LIFESTYLE
Each town within the Silver Valley has its own personality, but there are many common traits between them. Filled with familiar faces, annual celebrations, bustling outdoor recreation, and heart, all of the towns in the Silver Valley have a sense community. The level of involvement you have in that local community is up to you.
Whether you’re strolling through Wallace’s historic downtown, enjoying a craft beverage at your favorite local brewery, or bumping into familiar faces in our locally owned shops, the Silver Valley is saturated in small-town charm. The slow traffic matches our slower pace of life. People wave as you drive past. Nearly everyone is willing to strike up a conversation or share their favorite local memory. How the small-town charm manifests in each village is different because their respective histories are unique, making their streets and stories beautifully unique too. There’s no doubt that the minimally urban, mostly rural Silver Valley fits the definition of this charm. The atmosphere is relaxed, genuine, and unpretentious. There are many cute quirks and hidden gems waiting to be discovered by travelers and residents alike.
There are two local Chambers of Commerce that work relentlessly to promote our area’s tourism, festivals, events, and businesses. These Chambers of Commerce also serve as a wealth of information to both residents and tourists. They assist people in their relocation endeavors. They celebrate member business’s milestones and promotional activities. They answer local resident’s questions and support community involvement. The Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce states their vision as “we are committed to cultivating a thriving economy in our vibrant mountain community which offers a colorful history and endless outdoor adventure.” The Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce has a similar mission stating they “preserve, promote, and protect the commercial, historic, recreational and environmental interests of Wallace, Shoshone County, and surrounding area, for the benefit of those who live, work, play and visit this beautiful area.” Both of these local Chambers are there to support the community and the people within it. They also host and promote a variety of fun events while providing plenty of opportunities for residents to get involved, have fun, give back, and make an impact.
Civic & fraternal organizations are a great way to get involved in global organizational initiatives at a local level. There are plenty of options for community-based clubs in the Silver Valley for you to join if you’re looking to make a difference in our area.
Area Organizations:
Silver Valley Kiwanis is a global organization is dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Kellogg
American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization. They are committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in their communities.
Kellogg Elks invests in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.
Rotary International – Kellogg provides service to others, promotes integrity, and advances world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Osburn
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1675 is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Veterans and the communities in which they live. The VFW supports patriotic activities, education, assistance to Veterans and their families and community activities.
Osburn Lions Club empowers volunteers to serve their communities, meets humanitarian needs, encourages peace, and promotes international understanding through Lions clubs.
Pinehurst & Kingston
PK Lions empowers volunteers to serve their communities, meets humanitarian needs, encourages peace, and promotes international understanding through Lions clubs.
Smelterville
Smelterville Lions empowers volunteers to serve their communities, meets humanitarian needs, encourages peace, and promotes international understanding through Lions clubs.
Wallace
Wallace Elks #331 invests in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.
Gyro International Wallace is an international organization that provides a setting for our members and friends to socialize and have fun. They seek to be the first choice for men seeking to enjoy fun events with their friends without the requirements common to other groups.
Rotary International - Wallace provides service to others, promotes integrity, and advances world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Along with our civic & fraternal organizations, there are many other established non-profits in the Silver Valley that support a variety of missions. We encourage you to find a mission that speaks to you and get involved. You have the opportunity to make a local impact while networking with other passionate members of our community.
Area Organizations:
Kindred Spirits Against Diabetes Motorcycle Organization INW (KSADINW) is a group of motorcycle lovers that promote the awareness and education of diabetes.
Shoshone County Community Concert Association is a group that is dedicated to bringing quality music to the Silver Valley for more than 70 years. They produce and present musical events in Kellogg and Wallace, and they give outreach concerts to Silver Valley Schools.
Shoshone County SAVE Coalition is a diverse group of individuals that specialize in mental and behavioral health, medicine, education. This faith-based community helps people in need of support in relation to suicide, domestic violence, child abuse, and other tragic events.
Shoshone County Women's Resource Center provides crisis, intervention, and advocacy services that empowers and promotes healthy and safe living in Shoshone County.
Shoshone Medical Center Foundation exists to benefit Shoshone Medical Center and the community it serves. They work to fund development programs, administer funds, an receive estate bequests, donations, and gifts. Their greater mission is to help meet the healthcare needs of the Silver Valley by providing equipment, services, and education.
Silver Valley Cancer Resource Center is a group of volunteers that provides the general public with cancer-related information. They help to guide patients, families, and caregivers to appropriate local, state, and federal resources and services. They also provide appointment gas cards and hats, wigs, and books for cancer patients.
Silver Valley Cat Wranglers helps to improve the welfare of Silver Valley domestic cats through education, spay/neuter assistance, and rescue.
Silver Valley Seniors provides meals, social events, and other resources for the seniors and senior centers of the Silver Valley.
Silver Valley Snack Pak Program is a volunteer group that puts together food for children. Mary Bren at Shoshone Medical Hospital is the point of contact.
Kellogg
Silver Bee Community Garden is a local garden within Kellogg City Park along the green belt. They currently have 50 beds, they use recycled materials, practice organic gardening, water conservation, and welcome anyone that is interested in joining.
Mullan
Friends of the Mullan Library is a group that organizes Book Fairs, events, and fundraisers that directly benefit the library and are used to add to collections.
Osburn
Friends of the Osburn Library raises money, sources grants, and supports the budget for the Osburn Public Library. Through various fundraising events, they help to support the library in purchasing needed library materials.
Wallace
Arts Wallace sponsors events, partners with art and community organizations, helps create public art, and supports educational endeavors to grow the arts culture in Wallace, Idaho.
Friends of the Wallace City Pool is an organization that provides guidance and support to the City of Wallace for the vision, mission, and operation of the historic Wallace swimming pool. They host fundraising events and are always looking for committee members to join their mission.
Project Uplift is is a partner organization for the SVEDC and is dedicated to assisting with the educational and economic development projects for Shoshone County. They partner with many other non-profits to help source, manage, and funnel funding for initiatives. Colleen Rosson is the point of contact for Project Uplift.
HISTORY OF THE SILVER VALLEY
Historic Overview The Coeur d'Alene Mining District defines the Silver Valley. The 24-mile long valley from the Montana State border, along the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River is barely 9-miles wide in places and houses rich, deep silver/lead/zinc mines. The mining industry brought prospectors to find wealth in the mineral reserves. Towns and communities were built around the successful mines, mills and processing centers.
Today, we are proud to boast mining over $157 million ounces of silver annually. Today, we enjoy the convenience of a major highway running through the Silver Valley, transportation is easy and very well maintained. While in the Silver Valley visitors and guests may enjoy a ski resort at each end, three golf courses in-between and over 600-miles of mountain terrain including lakes, motorized trails, fishing, hunting, scenic views, hiking trails mountain bicycling and road bicycling. The weather is seasonal, with approximately 100 inches of snow in the mountains and bare streets in the valley towns. Truly it snows in the mountains and rains in the valley here. The temperatures seldom drop below 15-degrees Fahrenheit, when it does it does not stay there long. In the summer the hot weather seldom reaches over 90-degrees Fahrenheit. The green tree lined mountains are a product of our 44-inches of precipitation each year.
Putting your health first here is easy, the Silver Valley has the resources and expertise you need to care for yourself and your family. Our access to care despite being a rural community is a huge benefit for residents. Nearly any care, procedure, therapy, or diagnosing can be done locally instead of needing to commute. If you do have to drive to see an expert, nearby Coeur d’Alene is only 30 minutes away and Spokane is under an hour.
Shoshone Medical Center (SMC)
Shoshone Medical Center provides a variety of health services to the Silver Valley. They have an acute care hospital in Kellogg with 25 beds. This location provides provide critical healthcare and covers a spectrum of care by offerings many inpatient and outpatient services. SMC also operates a Health and Wellness Center that has gym memberships, health coaches, wellness services, and a free community outdoor fitness park in Smelterville. SMC also has a Family Medicine facility in Smelterville to provide primary care for the region. Overall SMC’s goal is to deliver excellence in health care through the Silver Valley.
Heritage Health
Heritage Health in Kellogg provides integrated medical and behavioral health services regardless of insurance status. They believe health should be accessible and affordable for everyone and offer a sliding fee scale that can offer discounts on services based on household income and family size. The Kellogg location offers primary care and counseling.
Regional Medical Center Kootenai Medical Center
Kootenai Health in nearby Coeur d’Alene provides comprehensive medical services and can supply the more specialized care that you might not be able to find in the Silver Valley. They provide heart, cancer, birth, orthopedic, and surgical services and its main campus also has a 330-bed hospital.
Fitness Centers
Staying physically healthy has never been easier. If the endless outdoor recreation isn’t enough activity, or if you prefer the community of fitness centers, there are a few places in the Silver Valley that will help you reach your fitness goals.
SMC Health & Wellness Center in Smelterville has a wide array of machines, classes, and equipment. There’s something for everyone.
Silver Valley Fitness in Uptown Kellogg offers group and individual classes, training programs, and weight and cardio training in their large facility.
Prospect Fitness in Kellogg hosts a variety of classes including ski and bike condition, barre, zumba, and additional coaching.
Vers Fitness in Osburn offers group training, HIIT, and spin classes for all skill levels.
Zumba with Veronica and Sera host Zumba classes throughout the entire Silver Valley.
Additional Wellness
There are many ways and places in the Silver Valley for you to utilize in your pursuit of good health.Learn more about our local wellness, chiropractic care, and healing arts offerings.
Bowman Chiropractic in Kellogg offers Chiropractic Care for adults and children. They also address sport, work-related, and car accident injuries. They educate customers on overallwellness lifestyle to improve how you eat, move, and think.
Chiropractic Health in Kellogg is an additional Chiropractic Care solution.
Cornerstone Yoga & Wellness is a community-oriented place and space in Wallace, ID, bringing Yoga and Pilates-inspired exercise classes to the Silver Valley.
Reiki Healing Arts Retreat House in Cataldo offers Reiki treatments, First Degree Classes, Second Degree Classes, and Cancer Support.
Simplicity Day Spa in Pinehurst offers a range of services including specialty massages, microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, manicures, pedicures, facials, and waxing.
Silver Valley Idaho is the Northwest’s playground. Our minimally urban lifestyle means that we have access to endless outdoor recreation among pure nature. With thousands of acres of National Forest Service Land in our backyard, endless miles of trails, mountains, streams, lakes, and more, there’s a way to enjoy the outdoors every day of the year.
FISHING
With over 2,000 miles of rivers, streams, and lakes, the Silver Valley is a fisherman’s dream. Cast into world-class fly fishing whenever you throw a line. Diverse habitats through our area support a variety of thriving fish populations. Learn more about Silver Valley, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, and North Idaho fishing.
BIKING
Welcome to Bike City USA. Cyclists love the Silver Valley because of our range of trails. Get in the dirt at Silver Mountain’s Bike Park. Enjoy the beauty on the winding Route of the Hiawatha through 9 tunnels and over 7 sky-high trestle bridges. The spectacular 73-mile long paved Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes runs through the Silver Valley and is perfect for a family walk, bike ride, or jog.
HIKING
Whether you long to wander through conifer forests or you want to ascend to a scenic high-alpine lake, meadow, or peak, we have the trail for you. There are options for day trips, backpackers, visitors with disabilities, beginners, and experts alike.
Local Favorite Trails:
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
This beloved trail extends 73 miles between Mullan and Plummer and runs through the Silver Valley. It is one of the most spectacular trails in the northwest as ranked by Rails to Trails. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is also a cornerstone of the Silver Valley recreation atmosphere and lifestyle. On any given day you will find many locals enjoying the greenbelt. In the summer you’ll see bikers, joggers, runners, fishermen, skaters, and even wheelchairs, and in the winter it’s perfect for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Year-round you can enjoy the natural beauty along the trail and spot wildlife. There are 20 trailheads that provide entry points, and there are scenic waysides along the route that are perfect rest spots. Here is a downloadable PDF map as you will probably lose cell phone service while out enjoying nature along this gorgeous trail.
Bitterroot Trails
The Bitterroot National Forest extends between Idaho and Montana. This pristine and rugged terrain is accessible through various access points. This gorgeous forest has 1.6 million acres for you to explore, and half of the forest makes up the largest continuous pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states.
Little Guard Lookout
One of the last remaining fire lookouts, this lookout tower is now available to the public for recreation. Its relatively high elevation provides gorgeous vistas, and it’s perfect for day hiking the Shoshone Ridge Trail #81. Check the Forest Service’s website for rental availability, fees, and details.
Idaho Panhandle National Forest Trails
The Panhandle National Forest is divided into 5 different areas:
Coeur d’Alene River Area
Lower Kootenai River Area
Pend Oreille Lake Area
Priest Lake Area
St. Joe River Area
The Coeur d’Alene River Area is what surrounds the Silver Valley, but there are even more options if you venture into other areas of the forest. Within the forest trails, you’ll find alpine lakes, historic sites, rushing rivers, ancient cedar groves, wildlife, and more. Many of the trails are easily accessible, depending on weather and seasonality.
Settler’s Grove of Ancient Cedars Interpretive Trail
Wander through towering cedars in this Idaho trail that borders Montana. The oldest trees in this grove date back to the early 1500s. The trail meanders under the massive trees while crossing a peaceful creek several times. Perfect for a day hike or an afternoon stroll. The trailhead has restrooms, ample parking, and is about an hour from Kingston, Idaho.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
A short 5 minutes from Wallace, this trail follows part of the escape route that a crew of firemen used to survive the 1910 fires. The area is now lush and green while signs along the trail tell the story of “Big Ed” Pulaski and his crew. This is an ideal half-day hike.
Thompson Pass
Noted as one of the most beautiful drives in the region, the Thompson Pass sits at 6,814 feet on the Idaho/Montana border. From this Pass, there are plenty of trailheads to explore. Revett Lake Trail #9 is a trail that is perfect for any level of hiking skill, and it features a lake and a waterfall. Keep in mind that the road to Thompson Pass is not maintained through the winter.
Old Milwaukee Road: Rails to Trails
This scenic road travels through the St. Joe River Valley, connecting the Route of the Hiawatha to the towns of Avery, Marble Creek, and Calder. This low-grade trail is perfect for biking or hiking and beautifully travels through a National Forest.
Stevens Lake Trail
Rated as a more difficult trail, the hike up to Steven’s Lake is gorgeous. It goes through a variety of terrain including meadows, forest groves, across loose rock, and over streams neighboring waterfalls. The views and lake at the end are worth the hike if you’re up for a bit of a challenge.
GOLFING
There are 3 fantastic golf courses evenly dispersed through the Silver Valley. No matter your skill level, every golfer will find fun as our courses range from beginner to advanced. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and unique designs. If you’re looking for greens that are both underrated and under-radared, then swing into the Silver Valley for some of your own swings.
Shoshone Golf Club
Located east of Kellogg, this 9-hole golf course welcomes golfers of any age and skill level.
Galena Ridge Golf Course
Located west of Kellogg, this 9-hole golf course is a part of Silver Mountain Resort and has gorgeous views through its unique design.
Pinehurst Golf Course
This 9-hole golf course is in Pinehurst, Idaho and is nestled in the mountains.
WINTER SPORTS
Ski/Snowboard
We’re lucky to have 2 ski areas within 25 miles. Lookout Ski Pass and Silver Mountain Resort are both referred to as "the best-kept secret” around. There's rarely a line at their lifts, which means you spend more time making laps. Whether it’s day 1 or day 1,000 there’s terrain to test your limits. Most of our winter days are filled with powder, and our bluebird panoramic views are breathtaking.
Snowmobile & Backcountry
The I-90 Snowmobile Route connects you to over 1,000 miles of trails featuring world-class high alpine snowmobiling terrain. Both Wallace and Kellogg are full-service towns from this route, and Wallace’s "open streets" ordinance welcomes riders to the streets. Imagine waking up, walking outside, hopping on your snowmobile, and going. That daydream is possible here.
Cross-Country Skiing
Nordic Skiing has never been more accessible than what you'll find in the Silver Valley. Our beloved Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes provides 73 miles of 10' wide path ideal for cross-country skiing. The 4th of July Nordic Ski Area has 12 miles of groomed trails open to the public. For current availability on Nordic skiing at our ski areas, please contact Silver Mountain or Lookout Pass directly.
Snowshoe
All the areas open to Cross-Country Skiing are also open to peaceful Snowshoe adventures, which means the Silver Valley is overflowing with fantastic winter trail options to explore. A popular foot-traffic-only destination is the Pulaski Tunnel Trail. You'll find some additional paths at both Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass depending on snow coverage and time of the year.
Snow Tubing
Thanks to Silver Mountain's Snow Tubing Hill there's always snow, hills, and tubes anytime you want a sledding thrill. The best part is there's a magic carpet so you don't have to hike up through the snow in between laps. Does it get more ideal than this?
Idaho Panhandle National Forest
The Silver Valley is encompassed by the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, and we have these 2.5 million acres to thank for our culture of outdoor adventure and recreation. Home to 400 species of wildlife, 73 fish species, Idaho’s 3 largest lakes, and 11,000 miles of roads, there’s an endless amount of beauty to discover. The forests are divided into 5 different areas:
Coeur d’Alene River Area
Lower Kootenai River Area
Pend Oreille Lake Area
Priest Lake Area
St. Joe River Area
The Coeur d’Alene River Area is what surrounds the Silver Valley, but there are even more options if you venture into other areas of the forest. Within the forest you’ll find alpine lakes, historic sites, rushing rivers, ancient cedar groves, wildlife, and more. Much of the forest is easily accessible, depending on weather and seasonality.
HISTORY
Mining
The Silver Valley found its roots in mining and logging when miners came looking for gold in the late 1870s. Our relatively small Valley became the largest silver-producing region globally, and today still ranks as one of the top 10 mining areas in history. There are still active mines in the area, and some of the inactive areas have been converted into museums and give tours. Local favorites include the Sierra Silver Mine Tour in Wallace and the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg.
Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park
The Sacred Heart Mission building is the oldest building in Idaho, constructed in the early 1850s. This heritage-based state park contains the Cataldo Mission, the parish house, and the gorgeous surrounding land near the Couer d’Alene River.
PARKS
There many parks through the Silver Valley, and they vary in size, installations, and location. Some of our public areas feature untouched nature that is pristine and pure, while some of our other parks have been built for specific activities. Whatever type of park-related recreation you’re looking for, we have a public space that can fit your needs.
Silver Valley Parks
Public Areas:
Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s State Park
Coeur d’Alene River National Forest
Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Cataldo:
Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park
Kellogg:
Kellogg City Park & Swimming Pool
Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark
Skateboard Park - 47°31'54.55"N, 116° 7'20.08"W
Riverside City Park - 47°32'43.04"N, 116° 7'38.99"W
Teeters Field
Mullan:
Shoshone Park
Mullan City Park - 47°28'14.65"N, 115°48'3.08"W
Mullan Swimming Pool
Osburn:
Osburn Lions City Park
Gene Day Park
Pinehurst:
West Shoshone Park
Heritage Park - 47°32'37.91"N, 116°13'44.99"W
Hunter Memorial - 47°31'58.86"N, 116°14'16.13"W
Merick Memorial - 47°32'22.51"N, 116°13'55.42"W
Silverton:
Smelterville:
SMC Health & Wellness Park
Smelterville City Park
Wallace:
Wallace Skatepark
Second & Pine Park - 47°28'23.94"N, 115°55'48.85"W
Mullan Park - 47°28'26.66"N, 115°55'31.08"W
Samuels Park - 47°28'19.78"N, 115°55'22.05"W
Veterans Park - 47°28'33.92"N, 115°55'48.61"W
Wardner:
Mayors Park
Councilmans Park
School Districts
Kellogg School District #391 is a public school district that includes Kellogg High School, Kellogg Middle Schoo, Pinehurst Elementary, and Canyon Elementary. There are just over 1,000 students and there is a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Wallace School District #393 is a public school district that includes Silver Hills Elementary in Osburn, and Wallace Jr./Sr. High School. It has around 500 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
Mullan School District #392 is a public school district that includes Mullan Elementary and Mullan Jr./Sr. High School. There are around 100 students and there’s a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1.
Silver Valley Christian Academy is a private school in Kellogg, Idaho that offers a Christian-based curriculum from 4th-12th grade. There are just over 30 students and the school has a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1.
Shoshone Head Start program provides care services for children ages 3 to 5. This program promotes school readiness and prioritizes low-income family support.
North Idaho College
North Idaho College has a Silver Valley Outreach Center in Uptown Kellogg that offers classes, dual credit, adult basic education, GED testing, workforce training, and non-credit classes.
LIBRARIES
Kellogg Public Library offers a collection of books, public computers, free wi-fi, newspapers, magazines, preschool reading program, family game nights, and more.
Osburn Public Library offers a collection of books, videos, audiobooks, computers, newspapers, magazines, Idaho History Collection, tax forms, children’s programs and more.
Pinehurst Public Library offers a collection of books, a digital library, and more.
Wallace Public Library offers a collection of books, microfilm, photographs, local history, copiers, printers, internet, newspapers, a meeting room, summer reading, and storytimes.
Mullan Public Library offers a collection of books, videos, audiobooks, computers, local history, reading rooms and more.