Greer, Idaho — Prairie Is Straight Up

Greer sits beside the Clearwater River at the bottom of country that changes dramatically with elevation.

U.S. 12 follows the canyon because there are few sensible alternatives. Above it, slopes climb toward the Camas Prairie, where broad agricultural fields occupy ground that can feel like a different region. Winter snow on the plateau may become rain near the river, vegetation changes and roads stop pretending straight lines are available.

Nimiipuu people used the Clearwater corridor long before miners, timber operations, railroads and highways followed the same natural route.

From the highway, Greer can look incidental. Look uphill and the geography explains nearly everything.