Small Town Delight in Salmon, Idaho
Location: Salmon, ID
Accommodations: 3 Guests
1 Bedroom / 2 Beds / 1 Bath
No Pets
What a fabulous delight is was to find this gorgeous house and over-the-garage unit that was perfect for the two of us!
Salmon, Idaho: The Town So Nice, We Visited Twice (in Four Months)
They say you haven’t truly lived until you’ve experienced a “genuine winter adventure” in the heart of Idaho. We loved our February 2021 trip to Salmon so much that we were back by May. Tucked between the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Bitterroot Mountains, this town is the definition of “eye candy.”
The Weather: A Mood Swing You Can See
February was a snowy, chilly masterpiece that left us awestruck (and reaching for our heavy coats). By May, spring was trying its best, but we quickly learned the local rule: the weather in Salmon has a bit of a personality disorder. It can go from “sunny picnic” to “sideways snowstorm” faster than you can say Bitterroot.
Through it all, the views from our Hilltop Resort stayed consistent: spectacular!
The Host: The Saint of Salmon
Let’s talk about Susan. In the world of vacation rentals, Susan is truly a gem. She is quite possibly one of the most generous and compassionate people I’ve ever met.
- The Treats: She provided homemade breakfast treats that were so good we accidentally polished them off—and then she restocked them.
- The Mansion: Her home is a stunning mansion sitting on six acres. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to live here full time enjoying the inside and outside!
The Garage Suite (That’s Definitely Not a Garage)
The apartment sits upstairs over the garage, and it’s a total sanctuary. This was a “pre-pup” trip for us, so it was just the two humans enjoying the peace and quiet.
- The Bedroom: A King-sized bed with bedding so comfortable it felt like sleeping in a cloud. There’s also a roll-away bed, just in case you’re traveling with someone who kicks in their sleep.
- The Bathroom: This was a game-changer. It has a built-in heater (bless you, Susan!) and a soaking tub. After a day of exploring the mountain air, that tub is a literal life-saver.
- The Kitchen: A full-sized kitchen with a Keurig and a fridge big enough for a serious grocery haul. And if I was missing a specific pan? Susan was on it like a culinary superhero.
The "Wildlife Happy Hour"
One of the best perks of Susan’s six-acre spread was the evening entertainment. Right around sunset, the locals would show up—and by locals, I mean elk, deer, and the occasional fox. It’s like National Geographic happened right outside our window, minus the boring narrator.
The Logistics and Luxury of Laundry
Susan even let us use her personal laundry area on the first floor. As any traveler knows, a mid-trip washer and dryer is worth its weight in gold. I made sure to leave it spotless, mostly because I didn’t want to disappoint the woman who makes me homemade muffins.
I Really Loved…
Whether it’s the quaint charm of the town of Salmon or the incredible attention to detail Susan puts into her guest experience, this hilltop retreat is a 10/10. If you’re looking to recharge your batteries surrounded by national forests and five-star hospitality, this is your spot. We’ve been here twice but will surely be back.
Susan does have a small second unit available for rent within the home. She will allow a small pet, last time I checked. We haven’t stayed in that room but it’s very well appointed just like the upstairs unit.
