Official Web Site of Kings Meadow, Idaho

KINGS MEADOW WELCOMES YOU.

Tucked away in the mountains north of Boise, Idaho, Kings Meadow (population 2,893) is rich in history. The first white man to enter this valley was a miner named John Leonard. Having failed to find his fortune panning for gold, he chose to raise cattle, knowing that the men and women pouring into the Boise Basin in search of wealth needed to eat and would want his beef. The year was 1864. The Leonards have continued to ranch in this valley for the past 150+ years, raising beef cattle well into the twentieth century. Now the ranch is renowned for its champion quarter horses.

One of the local legends was a man by the name of Zeb McHenry who also came to Idaho Territory in the early days of the Boise Basin Gold Rush. Little is known about him after he left the area in 1865. However, it was McHenry who introduced this lush, green valley and the cattle raised by John Leonard to the miners in the Boise Basin. Hikers and horseback riders can still see the remains of McHenry’s cabin and sluice box.

In 1866, the town of Kings Meadow was founded on the south-west end of the valley. Folklore says the name “Kings” was chosen because of an unfinished chess game between John Leonard and Zeb McHenry.

Residents and visitors love the beauty of nature that surrounds the valley during the summer and winter. Pine-covered mountains rise to about 7,000 feet above sea level on all sides. Hot springs abound. The tranquil Gold Queen River winds its way from east to west; after leaving the valley, it merges with the South Fork of the Payette River, famous for its whitewater. Wildlife is abundant.

In Kings Meadow, horses can still be found tied up outside the local watering holes, and formal attire for weddings may include boots and cowboy hats.

Come and visit us. We’ll make you feel at home.