Salmon-Challis National Forest

Leadore Ranger District

Community

Leadore, Idaho, a community of 74 residents, (with additional population of 520 including surrounding ranches), is located at the junction of Highways 28 and 29.  Highway 28 runs southeast between Salmon and Idaho Falls. Highway 29 runs northeast from Leadore for about 14 miles to Bannock Pass where it crosses the Beaverhead Mountains into Montana. The economy is dependent upon the local natural resources (cattle ranching, recreation, and tourism).

Leadore sits in a broad valley at 6000 feet elevation; bordered on the south by the Lemhi Range and the Beaverhead Mountains to the north. This valley is a high steppe desert with an average annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches. Approximately 350,000 acres of National Forest Lands are administered by the Leadore District, Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Though a small community, Leadore has 2 gas station/stores, 2 cafes, 2 churches, public library and a lighted airstrip. The City Park offers free camping. Leadore schools cover grades K through 12 with a student enrollment of approximately 160.

Larger full-service communities within several hours drive of Leadore include:  Salmon 50 miles; Idaho Falls 116 miles; Dillon, Montana, 65 miles and Missoula, Montana, approximately 200 miles.

The current town site of Leadore was mapped-out in May of 1910 during construction of the (now defunct) Gilmore & Pittsburgh Railroad. The railroad was built to support mining operations at Gilmore, approximately 24 miles southeast of Leadore, and to serve the town of Salmon. The railroad was not very successful and in 1938 the line was abandoned.

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