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The village of Yellow Pine, located in Valley County, Idaho, got its start in the late 1800s during the gold rush in the area. In 1865, gold was discovered in the nearby Warren Creek, and prospectors flooded into the region in search of their fortune.
Yellow Pine was established in 1902 as a mining town and quickly grew into a bustling community of several hundred people. The town was named after the yellow pine trees that grow in the area. At its peak, Yellow Pine had several saloons, a hotel, a school, and a sawmill.
However, like many mining towns of the era, Yellow Pine’s prosperity was short-lived. By the 1930s, the mines had largely played out, and the population dwindled to only a few dozen residents. Today, the village has a population of around 30 people, and the main economic activities are tourism, logging, and recreation.
Despite its small size, Yellow Pine has maintained a unique character that attracts visitors from around the world. The village is located in the heart of the Boise National Forest, surrounded by rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping, as well as attend the annual Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival, which has been held in the village since 2006.
The village has a general store, a post office, a museum, and several rustic cabins and lodges that offer visitors a taste of life in the wild west. Although the village is remote and isolated, it is known for its warm hospitality and community spirit, and many visitors return year after year to experience the unique charm of Yellow Pine.