Pine & Featherville

Grime Fighter retiree P.M.Sam did a mini comeback tour of duty with the Old Man, P.M.Brian.

On our way to Pine and Featherville, Wilbur — our tactical Grime fighting unit— lost a heel. We pulled over at mile marker 98 outside Mountain Home, took in the breeze and the view, and waited for the team at Les Schwab to be our heroes. In just over two hours, they had us heading back to the hills. We just think she wanted to remind us to relax.

We were booked good. Not overworked, but 10 hr days. Averaged nine cabin cleans a day for three days straight, hit the Hayhurst B&B for window cleaning and even dropped into Hill City on our way back to catch up with someone from the extended Poor Man family, and leave them with a much clearer outlook.

We hit Trinity Hot Springs one night to unwind — that water’s clear, real, and makes you feel like the week didn’t win. Stopped by Audrey’s in Featherville for some local beef, good conversation, and cowboy jalapeños. It was tasty indeed.

Stayed at the Hayhurst B&B, and man, that place is worth talking about. Golden sunsets across Anderson Ranch Resvoir. Morning sun and views out of a romcom. An Instagram.worthy range and oven. Good breakfasts, good people, dry sauna, and a hot tub.

And if you’re back and hips are up for a short and worth it drive— a dirt road, cat-track kinda deep tissue massage for your suspension — you can keep going past Featherville. Baumgartner Campground and Hot Spring pool are tucked up that way. Quiet. Forested. Hot spring-fed. No cell service. That smell of pine filling your lungs. If you happen to be an early worker you could get one of the rim side campgrounds and listen to the sounds of the mountains echoing through on the breeze, while you sit by your fire.

We went to fight grime.
And to our surprise
Had a wonderful time

Pine, Idaho – A Town Reborn

Pine’s origins trace back to the 1860s when it was known as Pine Grove, a bustling mining camp during the gold rush era.
The discovery of the Franklin Lode in 1887 sparked a new gold rush, leading to the establishment of several mines, including the Boise, Columbia, and Mountain View.
However, the construction of the Anderson Ranch Dam in 1950 led to the inundation of the original townsite.
The community relocated to higher ground, where it continues to thrive as a recreational hub near the reservoir.

Featherville, Idaho – From Stage Stop to Recreation Spot

Originally known as Junction Bar, Featherville was established in the mid-1860s as a stage stop en route to the mining camp of Rocky Bar.
It evolved into a mining camp itself, with placer deposits being worked along the South Fork of the Boise River.
Today, Featherville serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, offering access to hot springs, hiking trails, and the Anderson Ranch Reservoir.

Anderson Ranch Reservoir – Engineering Marvel

Completed in 1950, the Anderson Ranch Dam was the tallest earthfill dam in the world at the time, standing at 456 feet.
The reservoir created by the dam serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and camping amidst the scenic backdrop of the Boise National Forest.

Rocky Bar, Idaho – Echoes of the Past

Founded in December 1863 following gold discoveries, Rocky Bar quickly grew into a bustling mining town and even served as the county seat of Alturas County.
At its peak, the town boasted a population of over 2,500.
However, a devastating fire in 1892 and the decline of mining activities led to its eventual abandonment.
Today, Rocky Bar stands as a ghost town, offering a glimpse into Idaho’s rich mining history.