Shoshone County, Idaho

Shoshone County is tucked into northern Idaho’s Panhandle, where rugged mountains and dense forests dominate the landscape. Wallace serves as the county seat, and this small town has a surprisingly big history. The county takes its name from the Shoshone people, adding another layer to the area’s long story.

Mining put Shoshone County on the map, with silver, lead, and zinc bringing people and businesses into the region. Old mining towns still dot the landscape, and some have become ghost towns, while others are finding new life through tourism and preservation.

The county is covered in thick forests, with the Bitterroot Mountains adding plenty of dramatic scenery. It’s beautiful, rugged country, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring. The Clearwater River also offers fishing and other outdoor recreation, making Shoshone County a great place to experience Idaho’s wild side.

CategoryDetails
County NameShoshone County
County SeatWallace
EtymologyNamed after the Shoshone Native American tribe.
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesWallace, Kellogg, Mullan, and several smaller communities
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 90, U.S. Route 95, State Highway 3
FIPS Code16-079
Total Area2,636 square miles (land: 2,620 sq mi; water: 16 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties Bonner County (North), Sanders County, Montana (Northeast), Mineral County, Montana (Southeast), Clearwater County (South), Latah County (Southwest), Benewah County (West), Kootenai County (Northwest)
Time ZonePacific Time Zone
StateIdaho
Coordinates47.45° N, 116.18° W
Major LandmarksSilver Valley, the historic town of Wallace, and the Coeur d’Alene National Forest
Population13,000
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