Avery, Idaho

Geography

Climate

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Avery has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Demographics

Avery has a population of 25 permanent residents. The temporary population is higher in the summer though due to seasonal workers for the United States Forest Service and the many summer homes in Avery and along the St. Joe River.

History

The town was from the years 1909 to 1980 a division point on the Milwaukee Road railroad's "Pacific Extension". It was also once the western terminus for the easternmost of two electrified mountain sections on the route. The other ran from Othello, Washington, through the Cascade Mountains to the Puget Sound. Electric operations ran from 1914–74 on this section to Harlowton, Montana. Trains stopped at the Avery Depot, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, steam or diesel locomotives were changed or hooked up to electric locomotives.

During the Great Fire of 1910, a 28-man firefighting team died near Setzer Creek outside of Avery. The U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Regiment (known as the Buffalo Soldiers) helped build a back fire that saved Avery.

Recreation

Common activities include nature photography, camping, hunting, ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and rafting.

Attractions

The main attraction in Avery is the Fish Pond. All year long, tourists can purchase a handful of fish food for twenty-five cents and watch as the massive rainbow trout leap out of the water to get a bite to eat.