Riggins, ID

Tucked deep into a canyon where the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers meet, Riggins is best known as Idaho's whitewater capital. Sitting at a surprisingly low elevation along Highway 95, the town enjoys a milder climate than the snowy mountain towns surrounding it, earning it a reputation as a warm pocket in the canyon country. The rugged Seven Devils Mountains loom just to the west, giving this tiny community a dramatic backdrop and quick access to some of the state's wildest backcountry.

ATTRDavid Dugan / CC BY-SA 3.0

Daily life here revolves heavily around the water. With fewer than 400 year-round residents, Riggins is a tight-knit outpost where you will find river guides, outfitters, and retirees sharing the canyon. World-class salmon and steelhead fishing starts right off the banks, while jet boats and whitewater rafts fill the river all spring and summer. Local traditions like the Riggins Rodeo each May keep community spirits high, making the town an appealing hideaway for anyone who wants a slower pace and immediate access to the outdoors.