Lemhi County, Idaho
Lemhi County is way out in east-central Idaho. It’s big, wild, and remote, with the Salmon and Lemhi Rivers cutting through the landscape. Lewis and Clark even passed through this area during their famous expedition.
Outdoor lovers feel right at home here. The Lemhi Range and Bitterroot Mountains dominate the scenery, while the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness covers a huge part of the county. It’s the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states, so there’s plenty of room to get away from it all.
Mining used to be a major part of the local economy, but ranching and tourism are more important today. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities draw visitors throughout the year. Salmon serves as the county seat and has plenty of history of its own. If you’re looking for a place where you can truly escape the crowds, Lemhi County fits the bill.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lemhi County |
| County Seat | Salmon |
| Etymology | Named after Fort Lemhi |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Salmon, Leadore, North Fork, Lemhi, and more |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 93, U.S. Route 28, Idaho State Highway 29 |
| FIPS Code | 16-059 |
| Total Area | 8,931 square miles (land: 8,894 sq mi; water: 37 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties | Idaho County (Northwest), Ravalli County, Montana (North), Beaverhead County, Montana (Northeast), Clark County (East), Butte County (South), Custer County (Southwest), Valley County (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| State | Idaho |
| Coordinates | 45.2° N, 113.6° W |
| Major Landmarks | Lemhi Pass, Salmon River, and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness |
| Population | 8,800 |
