Tucked between the Bitterroots and the Lemhi Range, Idahos Lemhi Valley isnt trying to charm you.

It just isand thats exactly the appeal.

It doesnt have to.

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By Mattpurdue – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

These are working towns, ghost towns, towns with one store and a post office if youre lucky.

Some have more cattle than people.

What it offers isnt escapeits clarity.

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This isnt a brochure pitch.

Its a look at 10 towns that sit quietly under big skies and make no promises.

All you need is a full tank of gas and a taste for places left alone.

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Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing in nearby streams, and wildlife watching in the surrounding countryside.

The areas main activities revolve around ranching and agriculture, contributing to its serene rural atmosphere.

Where is May?

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Located in Custer County, May sits along the Pahsimeroi River in the Lemhi Valley.

This remoteness ensures that May remains a hidden gem, offering an untouched landscape for visitors seeking solitude.

Visitors can explore the eerie yet intriguing ruins that provide a window into early 20th-century life.

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Where is Gilmore?

Gilmore is tucked away in the Lemhi Mountain Range of eastern Idaho.

Accessible via dirt roads off Highway 28, it requires a bit of adventure to reach.

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The journey offers stunning views and underscores the towns hidden position within the hills.

Cobalt: The Forgotten Mining Town

Cobalt is another ghost town that echoes Idahos rich mineral heritage.

Where is Cobalt?

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Situated in Lemhi County, Cobalt lies near the Salmon River Mountains.

The town is accessed via remote roads that wind through rugged terrain, reinforcing its sense of seclusion.

With a population that barely reaches triple digits, it offers a peaceful lifestyle amid vast open spaces.

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Visitors can delve into the areas Native American history and the early days of Western exploration.

Outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the serene landscapes that define the Lemhi Valley.

The towns main industries revolve around agriculture and ranching, contributing to its calm and unhurried pace of life.

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Where is Lemhi?

Lemhi is located in Lemhi County, along the Lemhi River.

Its remote setting is accentuated by the surrounding mountains and the absence of major transportation routes.

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With a small population, it offers a tranquil environment surrounded by untouched natural beauty.

North Forks seclusion comes from its location amid expansive wilderness areas, providing a serene escape.

Where is North Fork?

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Situated approximately 20 miles north of Salmon, North Fork lies along Highway 93 near the Montana border.

The town is nestled between mountain ranges, enhancing its secluded feel.

The drive to North Fork is a picturesque journey through rugged landscapes and along the Salmon River.

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With a tiny population and minimal development, its a haven for those looking to unwind by the water.

Activities in Shoup include fishing, river rafting, and soaking in natural hot springs nearby.

The towns economy is primarily based on tourism and outdoor recreation.

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Where is Shoup?

The town is accessible by traveling through mountainous terrain, which enhances its remoteness.

Outdoor activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and snow sports in the winter months.

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The towns main industries are small-scale tourism and forestry.

Gibbonsvilles seclusion stems from its forested location and limited access, providing a quiet haven away from crowded destinations.

Where is Gibbonsville?

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Situated near the Montana border in Lemhi County, Gibbonsville lies along Highway 93 north of Salmon.

Its remote location makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking a connection with nature.

With a population of around 3,000, it offers a balance of small-town comforts and outdoor adventure.

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Activities include white-water rafting, fishing, hiking, and exploring historical sites.

The town serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with tourism and recreation being major industries alongside agriculture.

Salmons seclusion is due to its location amid expansive wilderness areas, providing both excitement and tranquility.

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Where is Salmon?

Located in Lemhi County, Salmon sits at the junction of Highways 93 and 28.

Surrounded by the Salmon-Challis National Forest, the town is nestled in a valley bordered by mountain ranges.

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Its remote position in eastern Idaho means that its several hours drive from the nearest interstate highways.

With a very small population, its named after Chief Tendoy of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe.

Outdoor activities include hiking and exploring the surrounding valleys and mountain trails.

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The areas main industries are ranching and limited tourism.

Tendoys seclusion comes from its quiet setting and historical significance that remains untouched by commercialization.

Where is Tendoy?

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Tendoy is situated along Highway 28, south of Salmon in Lemhi County.

The town lies near the border of Idaho and Montana, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Its remote location and the surrounding undeveloped land contribute to its secluded atmosphere.

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The towns main industries include ranching, forestry, and tourism catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

Where is Leadore?

Located in Lemhi County along Highway 28, Leadore lies between Salmon and the Montana border.

The town is encircled by the Beaverhead and Bitterroot mountain ranges, enhancing its remote feel.

Access to Leadore involves traveling through expansive rural landscapes, with few neighboring towns nearby.