Salmon in Lemhi County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Idaho Hermits
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
1. Idaho Hermits Marker
Living for more than 60 years in hand-built "dugouts" across the Salmon River from this site, Richard "Dugout Dick" Zimmerman (1916-2010) came to symbolize the Idaho hermit.
With colorful names like Buckskin Bill and Hank the Hermit, these men (and a few women) eked out lonely existences, many along the Salmon River. Dugout Dick built multiple dugout caves during his time on the Salmon and eventually died here at age 94. By the 1980s, Dick's dugouts had become a local landmark, easily visible across the Salmon River. After Dicks death, the BLM reclaimed the dugouts, citing safety concerns. A cabin built by Dick remains on the site, which includes interpretive signs. The site can be accessed by crossing the one-lane bridge a short drive north of here by following the directional signage.
Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 507.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 44° 54.264′ N, 113° 57.51′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Idaho Sawtooth Range. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Also see . . .
1. Dugout Dick Memorial. Atlas Obsura website entry:
In 1948, after more than a decade on the road and riding the rails, Richard Zimmerman got an idea. Working along the banks of Idahos Salmon River, fishing and doing some small-scale mining, he figured it was time to settle down. (Submitted on November 6, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Most People Dont Know The Story Behind This Incredible Village Of Caves In Idaho. Only In Your State website entry (Submitted on July 11, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
2. Idaho Hermits Marker
Photographed by Find a Grave
3. "Dugout Dick's" Caves Before They Were Torn Down by the BLM
Photographed by Find a Grave
4. "Dugout Dick"
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 5,601 times since then and 197 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 6, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
