Cities and Towns in Lemhi County, Idaho
Founded in 1869, Lemhi County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. Historically, Lemhi County was formed from Idaho County. The city of Salmon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 59, Lemhi County has a population of 8,162 and area of 4,564 square miles (11,821 km²).
List of all cities in Lemhi County, ID alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Baker, ID | 83467 | 208 |
| Blue Dome, ID | 83464 | 208 |
| Carmen, ID | 83462 | 208 |
| Challis, ID | 83229 | 208 |
| Cobalt, ID | 83229 | 208 |
| Elk Bend, ID | 83467 | 208 |
| Gibbonsville, ID | 83463 | 208 |
| Leadore, ID | 83464 | 208 |
| Lemhi, ID | 83465 | 208 |
| Lone Pine, ID | 83464 | 208 |
| May, ID | 83253 | 208 |
| North Fork, ID | 83466 | 208 |
| 83469 | 208 | |
| Patterson, ID | 83253 | 208 |
| Salmon, ID | 83467 | 208 |
| Shoup, ID | 83469 | 208 |
| Tendoy, ID | 83468 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lemhi County, Idaho
Salmon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.37 square miles
- Population: 3,112 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83467
- Latitude: 45.1752° N
- Longitude: 113.8959° W
City Location and History
Salmon is the county seat and largest city in Lemhi County, located in the east-central part of Idaho along the Salmon River. The city was established in the 1860s as a supply center for the nearby gold and silver mines. Named after the Salmon River, which was itself named for the abundant salmon once found in its waters, Salmon quickly grew as a hub for mining and later for ranching and agriculture. The city is historically significant as the birthplace of Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Salmon’s location along the river made it an important transportation and trade center in the region, and it remains a gateway to outdoor recreation in the vast wilderness areas surrounding it.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Salmon is served by the Salmon School District, with Salmon High School, Salmon Middle School, and Pioneer Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Key landmarks in Salmon include the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Education Center, which honors the legacy of Sacajawea and the Shoshone people. The city is also known for the Salmon River, which offers world-class whitewater rafting, fishing, and kayaking. The nearby Lemhi Range and Bitterroot Mountains provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, and camping. Salmon celebrates its western heritage with events like the annual Salmon River Days, which feature parades, rodeos, and other community activities. The city’s historic downtown, with its preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflects its rich past and enduring charm.
Leadore
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: 103 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83464
- Latitude: 44.6801° N
- Longitude: 113.3586° W
City Location and History
Leadore is a small town located in the southeastern part of Lemhi County, nestled in the Lemhi Valley. The town was established in 1910 as a railroad town along the Gilmore and Pittsburgh Railroad, which was built to transport lead and other minerals from the nearby Gilmore mining district. The name “Leadore” is a combination of “lead” and “ore,” reflecting the town’s origins in the mining industry. Leadore served as a key supply and transportation hub during the mining boom, but as the mines closed, the town’s population declined. Today, Leadore is a quiet, rural community with a strong connection to its mining heritage and the surrounding natural landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Leadore is served by the South Lemhi School District, with Leadore School providing education from kindergarten through high school in a single building. Landmarks in Leadore include the historic Leadore Depot, a remnant of the town’s railroad past, which has been preserved as a museum and community center. The nearby Lemhi Pass, located to the south of Leadore, is a significant historical site where Lewis and Clark crossed the Continental Divide during their expedition. The pass offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking and exploring the region’s rich history. The town also hosts the annual Leadore Labor Day Rodeo, a popular event that brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the area’s western heritage.
North Fork
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.78 square miles
- Population: 188 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83466
- Latitude: 45.3821° N
- Longitude: 113.8928° W
City Location and History
North Fork is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Lemhi County, at the confluence of the North Fork and the main Salmon River. The area has a rich history tied to the Nez Perce people, as well as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the region in 1805. The community of North Fork developed in the early 20th century, primarily serving as a hub for outdoor recreation and a gateway to the surrounding wilderness areas. The town’s remote location and proximity to the Salmon River make it a popular destination for fishing, rafting, and exploring the rugged Idaho backcountry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
North Fork does not have its own schools; children typically attend schools in nearby Salmon, such as Salmon High School. The primary landmark in North Fork is the Salmon River itself, known for its pristine waters and excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and kayaking. The North Fork of the Salmon River is also a popular spot for camping and hiking, with several trails leading into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The community is a starting point for many wilderness adventures, offering access to some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Idaho. The nearby Lost Trail Pass, located on the Montana border, provides further opportunities for outdoor recreation, including skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Gibbonsville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: 70 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83463
- Latitude: 45.5688° N
- Longitude: 113.9597° W
City Location and History
Gibbonsville is a tiny, unincorporated community located in the northernmost part of Lemhi County, near the Montana border. The town was established in the late 19th century during a gold rush that brought prospectors to the area. Named after General John Gibbon, who pursued the Nez Perce through the region during the Nez Perce War of 1877, Gibbonsville quickly grew as a mining town. At its peak, the town boasted a population of several hundred people, with numerous businesses and mining operations. However, as the gold deposits were exhausted, Gibbonsville’s population dwindled, and today it remains a quiet, historic community with a few residents who appreciate its remote location and rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gibbonsville does not have its own schools, so students attend schools in nearby Salmon. The town is surrounded by landmarks related to its mining history, including remnants of old mines and buildings from the town’s boom days. The nearby Continental Divide Trail offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the scenic landscapes that define the region. Gibbonsville’s location near the Bitterroot Range makes it an excellent base for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. The town’s historic charm and its setting in the rugged mountains of Idaho provide a unique glimpse into the state’s mining past and the enduring spirit of its early settlers.
