Fraser, Idaho — Patch of Prairie Above the Clearwater Canyons

Fraser occupies upland ground in Clearwater County, away from the steep river corridors that cut through much of the region.

Fields and pasture use the open country for grain, hay and livestock, while forest closes in again along slopes and draws. The change can happen quickly enough to make the county feel like two different places stitched together.

Farms and rural households formed the community, with roads connecting residents to Weippe, Pierce and Orofino.

Mechanization eventually reduced the number of people required on the land, but the agricultural district remained.

Fraser is a useful antidote to the idea that Clearwater County is nothing but mountains and trees. There is prairie up here too, quietly doing farm work above the canyons.