Nez Perce County: Cultural History and River Landscapes

Lewiston lies at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers. The Spalding area is home to the visitor center, museum, and park headquarters of Nez Perce National Historical Park, as well as several historic sites. Here, Nez Perce history and the memory of past events shape a distinctive part of the travel itinerary.

Nez Perce History and Historic Sites

The film Of One Heart is shown year-round at the Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center. The museum exhibits include Nez Perce clothing, tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The film and exhibits offer different ways to explore the park's themes. In the historic area of Spalding, Watson's Store can be seen along the walking trails.

Nez Perce National Historical Park staff generally offer walks, talks, museum tours, and tipi-raising demonstrations from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you want to include these activities in your plans, note this seasonal period.

History is also present along the Snake River: the site of Hells Gate State Park, just south of Lewiston, was once the location of a Nez Perce village. In the park, the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Confluence Center has a commemorative marker for the Lewis and Clark Expedition's campsite of October 10, 1805. Nancy Dreher's sculpture Tsceminicum shares Nez Perce traditions. A replica of Idaho's first territorial capitol building was dedicated in 2013.

River Landscapes and Trails

Hells Gate State Park is located on the banks of the Snake River. The park's Hells Gate Marina has a public boat launch; check operating details before your visit. The Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail is 13 miles long. It begins at the entrance to the day-use area of Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston and can be explored by bicycle. Separately, the Lewiston Levee Parkway features interpretive signs about Lewis and Clark's historic journey on their way to the Pacific Coast.

Another cycling attraction is the 8-mile Spiral Highway, used for the annual I Made the Grade race. The Lewiston Levee Parkway offers a bike path and interpretive signs about the Lewis and Clark journey; the Spiral Highway is used for the annual I Made the Grade cycling race.

The Lower Salmon River recreation area is in Nez Perce County. It can be reached via Eagle Creek Road or by boat on the Salmon River; conditions may vary. The area offers rafting, fishing, and swimming at its beaches. Check access conditions before setting out. Waha Lake Park offers day-use facilities and overnight camping, adding to the options for spending time outdoors.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

Lewiston–Nez Perce County Regional Airport is just a few minutes from the downtown areas of Lewiston and Clarkston. Choose a hotel location based on your own plans for the visit, rather than treating different activities as a single excursion.

Discover more destinations: Lewiston, Bonner County, Valley, Fremont, Teton County, Franklin County, Bingham County, Bonneville.

For the broader travel overview: Idaho.