Snowmobile Trails in Camas Prairie

Camas Prairie can refer to several locations in the western United States where the blue camas perennial (perennial camassia) blooms. These areas include parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Often the reference is to a swath of territory in north central Idaho around Grangeville, Cottonwood and Winchester. This territory is isolated and expansive, and a number of well-maintained snowmobile trails are available to winter riders. Most trails can be accessed for free. However, trail permits are required for out-of-state snowmobilers. If you are a resident of Idaho, you are required to register your snowmobile with the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department.

  1. Pierce-Weippe Area

    • A trail system near the city of Pierce in north central Idaho winds its way through Clearwater National Forest. With a base elevation of 3,200 feet and a top elevation of 6,500 feet, this trail system features more than 300 miles of groomed trails and a great deal more that are ungroomed. According to the Idaho Department of Commerce, "one of the favorite destinations (on the trail) is Hemlock Lookout where you can look out over the Camas Prairie to the west". The trails are maintained by the Clearwater Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. Campsites, four warming cabins, dump stations, food service, fuel, a gift shop and parking are all available.

    Fairfield Trail System

    • Located in south central Idaho, the town of Fairfield is home to approximately 200 miles of groomed trails that cover areas of the expansive Camas Prairie and the foothills and "Smokey Mountains" in the Sawtooth National Forest, according to Sled the Rockies. The backcountry trails offer scenic rides and plenty of off-trail opportunities for both beginner and advanced snowmobile riders. The elevation of the trails on Camas Prairie is 5,000 feet; peak elevation in the Smokey Range is 10,000 feet. Parking and warming huts are available off highway 20 between Pine Exit and Hill City.

    Anderson Dam Ranch and Reservoir

    • Another large snowmobile trail system around Camas Prairie in southwest Idaho is the Anderson Dam Ranch and Reservoir trail in Elmore County. Here "more than 380 miles of well-marked, groomed trails" offer snowmobilers a variety of terrains, according to Sled the Rockies. The base elevation of the trails is 4,200 feet and the highest elevation is 10,000 feet along the route to Trinity Mountain and the mountain prairies and hills of Cat Creek. According to Sled the Rockies, "popular paths include Trinity Lakes, Pfeiffer Creek, James Creek, Burnt Creek and Wagon Town Loop". Warming huts are situated in the Trinity Mountain Area.