Elk City: Admiring Idaho’s Natural Beauty
Elk City is nestled amidst Idaho’s mountainous scenery. It is a census-designated area, a few miles north of central Idaho in Idaho County. Elk City, ID covers a total area of 2.51 square miles and lies at an elevation of 0.76 miles. It is a popular mining area and even became the site of a gold strike back in 1861. The nearest airport to Elk City is the Idaho County Airport, approximately 90 minutes away in Grangeville.
Best Time to Visit
Elk City, Idaho has a naturally humid climate. Temperatures reach their peak at around June to September, which is also the best time to visit. The warmer weather appropriately complements the cooler temperatures coming from the mountains and nearby lakes. The best time to visit to avoid tourist traffic is in November. Visitors in June can travel two hours to Riggins to catch the Annual Big Water Blowout River Festival & Retreat.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Nez Perce National Forest is a natural reserve covering almost 3,500 square miles of land. The reserve is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including raccoons, moose, beavers, pine martens, coyote, foxes, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and muskrats. The forest is part of a wider network of federally protected natural land under the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Red River Hot Springs is a great place to book a stay and go camping or enjoy a good hot tub. Nearby Elk City accommodations include the Salmon Rapids Lodge, situated against a scenic mountainous backdrop, and the Whitebird Summit Lodge, overlooking Grangeville’s expansive forested landscapes.