The heart and soul of Idaho are its small towns. From the panhandle to southern Idaho, small towns play an important role in the charm of our great state. One such town, Kamiah, is tucked away in the mountains and along the banks of the beautiful Clearwater River. It is one charming small town in Idaho where you can relax, disconnect, and just enjoy the treasures of our great state.
Nestled on the west side of the Bitterroot Mountains and along the banks of the Clearwater River is the charming town of Kamiah. Many Idahoans don’t even know this town exists, but it is home to approximately 1,300 residents.
The area of Kamiah has been home to the Nez Perce Tribe for centuries. In fact, Kamiah is a Nez Perce word meaning “many rope litters.”
This name is fitting as the Nez Perce actually manufactured red rope litters in the area to help fish for steelhead in the river.
As you drive around Kamiah, it is exactly what you’d picture for a small Idaho town — full of charm, beautiful architecture, and the quaintest shops around.
During your visit, stop into the Hearthstone Restaurant and Bakery, which is located in the renovated 1912 pharmacy in town.
Not only is the inside of this Kamiah bakery absolutely stunning, but the food is beautifully presented and quite tasty. Enjoy a fresh donut, cupcake, sandwich, or filling breakfast entrée.
You can spend the day at Kamiah Riverfront Park. Here, you can enjoy a picnic along the river, relax on the grass, and just enjoy some fresh air.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Kamiah is a true gem. You'll want to spend some time near or on the Clearwater River. The views here are remarkable …
… and the fishing is incredible. Fish from this river and you might just catch a steelhead trout or a chinook salmon.
This small town is also next to the beautiful Clearwater National Forest. This area is filled with camping, hiking, and hunting opportunities galore. This is also an excellent area for huckleberry picking if you are willing to go out and explore.
And even with all there is to do outside of town, in Kamiah, there are always fantastic events taking place. One of the most popular is Free BBQ Days.
This event takes place every Labor Day weekend and first began in 1936 when some merchants in the community offered a free barbecue dinner to the town as a way to say thank you. The tradition has carried on over the years and now features a weekend filled with activities including car shows, breakfasts, a parade, and more.
Kamiah, Idaho is the perfect place to relax, spend some time in nature, and get away from life's daily demands. It’s one small town in Idaho that you need to check out for yourself.
Have you been to the small town of Kamiah? If so, what are some of your favorite things to do in this town? Let us know in the comments!
Kamiah is one town in Idaho that many out-of-state visitors can’t seem to pronounce quite right. However, it’s not the only word in Idaho that has this reputation. Here are nine Idaho words that only locals seem to say correctly.
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