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Inkom, Idaho, is a community of approximately 800 people in the Pocatello metropolitan area. The name Inkom is derived from the Shoshone word for “red hare,” which is “ingacom.” Rock outcroppings on the east side of town are said to resemble a red hare. The Bannock County community is in the extreme southeastern part of the state.
Although there are no colleges or universities in the community, Idaho State University is just 12 miles away in Pocatello. Those seeking a variety of cultural and entertainment options need only take the short drive up Interstate 15 to the city of Pocatello.
Hunters and trappers preceded early settlers that arrived along with the railroad in the late 19th century. Today’s Inkom was part of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation before the land rush of 1902. In that year, 418,000 acres were made available for settlement by those of European heritage. The first school opened in a one-room log building in 1902. Beginning in 1912, the town center was platted and lots were sold for $100. It was possible to secure a lot with five dollars down and a $1.25 per week payment, without interest. In the late 1920s, entrepreneurs made use of the limestone and silica deposits to start a Portland cement plant.
The surrounding rivers and mountains offer a plethora of recreational activities during every season of the year. Mountain bikers, hikers, skiers, snowboarders, and hunters and anglers all appreciate the natural resources of the area.
In the winter, the Pebble Creek Ski Area provides runs suitable for skiers and snowboarders of every skill level. Professional athletes have been attracted to the area to train. Pebble Creek is situated on the northwest side of Mount Bonneville in the Caribou National Forest, just four miles east of Inkom.
Mount Bonneville is the highest peak in the Portneuf Range. Beginners enjoy the area at the base of the hill, and steep chutes high above offer thrill-seeking experts the challenges they are looking for. The Pebble Creek summit is at 8,560 feet, and the vertical drop is 2200 feet. There are 54 runs on 1100 skiable acres, along with three terrain parks. Approximately half of the runs are rated as advanced and another third as intermediate. Pebble Creek features a USAA giant slalom run measuring 1098 meters long and a USAA slalom run that’s 565 meters long.
Golfers will find two private clubs, Riverside Golf Course and Juniper Hills Country Club, just a few miles to the northwest on Interstate 15. Pocatello itself offers two municipal courses – Riverside Golf Course and Highland Golf Course. Highland is a par-72 course playing 6,512 yards from the back tees. It has a slope of 117 and a course rating of 69.8. Riverside is a par-72, 18 hole layout measuring 6,357 yards from the longest tease. The course rating is 69.7 and the slope is 114. Both courses feature mature trees framing gently contoured fairways. Players enjoy the magnificent mountain backdrop as they complete their rounds.
In late June, the Pebble Creek Ski Area hosts the Idaho Music and Wildflower Festival. Residents and visitors alike flock to the slopes with their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the Wildflower Concert amidst spectacular scenery. Grab a spot along the hillside to enjoy a great view of the stage and of the sunset. Before the concert, participate in one of the guided wildflower hikes through the area.
In August, music lovers head to the Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival in Lava Hot Springs. The three-day festival features numerous regional bands. In March, telemark skiing is celebrated at Pebble Creek’s telemark festival. A key part of the festival is a telemark race that’s followed by an awards ceremony.
Inkom residents also enjoy a variety of festivals and special events in Pocatello and at Idaho State University. In September, there’s the Sagebrush Arts Fest at the Idaho State campus. Kids can enjoy the free Children’s Art Yard, featuring hands-on activities and special art projects.
Oldtown Pocatello hosts a variety of special events including “Trick-or-treat the Old Town Streets” at Halloween and the Night of 1000 Santas Festival and Night Lights Parade during Thanksgiving weekend.
The Oldtown Pavilion hosts the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market every Saturday morning, in-season. Select your fresh produce and baked goods while you browse the arts and crafts on display.
Inkom is a scenic and inviting community for those relocating to the Pocatello area for outdoor enthusiasts that want easy access to numerous national forests and other natural wonders in southeastern Idaho. Interstate highways offer easy access to Boise to the west, Salt Lake City to the south and Idaho Falls to the north. Also, the Teton Mountains and Yellowstone National Park are only a few hours to the northeast.
Although Inkom is a smaller community, at any one time there are typically two or three dozen homes for sale. Those relocating to the area will find homes to fit every budget, from updated bungalows and ranches in town to sprawling, estate-style residences on acreage. Some homes may feature more than 3,000 sq-ft of living space and feature selected amenities like fireplaces, hot tubs, home theaters and gourmet kitchens. If you’re looking to build that dream home or a weekend getaway, there are beautiful lots available outside of town that offer panoramic and mountain views.
I’d welcome the opportunity to tell you much more about the lifestyle in and around Inkom, Idaho. The community offers an unbeatable combination of a small town feel and easy access to the city. Please contact Gloria Howell for more information!
Gloria Howell
REALTOR®
Associate Broker, Gate City Real Estate
ABR, CRS, e-PRO, Green, GRI, PMN, SRES
