The Upper Lemhi River Valley runs 40 miles between Tendoy, Idaho and Gilmore Pass on U.S. Hwy 28 (Sacajawea Scenic Byway). It's a picturesque wide open mountain valley that lies between the Bitterroot Mountain Range (The Continental Divide) and the Lemhi Mountain Range. This stunning Rocky Mountain valley is populated principally by large ranches and  3 very small communities, the largest of which is Leadore. Leadore was established in 1911 as a mining and railroad town. It was the first stopping point of the G&P after it entered Idaho. It had a population of 1900 people and was known as the gateway to Salmon River Country. Even though the population has dwindled, it is still the heart of the Upper Lemhi Valley.

The Lemhi Store & Wine Tasting Room est. 1880 is owned and operated by Whit and June McKinney. This historic stop offers an eclectic combination of old west friendliness and artistic atmosphere. It is always "wine o’clock" at the Lemhi Tasting Room featuring Idaho wines.

Tendoy, Idaho located at the bottom of Lemhi Pass is a national historic landmark on the Lewis and Clark Trail. It is the birthplace of Sacajewea, the Shoshone Indian woman without whom Lewis and Clark may never have accomplished the difficult task of getting to the Pacific Ocean and back.

A strong ranching tradition still plays a major role in the Upper Lemhi Valley economy. Over 15,000 mother cows graze the valley and mountain meadows. The ranching families have worked to protect the open range and the remote nature of the area.

The recently resurrected  historic ghost town of Gilmore was a booming mining town from the 1870’s until the mines closed in 1929. Gilmore is easily accessed from Highway 28, Sacajawea Byway. Many of its buildings are still intact and will satisfy the curiosity of anyone who would like to visit a real "ghost town".

Just a little further down the road are the Charcoal Kilns, which also supported the mining communities.