Seniors Stop In Salmon

Recently I was watching the Weather Channel and noted a small town in Idaho that I had never heard of. My wife and I come from small towns in Iowa. These seniors both love small communities, so I wanted to share Salmon with our readers.

Salmon is the county seat of Lemhi County with a population of just over 3,000. Let’s consider that small, but very small is my hometown of 300. A claim to local fame is the fact that it is the birthplace of Sacajawea.  Remember her?

She was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition as an interpreter and guide during their exploration of the Western United States.

The famous “River of No Return” (Salmon River) runs through Salmon. Located 140 miles south of Missoula, Montana and 160 miles north of Idaho Falls, senior travelers will find it at the junction of Hwy 93 and 28.

Senior Travelers Discover One Of Idaho’s Secrets

This note from an insider: “the City of Salmon and surrounding area are truly one of Idaho’s last and greatest secrets.” It’s always nice to discover state secrets. Salmon is an all-season destination and the area enjoys a number of summer and winter activities.

In and around Salmon visitors enjoy whitewater rafting, fly fishing, hunting, horseback riding, cross-country, down-hill skiing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Salmon hosts a number of fun events throughout the year including Salmon River Days and Sacajawea Heritage Days.

The  Sacajawea Interpretive Culture and Education, Center opened in Salmon in August 2003 and is where senior visitors can spend hours learning about her as well as the history of the area.

Seniors Enjoy Walking Where Lewis and Clark Walked

The Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the continental divide at Lemhi Pass just to the southeast of Salmon. They followed the Salmon River through the present site of the city, then ascended the North Fork of the river to cross into present-day Montana near Lost Trail Pass.

The Salmon River is at the foot of the Beaverhead Mountain Range. Seniors, if you enjoy the outdoors and beautiful scenery, Salmon is the place for you to enjoy river rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, hunting and fishing.

Idaho fly fishing is hot and one of the top destinations that the West has to offer. You just might hook into a nice rainbow, steelhead, cutthroat or a brook trout.  Who knows, if you are in the right place at the right time you may even land a big colorful Chinook.

Williams Lake, named after Henry Williams, an early pioneer rancher, is located only 12 miles south of Salmon at an elevation of 5,252 feet with awesome scenery in all directions. Lake Creek Trail offers a great hike. Salmon has it all, including good clean Idaho mountain air and Idaho at its best. -jeb