This is a fascinating list of ten secluded neighborhoods and tiny remote communities in Idaho. Seclusion can take on many meanings depending on the landscape, lifestyle, and level of remoteness one seeks. In Idaho, a state defined by its vast forests, towering mountains, and expansive lakes, secluded can range from exclusive gated communities to completely off-grid wilderness retreats. Some locations on this list, like Gozzer Ranch, offer high-end seclusion with private golf courses and luxury homes hidden away from public access, while others, such as Elk River or Featherville, provide a more rustic isolation where the nearest commercial hub is miles away, and nature is the primary neighbor. These areas all share a common thread—limited development, natural barriers, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that makes them desirable for those seeking refuge from busier urban life.
The variety of secluded neighborhoods and communities in Idaho also reflects the diversity of landscapes in the state. From lakefront retreats at Henry’s Lake and Priest Lake to dense forest hideaways in Macks Inn and Warm River, these places offer a range of environments where privacy and outdoor recreation go hand in hand. Some locations, like Stanley Basin, provide extreme solitude, shaped by their rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, while others, like Syringa Heights, offer more accessibility while still maintaining a private, low-traffic atmosphere. Whether it’s a luxury enclave, a small town in the mountains, or a cabin deep in the backcountry, Idaho has countless ways to define and experience seclusion. Here’s the list.
1. Crouch – Garden Valley
Nestled in the Boise National Forest, Crouch in Garden Valley offers remote mountain living with large wooded lots, winding dirt roads, and limited commercial development. With the Payette River nearby and endless trails, it’s a paradise for those seeking solitude and outdoor adventure. The distance from major cities and rugged terrain keep it quiet and untouched.
As of the 2020 Census, Crouch has a population of 169 residents, making it one of the smallest incorporated towns in Idaho, while the Garden Valley area, which includes Crouch and nearby communities, has a combined population of around 2,000 people. The town’s economy is primarily driven by tourism and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors year-round for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting, and hot springs, with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing bringing in seasonal visitors during the winter. Hospitality and lodging play a significant role, with cabins, lodges, vacation rentals, and small inns catering to tourists. The local economy also includes small businesses, restaurants, and artisans, with many residents supporting themselves through self-employment, remote work, or seasonal tourism-based jobs. Despite its small size, Crouch maintains a tight-knit community and serves as a gateway to Idaho’s vast wilderness, making it an appealing destination for both visitors and those seeking a secluded lifestyle.
Where is it?
Crouch, Idaho, is a small mountain town in Boise County, located about 50 miles north of Boise in the scenic Garden Valley, surrounded by the Boise National Forest and nestled along the Middle Fork of the Payette River. It is accessible via Highway 55, turning east at Banks onto Banks-Lowman Road (Highway 17), and then following S. Middle Fork Road into town. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Boise and offers stunning views of rivers, forests, and mountains. Known for its seclusion and outdoor recreation, Crouch attracts visitors for hiking, fishing, rafting, hunting, and access to nearby hot springs. The town’s remote setting and lack of major highways keep it peaceful and undeveloped, making it a sought-after destination for those looking to escape city life and immerse themselves in Idaho’s wilderness.
2. Gozzer Ranch – Harrison
Gozzer Ranch, located near Harrison, Idaho, on the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, is secluded due to its private, gated access, remote location, and vast surrounding natural landscapes. It’s not hard to get to… it’s more the surrounding area. It is situated away from major highways and urban areas, requiring a controlled entry to access the property, which enhances its exclusivity. The rugged terrain, dense forests, and lakefront positioning create a natural barrier, ensuring privacy for residents. Additionally, its distance from downtown Coeur d’Alene (about 30 minutes by road or boat) and limited public access make it a highly exclusive retreat for affluent homeowners seeking luxury and seclusion. With private golf courses, upscale residences, and a strict membership policy, Gozzer Ranch offers a tranquil, undisturbed environment, making it one of the most secluded luxury communities in Idaho.
Where is it?
To get to Gozzer Ranch from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, drive east on I-90 and take Exit 22 for Highway 97 South toward Harrison. Follow Highway 97 for about 25 minutes, then turn onto Gozzer Ranch Road, where access is restricted to members and guests. Alternatively, you can reach Gozzer Ranch by boat from Coeur d’Alene, docking at the private marina for a more scenic arrival.
3. Syringa Heights – Sandpoint
Syringa Heights in Sandpoint, Idaho, is secluded due to its elevated location, low population density, and natural surroundings. Nestled in the foothills above Lake Pend Oreille, this neighborhood is set apart from the main town of Sandpoint, offering sweeping views, winding roads, and large private lots that create a sense of seclusion. Dense forests and steep terrain further limit development, keeping homes spaced far apart and ensuring privacy for residents. Despite being just a short drive from Sandpoint’s amenities, Syringa Heights remains quiet and undisturbed, with limited through traffic and a strong connection to nature. The combination of lake views, mountain scenery, and a hidden hillside setting makes it one of the most exclusive and peaceful neighborhoods in North Idaho.
Where is it?
Syringa Heights is located just southwest of downtown Sandpoint, Idaho, overlooking Lake Pend Oreille in Bonner County. It sits along Syringa Heights Road, accessible from Boyer Avenue or Bottleneck Drive, and is nestled in the foothills, offering an elevated and secluded setting. Despite its privacy, it is only about 10 minutes from downtown Sandpoint, providing both seclusion and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.
4. Elk River – Clearwater County
Elk River in Clearwater County is secluded due to its remote location, limited road access, and surrounding dense forests. Nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains, this tiny town is over 50 miles from the nearest major highway and is only accessible via winding mountain roads, making it far removed from urban areas. With a population of fewer than 200 residents, Elk River is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest, limiting development and ensuring privacy. The town has no major commercial centers, and winter snowfall can make access even more challenging, reinforcing its off-the-grid feel.
Where is it?
This neighborhood is located about 50 miles east of Moscow and 30 miles northeast of Orofino. It sits deep in the Bitterroot Mountains, surrounded by the Clearwater National Forest, making it an isolated and scenic destination. The town is accessible via Highway 8 from Bovill, with no major highways nearby, reinforcing its secluded and off-the-grid feel.
5. Warm River – Fremont County
Warm River in Fremont County is secluded due to its remote location, small population, and proximity to vast wilderness areas. It is a tiny, unincorporated community near Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by Caribou-Targhee National Forest, with few residents and minimal development. The area is accessible primarily by Highway 47 (Mesa Falls Scenic Byway), but with no major towns nearby and vast stretches of forest in every direction, it remains quiet and isolated.
Warm River is best known for its pristine trout fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to outdoor recreation, including the Warm River Campground and the historic Warm River Spring. The nearby Mesa Falls is a popular attraction, but otherwise, this area remains largely undeveloped, making it a haven for those seeking solitude, nature, and off-the-grid living.
Where is it?
Warm River is located in Fremont County, Idaho, about 10 miles southeast of Ashton and 30 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. It sits along Highway 47 (Mesa Falls Scenic Byway), which branches off from U.S. Highway 20 near Ashton and winds through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The area is best accessed by driving east from Ashton on Highway 47, passing through scenic forests and alongside the Warm River itself, eventually reaching the campground and surrounding wilderness.
6. Henry’s Lake – Island Park
Henry’s Lake in Island Park is secluded due to its remote location, rugged terrain, and limited development. Nestled in the high-altitude wilderness near the Montana border, it is surrounded by Henry’s Lake State Park, vast ranchlands, and protected conservation areas, ensuring minimal human impact. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet, and while it is accessible via Highway 87 and U.S. Highway 20, the area remains far from major towns, with only a handful of cabins, lodges, and off-grid homes scattered along the shoreline.
Henry’s Lake is known for its world-class trout fishing, stunning mountain views, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for anglers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude. The lake’s cold, clear waters and surrounding wetlands attract abundant wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and migrating waterfowl, reinforcing its untouched and secluded character.
Where is it?
Henry’s Lake is located in Island Park, Idaho, near the Montana border, about 15 miles west of West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. It sits just off Highway 87, which connects to U.S. Highway 20, making it accessible yet still remote, surrounded by mountains, state parkland, and ranches. The lake is part of the Henry’s Lake State Park area, offering a secluded, high-altitude retreat known for fishing, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
7. Stanley Basin – Sawtooth Mountains
The Stanley Basin in the Sawtooth Mountains is secluded due to its remote location, high elevation, and limited development. Surrounded by the Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the basin is a vast, open valley with only a handful of cabins, ranches, and small lodges scattered across its rugged landscape. The town of Stanley is the only nearby community, with a population of fewer than 200 residents, and the area remains largely untouched due to strict conservation efforts and harsh winters that limit year-round accessibility.
It’s not a traditional neighborhood or community but rather a vast, sparsely populated mountain valley, home to ranches, off-grid cabins, and seasonal retreats. Known for its breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Range, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and world-class outdoor recreation, it attracts hikers, backcountry skiers, and anglers seeking solitude. The basin is one of the coldest places in the U.S., with frequent subzero temperatures, further reinforcing its remote and rugged nature.
Where is it?
The Stanley Basin is located in central Idaho, within the Sawtooth Mountains, just south of the small town of Stanley. It lies in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, surrounded by wilderness, alpine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks, making it one of the most scenic and remote areas in the state. The basin is accessible via Highway 75, which runs through Stanley and connects to Sun Valley in the south and Challis in the north, though winter conditions can make travel challenging.
8. Macks Inn – Island Park
Macks Inn in Island Park, Idaho, is secluded due to its dense forests, high elevation, and limited year-round development. Located along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, this area is surrounded by national forests, meadows, and mountains, making it feel remote despite its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. While accessible via U.S. Highway 20, it is far from major cities, with few full-time residents and mostly seasonal cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals. Harsh winters and heavy snowfall further contribute to its isolation, as some roads become difficult to navigate.
It’s more of a small resort community than a traditional neighborhood, known for its rustic lodges, riverfront cabins, and recreational access. It has long been a favorite spot for boating, fishing, and floating along the slow-moving Henry’s Fork, with many visitors renting cabins or staying at the historic Macks Inn Resort. The area remains quiet and undeveloped, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude while still being within reach of Yellowstone and the greater Island Park region.
Where is it?
This small resort community is located in Island Park, Idaho, along U.S. Highway 20, about 20 miles west of West Yellowstone and the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It sits along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, surrounded by dense forests, meadows, and mountains, making it a peaceful and secluded retreat. Positioned within the greater Island Park area, Macks Inn is easily accessible from Idaho Falls (about 90 miles south) and serves as a popular stop for travelers heading to Yellowstone.
9. Featherville – Elmore County
Featherville in Elmore County, Idaho, is secluded due to its remote mountain location, limited road access, and small population. It sits deep in the Boise National Forest, far from major highways and urban centers, with only one primary road, Pine-Featherville Road (Forest Highway 61), connecting it to the outside world. The surrounding rugged terrain, dense forests, and the nearby South Fork of the Boise River create a natural barrier, keeping it isolated. Winters can be especially harsh, with heavy snowfall making access even more challenging, further reinforcing its quiet, off-grid nature.
Featherville is a tiny unincorporated community rather than a formal neighborhood, known for its small collection of cabins, off-grid homes, and seasonal retreats. It has a few local businesses, including a general store, a small lodge, and a café, catering to residents and visitors. The area is a gateway to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling, attracting adventure seekers and those looking to escape city life.
Where is it?
Featherville is located in Elmore County, Idaho, deep in the Boise National Forest, about 50 miles northeast of Mountain Home. It is accessible via Pine-Featherville Road (Forest Highway 61), which runs through the small town of Pine and follows the South Fork of the Boise River into the mountains. The nearest major highway is U.S. Route 20, making Featherville a remote and secluded destination surrounded by rugged wilderness.
10. Priest Lake – Northern Idaho
Priest Lake in Northern Idaho is secluded due to its remote location, dense forests, and limited access, making it one of the most untouched and pristine lake areas in the state. Nestled near the Canadian border, the lake is surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains and vast stretches of state and federal land, creating a natural barrier that prevents overdevelopment. While Highway 57 provides access to the area, it is a long, winding road that leads deep into the wilderness, with no major cities nearby. Some parts of Priest Lake, especially the Upper Priest Lake area, are boat-access or hike-in only, reinforcing the feeling of complete isolation.
Priest Lake is not a single neighborhood but rather a collection of small lakefront communities, remote cabins, and seasonal retreats. There are a few small towns and resorts along the lower portion of the lake, such as Coolin and Nordman, but much of the surrounding land is undeveloped wilderness. The lake is known for crystal-clear waters, world-class fishing, boating, and extensive hiking and snowmobiling trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike other developed lakes in Idaho, Priest Lake remains quiet, low-density, and heavily forested, making it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
Where is it?
This remote community is located in Northern Idaho, about 80 miles north of Spokane, Washington, and 30 miles south of the Canadian border. To get there, take U.S. Highway 2 to Highway 57 North at Priest River, then follow Highway 57 for about 30 miles into the heart of the Priest Lake region, passing through the small communities of Coolin and Nordman. For those heading to Upper Priest Lake, access is only available via boat, hiking trails, or snowmobile in the winter, adding to its secluded charm.
