Camas Prairie Residents enjoy their closer proximity to recreational opportunities particularly hunting and fishing. Popular fishing hotspots include Winchester Lake, the Salmon River and Dworshak Reservoir. Area hunters appreciate the exceptional big game hunting with game bird hunting at their fingertips. Other local attractions include the Cottonwood Butte Ski hill and Snowhaven Ski Hill where many people enjoy skiing, snowboarding and sledding. Also, the Pine Bar Campground and Boat Launch. Hatke Place Ranch is minutes away from thousands of acres of State of Idaho land.

9.3 miles from Cottonwood Butte Ski Area

15 miles from Salmon River

17.7 miles from Pine Bar Campground

30 miles from Winchester Lake

60 miles from Dworshak Dam & Reservoir

Region & Climate

Camas Prairie is a region located in north-central Idaho, USA, and encompasses parts of Idaho and Lewis counties. It sits at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet above sea level, making it a high-elevation plateau.

The climate of Camas Prairie is classified as a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The area receives an average of 24 inches of precipitation annually, with the majority falling as snow during the winter months.

The region’s vegetation is dominated by grasslands, with some areas of forested land in the higher elevations. The most notable plant species found in Camas Prairie is the camas flower, which is a member of the lily family and is considered a significant cultural and historical plant for the Nez Perce Tribe.

Camas Prairie is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. The prairie is also a crucial habitat for numerous bird species.

History

Camas Prairie has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce, who have lived in the region for over 10,000 years.

The camas flower, which is a significant plant species in the region, was a crucial food source for the Nez Perce Tribe. The camas bulbs were harvested by the Nez Perce women and were used as a staple food source during the spring and early summer months.

In the early 1800s, European-American fur trappers and traders began to explore and settle in the region, leading to conflicts with the Native American tribes. The most notable of these conflicts was the Nez Perce War of 1877, which resulted in the removal of the Nez Perce Tribe to reservations in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Camas Prairie became a center for agriculture, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and other crops in the fertile soil of the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped to further develop the region’s economy, with towns such as Grangeville, Cottonwood, and Kamiah becoming important centers for trade and commerce.

Today, Camas Prairie remains an important agricultural region, with farmers continuing to grow a variety of crops. The area is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. The camas flower is still an essential part of the region’s cultural heritage, and annual camas festivals and celebrations are held in various towns throughout the area.

Location

Cottonwood is a small city located in north-central Idaho, in the United States. The town is situated in Idaho County and is surrounded by picturesque forests, rolling hills, and scenic countryside.

The nearest major airport to Cottonwood is the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS), which is located approximately 50 miles southwest of the city. The airport offers both domestic and regional flights, including connections to major US cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Boise.

Another option for air travel is the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW), which is located approximately 75 miles to the north of Cottonwood, near the cities of Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho. The airport offers flights to Seattle, Portland, and Salt Lake City.

For amenities, Cottonwood has a few options for dining and shopping, including two grocery stores, gas stations, a handful of restaurants, a couple coffee shops, a hospital and clinic.