There’s something magical about visiting one of Idaho’s many picturesque small towns. It’s almost like time stands still, and you’re able to step back and breathe easy as you find yourself surrounded by pure Idaho beauty and small-town living. Even better is when you stumble upon one of these towns unexpectedly. White Bird is a little-known town in north central Idaho that embodies all of that. Located in seemingly the middle of nowhere, this town has a population of approximately 90 people. The journey to this charming small town in Idaho may be long, but you’ll probably find that once you get there … you’ll never want to leave.

You may not have heard of White Bird before, but after seeing how incredibly scenic this place is, you might just find yourself planning a trip here. With less than a hundred permanent residents, this town is a hidden treasure and one of Idaho's most gorgeous towns.
J Stephen Conn/Flickr
If you're looking to get away from the busy atmosphere of city life, then this is the location for you. Nestled beneath the beautiful White Bird Hill (which has a summit of 2,700 feet), this place encompasses everything about small town living.
White Bird Idaho/Facebook
White Bird is also an incredibly historic town. It was the site of the 1877 Battle of White Bird Canyon which was the first battle in the Nez Perce War and marked a significant loss for the U.S. Army.
White Bird is a perfect destination for your next family vacation. Outdoor recreational activities are abundant here. The breathtaking scenery makes for the ideal camping, hiking, fishing, or hunting spot.
White Bird Idaho/Facebook
A popular attraction in the area is the Historical Kirkwood Ranch which is a beautiful cabin in a lush, idyllic setting. This used to be the home of Grace Jordan and gives visitors a feel for what life was like living in the canyon in the 1930s.
The Kirkwood Ranch/Facebook

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One of the most incredible features of the town is the "floating bridge" on Highway 95 which connects north and south Idaho. The building of the bridge is an important part of White Bird's local history and is an iconic part of the town to this day.
White Bird Idaho/Facebook
White Bird is located in very close proximity to both the Salmon River and the Snake River, making it an ideal spot for river adventures including white water rafting!
LDELD/Flickr
Not to mention the dramatic landscape of the nearby Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, which is definitely worthy of being explored.
The town is completely surrounded by Idaho's natural beauty, which means plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in their habitats. Owls, deer, elk, mountain lions, coyotes, and even bears are commonly seen just outside of town.
White Bird Idaho/Facebook
The town itself is just as quaint as you would imagine. The population may be small, but the sense of community here is strong. There are a plethora of community events held in town all year long.
Orin Blomberg/Flickr
Visitors to the town can expect to receive some of Idaho's best classic Western hospitality.

Have you been to White Bird before? Did you know this breathtaking town even existed? What are some of your favorite things to do in White Bird, Idaho? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Also, we bet you haven’t heard of The Most Enchanting Town In All Of Idaho! And, if you have a favorite small town that you love to visit, we’d love to know about it! Fill out this form and share with us some of your favorite things to do and see in that area. You may just see your nomination in an upcoming Only In Your State article.

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Things to do in White Bird, Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | March 24, 2023

What are some things to do in White Bird, Idaho?

If you love spending time outdoors, you will love visiting White Bird, Idaho. This tiny town in Idaho may not have many attractions like other destinations in the state, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t much to do. In fact, there are many things to do in White Bird, ID for the entire family. A few of our favorite activities include:

  • Hiking
  • Visiting the Historical Kirkwood Ranch
  • Fishing
  • Catching a glimpse of the “floating bridge” on Highway 95
  • Hunting
  • Camping

 

What are some other hidden gems in Idaho?

White Bird, ID is a hidden gem. Many Idahoans don’t even realize that this small town exists. But, once they discover this town and all that it has to offer, they never want to leave. If you are searching for a few other hidden gems in Idaho, consider the following:

 

What are some of the best small towns in Idaho?

Choosing the best small towns in Idaho is not easy. In fact, we might even say it is even impossible. The small towns are the heart and soul of the Gem State and there are so many to choose from, whether you are searching for a place to visit, a weekend escape destination, or a fabulous place to live, consider some of the following towns:

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White Bird, ID 83554, USA