Many of Idaho’s landscapes go through a massive transformation come springtime, but none more than the Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Camas County. Boasting 3,100-acres, the WMA sits at the base of the Bennett Hills, and it’s a magical sight to witness from May through mid-June. During this time of year, the entire prairie becomes engulfed in blossoming, bright blue and purple camas lilies. The camas lily bloom is a widely anticipated sight for many Idahoans, and you simply haven’t lived until you’ve seen it for yourself.
Spring has started to make an appearance across the Gem State and it has us extremely excited for the beautiful sights that are to come. One sight we're definitely looking forward to is the massive camas lily bloom which takes place at Centennial Marsh every year.
Camas County received its name for the iconic flowers known as camas lilies that the area is so famous for. Also simply known as camas, these plants represent an important piece of Idaho history as they were used as sustenance for Idaho's indigenous peoples over thousands of years.
Camas lilies can be spotted all over the county, but there's no better place to find them than the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh WMA. Located near the town of Fairfield, the prairie experiences an incredible transformation as the camas lilies bloom every spring.
The famed camas lily bloom starts around late May and continues through mid-June, so take care to time your visit right. Additionally, the swampy marsh attracts myriad birds and their offspring, including ducks, mallards, northern pintails, American wigeons, gadwalls, and so much more.
As you can imagine, this makes for a magical sight! The combination of waterfowl and a landscape that is filled from end to end with bright purple camas lilies is the stuff of dreams, so be sure to bring your camera.
Camas lilies can be found all over the Northwest, but we feel a special connection to this plant in Idaho. Both the Shoshone-Bannock and Paiute people relied on camas for food. They would roast the bulbs and dry them to be stored for later use.
The town of Fairfield even throws an annual celebration of this beautiful plant called Camas Lily Days. It takes place every year during the first weekend of June, and it boasts family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a camas lily ceremony led by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.
Access to the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh is free of charge and can be gained by seeking out one of two entrances. Instructions on how to find the area are provided on the Idaho Fish and Game website here
