Idaho local data guide

Idaho Cities in the Pacific Time Zone

While the vast majority of Idaho observes Mountain Time, the northern region—known as the Panhandle—observes the Pacific Time Zone. This division is primarily defined by the Salmon River, which serves as a natural and legal boundary line. Communities in this northern area operate on Pacific Time to align with the economic and geographic integration of neighboring Washington and Oregon.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-08-28.

The short answer

The Pacific Time Zone in Idaho encompasses the northern Panhandle region. Major cities operating on Pacific Time include Coeur d'Alene, Moscow, Lewiston, and Bonners Ferry. The boundary line between the Pacific and Mountain time zones is officially delineated by the Salmon River, where travelers on U.S. Highway 95 pass over the "Time Zone Bridge" to transition between the two zones.

Key facts

Time Zone Boundary
The boundary is generally delineated by the Salmon River, which separates the Panhandle (Pacific Time) from the rest of the state (Mountain Time).
Major Pacific Time Cities
Key cities observing Pacific Time include Coeur d'Alene, Moscow, Lewiston, and Bonners Ferry.
Time Zone Bridge
A specific physical marker, the 'Time Zone Bridge' near Riggins on U.S. Highway 95, serves as the crossing point between the Pacific and Mountain time zones.

Understanding the Geographic Split

Idaho's time zone division is largely based on proximity to neighboring states rather than state-wide uniformity. The northern counties, bordering Washington, align with the Pacific Time Zone to facilitate commerce and regional travel. The southern and central portions of the state remain in the Mountain Time Zone, consistent with neighboring Montana, Wyoming, and Utah.

Affected Counties and Regions

The Pacific Time Zone covers the Idaho Panhandle, which includes the following counties (in whole or significant part):

• Benewah

• Bonner

• Boundary

• Clearwater

• Kootenai (includes Coeur d'Alene)

• Latah (includes Moscow)

• Lewis

• Nez Perce (includes Lewiston)

• Shoshone

• Portions of Idaho County north of the Salmon River

Travel and Logistics

For those traveling through Idaho, the time zone transition can be abrupt. The most common crossing point for travelers is the Time Zone Bridge near Riggins. It is important for travelers and businesses to verify local time when scheduling meetings or transit between Northern Idaho and the southern regions like Boise or Twin Falls, as a one-hour difference exists year-round.

Common questions

Do both time zones in Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, both the Pacific and Mountain Time zones in Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time, shifting clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall.

Is there any place in Idaho where you can be in both time zones?

While you cannot be in two time zones simultaneously in a legal sense, the 'Time Zone Bridge' near Riggins on U.S. Highway 95 is the specific location where the boundary line is crossed, and it is a popular spot for travelers to observe the transition.

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the history behind Idaho's time zone split?
  • Which federal agency manages time zone boundaries in the United States?

Sources and verification