Everything you need for your Elk City Adventure

Freedom River Adventures Presents

Our Elk City, Idaho Travel Guide

Not Sure what to do? We’ve got you covered.

A beautiful dirt road and wildflowers blooming after a forest fire in Elk City, Idaho

How to explore Elk City, Idaho

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Elk City by Season
Elk City Activities
What to Bring
Elk City Weather

Elk City by Season

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter

Nearby Wildlife

Spring in Elk City

Looking for a time and place to get rid of the crowds and find yourself in peace and seclusion away from your screen?

Visit Elk City in Spring.

Sunrise is about 6:45 am
Sunset is about 6:55 pm

Around the first day of spring

You’ll likely see and hear turkeys strutting their stuff in the yard, along with deer spending the morning at the salt lick by the Blue Cabin. You might even hear a wolf or coyote howl in the mountains.

Spring Packing List

5 Must-haves when you visit Elk City in the Spring

  • Jacket

During spring, the high is rarely about 65 degrees. Come ready for chilly weather, especially in the evenings.

  • A warm hat (wool recommended)

Wool is more water-resistant than cotton or an acrylic fiber. It will keep you warm and dry. Also, bring a baseball hat.

  • Sturdy boots that can get wet

Elk City is damp (and green!) during spring. If you’ll be walking around outside, you’ll probably get a bit damp hiking and splashing through puddles. Some trails will be slick too so be careful!

There still may be snow on the ground—even in May! If you have questions about the weather, shoot us a message!

  • Rain gear

Plan for it to rain at least one day when you visit in spring. If you visit for a weekend, it may rain the entire time. Don’t let it stop you! Bring a poncho or rain pants and waterproof boots if you plan to go for an ATV ride or walk through the forest.

  • Camera

Spring is beautiful; you may see newborn fawns with their mom walking around in the meadows, and you will see plenty of wildflowers. Don’t forget your camera (or a pair of binoculars!)

Local Tip:

The power can go out in Elk City with no notice—sometimes for a day—don’t forget to charge your power bank before you come!

Peace and Quiet. Big Thrills.

If you want to get away for a few days and have an adventure, unwind, or disconnect, visit Elk City during spring. Spring kicks off with the steelhead run in March and April and ends in June when the days finally start to dry out and clear up.

Spring is the quietest time of year in Elk City. It’s a time to rejuvenate, rest, and shake off the winter blues after -20 degree days and just a few hours of daylight. If you fire up your ATVs and go for a ride, you’ll likely have the trails to yourself. Many of the higher trails are still covered in snow—there’s not enough to snowmobile and too much for an ATV.

An ATV playing around on a snow covered trail outside of Elk City, Idaho — this is not the road to Elk City or Freedom River Adventures cabins.

  • Normally, they’re MUDDY! If you’re wanting an excuse to give your machine a bath, go for a ride in April or May.

    Many of the trails at higher elevations are impassable or barely passable. They’re a LOT of fun and you’ll likely have them to yourself.

    If it’s early in the season, some roads still might have downed trees—it’s really helpful to have a chainsaw or a bow saw to cut through.

  • Most of the rides we take in spring are on Forest Service/logging roads. The roads might have tons of potholes (and mud puddles!!) from snow and ice melting and thawing, but are otherwise fairly easy to drive for experienced riders.

    Don’t forget your camera, especially if it’s a beautiful, sunny day and the grasses are as green as can be.

    If you’re going on a longer ride, prepare for the worst. Be sure to bring an emergency blanket or shelter, survival kit, and a vehicle recovery kit—just in case.

    Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back

  • In spring, you’ll likely see Bambi, rabbits, squirrels, and maybe even a few elk. You may also see bears and wolves. If you do see a bear, do not approach the animal, especially if it is picking berries or you see cubs.

The Fish of a Lifetime

Spring Steelhead Fishing

  • We have caught fish on $10 poles and $200 poles. In a good season, it doesn’t matter—the fish won’t judge as long as you get the lure in front of him.

    We’ve tried every color corkie and yarn combo under the sun too, along with scents. None seemed to make a difference.

    Rather than marching up + down the aisles, spend your time fixing up rigs, and money on a high quality reel, and a net, line, that won’t bend or break. There’s nothing worse than getting a fish to the bank, then losing him at the last second.

    These are our recommendations.

  • During Steelhead season, It’s COLD along the South Fork of the Clearwater. At a minimum, bring:

    • A hat — opt for wool, cotton will get wet + stay cold

    • Gloves that you can fish with (cast + reel in line)

    • A waterproof jacket

    • Warm pants / jeans with thermals…unless you plan to swim!

    • Wool socks

    • Sturdy boots. The rocks are SLICK!

    • Some people use polarized glasses, but the weather is normally grey and cloudy

    We also recommend bringing some hand warmers and throwing them in your pockets.

  • The steelhead normally swim in schools and will rest in deeper pools periodically after passing through whitewater rapids. While you can fish in the calm spots, we’ve done the best in choke points, rocky, narrow spots in the river.


    The water is normally moving FAST. Be careful walking down and take a few extra lures and leaders. You WILL get hung up!

    There is NO Steelhead or salmon fishing once the fish pass the confluence of the South Fork and Clearwater River, just outside of Elk City.

  • Yes! But, under two conditions.

    • If the fish was lip hooked.

    • If the fish is from a hatchery, (there is a shaved dorsal fin).

    If the fish isn’t a keeper, be careful getting it out of the water. Snap a picture, then send it on its way.

    Be sure to follow all of the state regulations. Idaho Fish & Game checks licenses, and steelhead/salmon on the South Fork.

    For more info, see the Idaho Fish & Game Steelhead Rules

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests fishing.

  • The Elk City General Store sells fishing licenses and all of the basics that you’ll need for a day fishing. You can also get them online, and should keep a screenshot on your phone / print the email in case you are checked by Idaho Fish & Game.

Spring Kayaking and white water

During the spring months, the South Fork of the Clearwater River is a washing machine. We’ve never done it, but if you’re an adventurous kayaker, there are huge rapids to conquer.

Along the South Fork of the Clearwater you’ll find pull-offs and camp grounds every few miles where you can drop in.

Local Tip:

It CAN snow in Elk City until late June. If you’re planning a whitewater trip, bring plenty of thermals. Riggins and the Salmon River aren’t more than 100 miles away, but the environment here is totally different.

Prime hunting ground is 10 minutes from your bed

Book your stay at freedom river adventures

Spring Turkey Hunting

  • Turkey season kicks off in mid-April, and gets good in early . Even though Turkey hunting isn’t as popular as elk or deer hunting, if you’re wanting to bag an animal, it’s likely your best bet—and it doesn’t require a ton of work (apart from plucking the feathers!)

  • Turkeys have INCREDIBLE peripheral vision, and can sense colors and movement that isn’t natural.

    April normally isn’t too cold, but it can be soggy and wet. Don’t forget to pack:

    • A mid-weight jacket (it’s below freezing some mornings)

    • A hat

    • Gloves

    • Wool socks

    • Sturdy boots

  • Even though Turkey hunting isn’t as popular as elk or deer hunting, if you’re wanting to bag an animal, it’s likely your best bet—and it doesn’t require a ton of work (apart from plucking the feathers!)

    Freedom River Adventures is surrounded by National Forest and BLM. Wake up, grab your coffee, and walk 100 yards. That’s it and good luck!.

  • Anywhere on National Forest or BLM land. You’ve got tens of thousands of acres to choose from around Elk City. Look for meadows or small streams where they’ll be foraging.

    Much of the area around Freedom River Adventures is private property. Some of the neighbors feed the turkeys and would be heartbroken to have one shot on their land. Always ask for permission first and follow the Idaho Fish + Game Rules.

  • Wild turkey is a bit ‘gamey’ and not smooth, like the Bourbon.

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests hunting.

  • The best time of day hunt is in the mornings before the turkeys go back to roost mid-day.

    Get up in the morning and hunt, then go for an ATV ride in the afternoon, or grab your book and relax on the porch!

In a mood to reflect, write, compose, or think?

Spring is the time to let it out.

Elk City is the place

Check out the blue cabin
A summer fireworks display in Elk City, Idaho on July 4th

Summer in Elk City

Sunrise is about 4:50am
Sunset is about 8:30 pm

Around the first day of summer

Looking for a time and place to take the kids fishing, hit the trails, and get away from the hustle and bustle?

Elk City is your place for a summer adventure

Summer Packing List

5 Must-haves when you visit Elk City in the Summer

  • Packable Jacket

Summer is normally hot and dry, though we have BIG thunderstorms in the afternoons. The last place you want to be is Iron Mountain or on Anderson Butte with no jacket in a downpour.

  • Cheap Sunglasses or safety glasses

The roads and trails in Elk City will get DUSTY. Leave your $200 Raybans at home and pick up a cheap pair at Harbor Freight or the gas station before you head into town. Your eyes will thank you (and so would your nice glasses if they could!)

  • Sandals or Creek Shoes

If you’re planning to go near the Clearwater, American, or Red River, you’ll need an old pair of shoes or boots that still have a bit of life left in them, or sandals with a sturdy bottom. The rocks get slick, and it’s very easy to turn an ankle in the river—be careful!

  • Camera

Unless you’ve been this far off the beaten path, you likely haven’t seen the moon or the stars like they shine out here. Bring a night lens to capture the incredible moments—and a flashlight so you don’t trip walking there.

  • First Aid Kit + Swiss Army Knife

Best case, you’re about 1.5 hours from the nearest hospital if the Elk City Medical Clinic is closed. A First Aid Kit is a must-have if you’re visiting this part of Idaho, regardless of what you’re planning to do.

If you’re going to be hitting the trails or making s’mores, a Swiss Army knife will come in handy to whittle a mean marshmallow stick or dig out a splinter.

Local Tip:

Locals—and the animals—do not care about the latest fashion or brands. Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Jeans and t-shirts will work for any occasion!

Summer is peak season

for adventurers.

Local Tip:

Fish when the sun is NOT on the water. Early morning + Late evening are primo!

Getting the family together over the summer? Take them to Elk City for an one-of-a-kind adventure. We’ve got 14-plus hour days, hundreds of trails, and thousands of fish to be caught.

Summer is the busiest season in Elk City, especially around the 4th of July and Elk City Days (second weekend in August). We have two big ATV and UTV rides during the summers which attract people from all over the region. You can also take your machines to explore ghost towns deep in the mountains, including Orogrande, Hump Town, and Concord.

If you’re itching to put a fly in the water, or wear out your shoulder fishing, look no further. Elk City is just minutes from excellent trout fishing in the South Fork of the Clearwater, Red River, American River, and Crooked River. For an easy access spot, head to Carolyn’s Pond near the Red River Ranger Station.

How to catch a trout in Elk City, Idaho in under 1 minute.

Epic rides in every direction

Summer ATV Adventures

  • That’s a tough question! It all depends on how much time you have and your skill. These are just recommendations.

    If you have limited time, or are looking for an easy ride for the family:

    • Flatiron Ridge Rd. to the Mother Lode

    • American River Rd.

    For a longer ride, head up:

    • Table Meadows

    • Anderson Butte Road

    • French Gulch

    If you’re looking to make a day of it:

    • Anderson Butte (the trail is TOUGH)

    • Selway Falls (easier, but long)

    • The Elk City Wagon Road (easier but long)

    • Old Orogrande (the trail is TOUGH)

  • It’s normally HOT and DRY during summers..but thunderstorms can happen without warning. Be sure to bring

    • A hat or helmet with a visor (recommended!)

    • Longer sleeves to keep the sun off + dust off your skin.

    • Comfy pants

    • Close-toed shoes.

    • Goggles

    • A mask/neckerchief. The dust is HORRIBLE if there is no rain for weeks.

    We also recommend bringing or wearing riding gloves

  • Freedom River Adventures does not rent ATVs, nor let guests ride them for liability reasons. As of now, we don’t know of anyone who rents ATVs in Elk City.

  • It can be BRUTALLY hot (up to 100 degrees) and sunny during the summers. If you’re going for a ride, bring a few bottles of water and snacks. You won’t pass any 7-11 or convenience stores on your trip

    It’s always a good idea to bring an emergency kit for your vehicle and yourself, including a tow rope and extra fuel.

  • Most ATV accidents that happen around Elk City are because the driver is either going too fast, or is inexperienced—or both.

    Every summer, people (locals and visitors) lose control of their machine and run off the road, crash into a tree, or into another rider. Go a bit slower and enjoy your time on the road and know your limits.

    If there is an accident, Elk City has a Volunteer EMS. The nearest hospital is over 1 hour away from Elk City in Grangeville.

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests on ATV rides. Tell us your plan though, and we will help you put it together!

  • Freedom River Adventures has TONS of space for parking multiple trailers stocked full of toys. In town, you can park and ride anywhere—you’ll see locals buzzing around to the General Store, Post Office, or VFW on their ATV or side-by-side all year long.

Local Tip:

Summer weather is HOT and DRY.
Expect highs in the 90s
Expect lows in the 40s

Summer Gold Prospecting

Elk City was founded on gold, and if you know where to look, you’ll likely find some! And if you don’t, ask our neighbor. He’s the local expert.

You can set up a sluice box or pan for gold anywhere on public land that is NOT claimed. Dredging is a different story, though. If you want to dredge, you’ll have to apply early for a permit well before the season starts.

Rumor has it the mountains around Elk City have rare earths in them too.

Local Tip:

Gold prospecting is hard work to say the least. Anything you find, though, is yours!

How’s that for a cool souvenir?

  • This is what we recommend:

    • 2 Buckets (one 5-gallon, one 2-gallon) 

    • Shovel

    • Trowel 

    • Pick 

    • Gold Pan 

    • Classifier (a sifting tool to sort rocks by size)

    • Snuffer bottle

    • A bottle for your gold 

    • Bug Spray 

  • We can rent you a few gold pans and a shovel. But you’ve gotta do your own diggin’!

    If you strike it rich, don’t forget about us!

  • Gold was everywhere up here 100+ years ago, and most of the easy stuff is gone. There still are leftovers though (but we haven’t found them!)

    Grab your metal detector and go for a walk on the National Forest or BLM land—you might just find something!

  • Yes! There are several, and a few are just right outside of Elk City. Stop in at the Elk City Hotel to hear all about the town’s mining history and see their treasures from generations past in the Elk City museum.

Trails and routes for all abilities

Summer Hiking and trail running

  • Our recommendation is to stay on marked and maintained trails and roads. Many trails through the forest are game trails made by deer and other animals, and you can easily get lost or turned around.

    From Freedom River Adventures, just go right or left and follow American River. Less than 1 mile upstream, you’ll find a local swimming hole at ‘the culvert.’

    About 1.5 miles downstream, you’ll find a small camping area and another popular swimming hole.

    Elk City is VERY hilly + at higher altitude (4200 feet) making it a GREAT place to train for a longer run, without crowds. If you’re looking for a well-balanced hill run, run to and from the Forest Service Compound. It’s approximately 3 miles on the road one-way.

    Or, you can take the rugged snowmobile trail for an AWESOME off-road run. You’ll probably see deer too!

  • If you’re going for a longer hike, keep a jacket in your pack—it may start to rain (and check the weather before!)

    Bring and wear regular hiking clothes and don’t forget a hat.

    You probably will not not need waterproof boots, but the dirt roads WILL be dusty. Bring a mask or neckerchief.

  • The US Forest Service Sells official paper trail maps for $14 at local Forest Service offices.

    You can also find digital maps on Alltrails, Avenza, or download a map on Google Maps.

  • Generally, yes. But be careful and watch out for ATVs or vehicles flying down the roads.

    If you are going out for a walk, note that there are predators (wolves, bears, mountain lions) around Elk City. They normally stay away from the main roads.

    If there is an accident, Elk City has a Volunteer EMS. The nearest hospital is over 1 hour away from Elk City in Grangeville.

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests on hikes. Tell us your plan though, and we will help you put it together!

Local Tip:

Many trails are not well marked. Be sure to carry a map or use a GPS with waypoints — and leave a note of where you’ll go + when you’ll be back!

Morel mushrooms picked in Elk City, Idaho enjoyed with a beer
Wild Huckleberries picked in Elk City, Idaho

Forage in the forest

Early Summer Berry and Mushroom Picking

During the early summer/late spring, huckleberries and Morel mushrooms are waiting to be picked. Grab a small basket or bucket, put it on your ATV, and have a tasty treat for later back at your Freedom River Adventure cabin or BnB. The most popular patch is about 30 minutes out of town, up an ATV trail.

Huckleberries normally grow in higher elevations, and you’ll have to wait until the snow is gone. Morels grow in areas recently burned by wildfires. Both can fetch lots of $$.

Local Tip:

Bears also LOVE huckleberries. If you see a bear, or momma + the cubs, give them first dibs!

You may also see deer foraging too.

Elk City Summer Festivities

The Idaho County Sheriff Veterans Ride

Held annually in July

This ride attracts hundreds of ATV and UTV riders of all abilities and all walks of life. Locals lead a scenic and wild trek through the woods around Elk City, followed by beers, stories, and a large dinner party at the local VFW.

Learn More (external link)

Elk City Days

Held annually, the second weekend in August

This is Elk City’s biggest event of the year. Featuring a parade, logger games, silent auctions, and festivities that you can only find in the mountains of Idaho.

Tell me more

Summer in Elk City is unlike summer anywhere else.

Elk City is ready to host your one-of-a-kind summer adventure.

Book your stay at Freedom River Adventures

Fall in Elk City

Sunrise is about 6:30am
Sunset is about 6:30 pm

Fall is hunting and the second Chinook fishing season for Elk City—and the other peak time to visit.

If you’re looking for braggin’ rights,

don’t miss Elk City in the fall.

Around the first day of fall

Fall Packing List

5 Must-haves when you visit Elk City in the Fall

  • Sturdy Boots

The mountains out here are tough. 20% + grades up and down for miles and miles. Bring a sturdy pair of boots that won’t wear out!

  • A hunting license and tag (apply early)

Idaho is tough on out-of-staters, especially with the new lottery system the state is adding. If you’re planning to hunt, don’t miss the key dates and get your license as early as possible in December!

  • A Good Map(s) of the area (or GPS)

At the very least, download the Elk City area on Google Maps. If you’re going hunting, it’s worth subscribing to a service like On-X Hunt so you can easily see property lines. Also, spend some time studying a Topo map before you come out, especially if you’re going to the Wilderness Areas.

  • All-weather outdoor gear

September can be freezing cold and snowy, or 80 degrees and sunny. Or, go from 80 degrees to snow in two days. Check the weather before you pack—and note that it will probably change several times between the time you zip up your bag at home and unzip it in Elk City.

  • Camera

The fall in Elk City is beautiful; there aren’t a lot of leaves like back on the East Coast, but the pine forests do lose a few needles (and you’ll probably get some awesome nature shots).

Just don’t forget your camera when you get your rack!

Local Tip:

You can get all of your basic food, drinks, and beer and a hunting/fishing license at the Elk City General Store—no need to haul a cooler!

Excellent big game hunting near Elk City

the Rugged Gospel Hump Wilderness Area
A herd of elk in Elk City, Idaho
  • Game Unit 16 is directly north of Game Unit 15, on the north side of Iron Mountain, and is about 1 hour from Freedom River Adventures and Elk City.

    Like Game Unit 15, Unit 16 is very remote and rugged, but you will likely be rewarded if you put in the work.

    About 72% of the land is forested and 18% of Unit 16 is privately owned. Last year, Game Unit 16 had a 39% general success rate for elk, with a B-tag.

    Hunting Opportunities:

    • Elk

    • Deer

    • Bears

    • Wolves (get paid BIG $)

    • Moose (rare)

    • Mountain Lion

  • Elk City is surrounded by Game Unit 15, stretching over to Grangeville, about 60 miles West, and near Red River Hot Springs, about 20 miles east.

    Game Unit 15 has tough territory that keeps many hunters away. You’ll be climbing up and down mountains, but will largely have the whitetails, and elk to yourself. Last year (2024), there was a 47% general success rate for deer.

    According to the Idaho Fish & Game, 92% of Unit 15 is public land, 96% of the territory is forested, and about 2% are agricultural drylands. In the last few years, there have been fires in the area also.

    There are some trophy bulls and bucks in here, but you will have to work for them.

    Other big game you can hunt:

    • Bears

    • Mountain Lions

    • Wolves (get paid BIG $!)

    • Moose (increasingly rare)

Key Stat:

Key Stat:

Key Stat:

Tag the bull or buck of a lifetime

Fall Hunting FAQs

  • This is a tough question. Having hunted around Elk City for decades, here are a few places where I’ve gone.

    • Anderson Butte (ATV required for most of the road)

    • Limber Luke (no ATV required)

    • Marvin Meadows (ATV not required)

    • the South side of Iron Mountain in unit 15. (ATV required)

    If you’re coming to hunt, spend day 1 scouting around and be prepared to drive for a few hours around the area.

  • Units 15, 16, and 16A are mountainous and rugged. Be prepared to go up and down hills all day, unless you’re going to set up in a tree.

  • Yes, back in 2005 I got a 5×5 Elk with my bow.

    The antlers are in the Bnb.

  • September and October can be warm or miserable.

    Normally, early September starts off about 70-75 degrees for the high, 45 for the low. Late September is normally about 60 for the high, and right at freezing. It can snow though.

    By the end of October, it normally will be frosty in the mornings and will get up to about 45 degrees in the afternoon. We can have a foot of snow though!

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests on hunts. Tell us your plan though, and we will help you put it together!

  • The General Store does butcher and quarter elk and deer, however there is NO taxidermist in town. You’ll have to go to Grangeville (or Lewiston).

Local Tip:

If you’re coming from out of state, Idaho hunting rules are complex and confusing as hell. Make sure that you have the right animal tag, and unit tag before you hunt—in addition to your license.

Elk City is near 3 game units (15, 16, and 20).

Legendary B-run fishing
on the South Fork of the Clearwater

Fall Chinook and Steelhead Fishing

  • We have caught fish on $10 poles and $200 poles. In a good season, it doesn’t matter—the fish won’t judge as long as you get the lure in front of him.

    We’ve tried every color corkie and yarn combo under the sun too, along with scents. None seemed to make a difference.

    Rather than marching up + down the aisles, spend your time fixing up rigs, and money on a high quality reel, and a net, line, that won’t bend or break. There’s nothing worse than getting a fish to the bank, then losing him at the last second.

    These are our recommendations.

  • During Steelhead season, It’s COLD along the South Fork of the Clearwater. At a minimum, bring:

    • A hat — opt for wool, cotton will get wet + stay cold)

    • Gloves that you can fish with (cast + reel in line)

    • A waterproof jacket

    • Warm pants / jeans with thermals…unless you plan to swim!

    • Wool socks

    • Sturdy boots. The rocks are SLICK!

    • Some people use polarized glasses, but the weather is normally grey and cloudy

    We also recommend bringing some hand warmers and throwing them in your pockets.

  • Before coming, check the Idaho Fish + Game reports for numbers of fish passing the dams. The number of fish changes every year, as does the fishing (due to the weather and water temperature).


    The water is normally LOW. Be careful walking down and take a few extra lures and leaders. You WILL get hung up!

    There is NO Steelhead or salmon fishing once the fish pass the confluence of the South Fork and Clearwater River, just outside of Elk City.

  • It all depends on the numbers and when you catch the fish. The rules change every year (and even within the year), depending on how the fish are running.

    Here are the rules for this year.

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests fishing.

  • The Elk City General Store sells fishing licenses and all of the basics that you’ll need for a day fishing. You can also get them online, and should keep a screenshot on your phone / print the email in case you are checked by Idaho Fish & Game.

Book your comfy base for an incredible fall hunt

Just minutes from the thrill

Check out the brown cabin
Snowmobiling in Elk City, Idaho during the winter in feet of powder snow
A snow covered meadow in Elk City, Idaho with a blue sky overhead

Winter in Elk City

Sunrise is about 7:20am
Sunset is about 4:00 pm

Dreaming of a winter wonderland?
You’ll find it in Elk City.

Powder and fresh tracks for days. 

Around the first day of winter

Winter Packing List

5 Must-haves when you visit Elk City in the Winter

  • Cold Weather clothing

It gets down to -20 in the winter. Yes, that’s a minus. Bring layers of clothing and hand warmers.

  • A non-leaking thermos

If you’re going snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, a bit of hot cocoa hits the spot. They’re worth their weight in gold.

  • Winter survival kit

If you are going out, be sure to have a winter survival kit—and know how to use it. Make sure it has a shelter, shovel, firestarter, light, rope, and other key essentials you’d need to tough out a freezing cold night.

A beautiful snowy and winter scene in Elk City, Idaho
  • Books or a Kindle

Reading by the fire is a true joy, and it should be one of your highlights from visiting Elk City in the winter, no matter else what you’re doing out here.

  • Camera

The winter is magical. Get outside and take photos of the perfect snow-covered landscapes, even if you’re out for 5 minutes. You’ll thank yourself later for bundling up!

Local Tip:

Many retired locals leave for good in November and don’t come back until April. The ones who stay will get together and have potlucks, do puzzles, and enjoy the slowest time of year.

Hundreds of miles of untracked trails. Feet of Powder.

Snowmobiling

  • These are our recommendations.

    We normally ride the same roads and trails that we do in the summer—but they are a LOT more fun in the winter.

  • It gets down to -20! (Yeah, that’s a negative, Ghostrider.) Be ready for the cold, and 3 or 4 feet of snow on the ground if you come out in February. We can also have 3 or 4 feet in December, or 6 inches..it all depends on the year.

    If you’re coming in the winter, do not forget:

    • A hat — opt for wool, cotton will get wet + stay cold)

    • Gloves that will keep your hands toasty warm

    • A winter jacket

    • Thermals

    • Wool socks

    • Snow boots

    We also recommend throwing hand warmers in your pockets.

  • No, we are not outfitters and can’t take guests snowmobiling.

We’ll keep the fire going.

You go tear it up! 

Book your stay at Freedom River Adventures