a dog park, trails and an amphitheater, and hosts events throughout the year, including concerts and the annual Agai'dika Gathering in August. This event brings tribal members together to honor their ancestors and includes singing, dancing and a salmon feast. The Lemhi County Fair takes place each August at fairgrounds just north of town and has a two-night professional rodeo.
Locals enjoy comfort food and brews along Main Street
Main Street is home to most of the shopping and dining in Salmon. “Junkyard Bistro is a favorite, and Bertram’s Brewery has been around a long time, and they have excellent beers,” Miles says. Junkyard Bistro serves sandwiches and salads in a casual spot with lots of bar seating. Bertram’s Brewery has been brewing beer in the area since 1998 and is known for its hazelnut ale, plus food like burgers and prime rib. Groceries are available at Saveway Market or Mountain Harvest Community Market. Stores like Ace Hardware, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply and the locally owned department store Arfmann’s Four Seasons are also in the area.
Dual credit courses available at Salmon Junior Senior High School
Salmon Pioneer Primary School gets a B-minus from Niche and serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade. Salmon Junior-Senior High School serves sixth through 12th grades and earns a C from Niche. Students can take dual credit courses on-site or online through Eastern Idaho Technical College and North Idaho College. The school also offers a wide range of electives and requires students to take some professional-technical education courses for graduation.
U.S. and state highways offer long drives to larger cities
U.S. Route 93 and State Highway 28 are the main roads in the area. The significant drive to other cities can be a concern for some homebuyers. “They love the remoteness, and at the same time, they hate the remoteness. Our closest Costco is either in Missoula, which is 140 miles away, or Idaho Falls,” Miles says. Missoula is north on Highway 93, a drive that can take a little over two-and-a-half hours. Idaho Falls is 160 miles southeast via State Highway 28 and also takes about two-and-a-half hours to reach.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
