Elk Bend, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elk Bend, Idaho
|
|
|---|---|
 Elk Bend, Idaho
Location in Idaho
Elk Bend, Idaho
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Lemhi |
| Elevation | 4,380 ft (1,340 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP Code |
83467
|
| Area code(s) | 208, 986 (exchange: 894) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1828972 |
Elk Bend is a small, unincorporated community located in Lemhi County, Idaho. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county.
Contents
History of Elk Bend
Elk Bend started in the mid-1960s as several real estate development projects. These projects were called Salmon River Estates (Unit 1 and 2). Later, Salmon Meadows and its annex were added.
Early Development
For many years, people bought land in Elk Bend but didn't build on it right away. Most of the community's growth happened in the early 2000s. This is when people who had bought land earlier reached retirement age. They then built houses and manufactured homes to live in.
Community Life
The community of Elk Bend is loosely organized around its local volunteer fire department. Because of this, locals often use their fire unit numbers to refer to different areas. This is instead of using the original real estate names.
Community Units
- Unit 1 and Unit 2 share the same names as their original real estate areas.
- Salmon Meadows Annex is known as Unit 3.
- Salmon Meadows is called Unit 4.
Local Services
Elk Bend has a few local businesses. There is an RV park with a store. You can also find The Dusty Mule Bar in Unit 1.
Each part of Elk Bend (each real estate unit) has its own water and sewage systems. These systems have different rules and organizations. For example, if you use the services in Unit 2, you become a part-owner of the company. Unit 1's services are privately owned. Units 3 and 4 offer special rates for different seasons. For most other needs, residents travel to Salmon to the north or Challis to the south.
Geography and Surroundings
Elk Bend is located in a scenic part of Idaho. Its elevation is 4,380 feet (about 1,335 meters) above sea level.
Transportation
US 93 is the main road that goes through Elk Bend. This highway connects the community to other towns:
- Salmon is about 21 miles (34 km) north of Elk Bend.
- Challis is about 38 miles (61 km) south of Elk Bend.
Nearby Attractions
A popular natural spot near Elk Bend is Goldbug Hot Springs. This is a place where warm water comes out of the ground.
Famous Resident
Elk Bend was once home to a unique person known as Dugout Dick. He was famous for building a series of "dugouts." These were shelters he carved by hand into caverns over his lifetime.
Dugout Dick's Legacy
After Dugout Dick passed away, his dugouts were closed off for safety. However, his old cabin, located near where the dugouts used to be, has become a place for tourists to visit.
