Idaho Vacation: Atlanta, An Idaho Mining Town



Building in Atlanta



Take a step back in time, Atlanta, an 1860’s vibrant mining town, is not a ghost town but almost so.  This is as close as one can get to a real living outdoor town museum.  There is much to do and see in and around Atlanta, make it part of your plans for an Idaho vacation. 



Atlanta Artist Finishing a Bear in a Barrel Sculpture



Atlanta, supposedly named after the famous Civil War battle of Atlanta, Georgia, was settled after gold and silver were found in the area in 1863-64.  John Stanley discovered gold in the Yuba River, just a few miles downstream from Atlanta.  Later in 1864, John Simmons discovered the Atlanta lode, bearing both gold and silver. 



Abondened Cabin, Atlanta

 Atlanta is located near the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Boise River and sits at an elevation of 5383 feet.  It is located approximately 80 miles east of Boise.  There is one road in and out of Atlanta but several forks down river allow an approach from different directions.  All roads leading to Atlanta are closed seasonally. 

The roads are the biggest problem in getting access to Atlanta.  They are all dirt and gravel and generally washboardy rough.  I would not recommend taking large travel trailers or motorhomes on this drive unless you are planning a relatively long stay. 



Abondened Mine and Equipment, Atlanta

 Active significant commercial mining has not taken place in the Atlanta basin for over 50 years but recent efforts may change that as mining permits have been filed and are being evaluated for environmental impact.  Recreational and small scale mining, especially in the rivers and streams continues every year. 



Library and Likely Former Schoolhouse
in Atlanta

 Atlanta overlooks the Middle Fork of the Boise River and beautiful Graylock mountain to the north.  There are numerous buildings that date back to turn  of the century  or earlier construction. 



Graylock Mountain as Sun is Setting, Atlanta

 Forest Service campgrounds near Atlanta and downriver provide beautiful settings for outdoor recreation adventures.  We camped at the Riverside Campground and had a wonderful site adjacent to the Middle Fork.  An Osprey nest in a tall dead tree in the campground had three young chicks.  There are also numerous hot springs near Atlanta.  The area is popular for hiking, backpacking, hunting (in season), fishing and various other forms of outdoor activity.   This area was made for back-country outdoor activities.


Camping at Riverside Campground, Atlanta

 Abandoned cabins, mine machinery, and a city power plant bear testimony of the thriving community of yesteryear.   Surprisingly, recent building activity is evident as is modern street signs.  One has the feeling that the individuals living in Atlanta are fiercely independent, not existing for corporate convenience.  This is a refreshing place to visit.



Middle Fork of Boise River Downstream From Atlanta

 I’ll describe three approaches to Atlanta, all of which are washboardy dirt roads.  Don’t be in a hurry while traveling these routes.  Your reward is beautiful scenery frequented by wildlife and much of it along the beautiful Middle Fork of the Boise River.  The first approach leaves Boise and exits I-84 at Gowen Road/Idaho City (exit 57).  Travel towards Idaho City on ID-21 about 13  miles to the intersection with NF-268, turn right and follow this road about 67 miles to Atlanta.  The road is paved until arriving at Arrowrock Reservoir.

Around the reservoir, the road climbs quite high above the reservoir and is narrow and crooked.  Use caution on this stretch!  Before arriving in Atlanta, the road changes to NF-377.  This route follows the Middle Fork all the way from Arrowrock Reservoir. 

The second approach starts the same as described above but continue on ID-21 past Idaho City another 22 or so miles to the Crooked River road NF-384.  Turn onto NF-348 and follow this road to the North Fork of the Boise River road.  Continue straight on NF-327 (Swanholm Creek Road) to the Middle Fork Road (NF-377), turn left and proceed as above to Atlanta.  According to internet maps, this route is about 10 miles longer, has more paved road, and is slightly faster to travel.  In addition you avoid the narrow, high, and very crooked road above Arrowrock Reservoir.

The third route is completely different except for the last 3-4 miles.  Starting from Mountain Home, take I-84 exit 90 and travel NE towards Fairfield on US-20 approximately 30 miles.  Turn left onto Louse Creek Road (FR-181) and travel generally north towards Pine and Featherville.  In Featherville, take FR-156 to Rocky Bar (another mining almost ghost town) then turn onto FR-126 towards James Creek and the Middle Fork Road.  Turn right onto the Middle fork Road and continue to Atlanta.  This route takes you across sagebrush flats, the Bennet foothills, and by Anderson Ranch Reservoir. 

The trip into Atlanta and back can be made in one day but I recommend at least two days so the drive and area can be fully enjoyed.  When we were last there in 2010, there were no commercial lodging facilities.  Be prepared with your own facilities.  In many ways, the drive is a pain but the scenery and living history lessons available in and around Atlanta are worth the effort. 

More information on Atlanta can be found here and here.  Boise National Forest campground information is here for Powerplant, here for Riverside, and here for Queen's River, the three closest campgrounds to Atlanta. 
Make this an Idaho vacation that will last in memory for a long long time.