Asotin: Petroglyphs, River Trails, and History

At Buffalo Eddy, petroglyphs and pictographs are closely grouped; the Greenbelt Trail runs along the Snake River, and historic buildings tell the story of Asotin’s past. There is also a park on Asotin Creek and, farther south, an extensive wildlife area. These places offer different highlights: rock art and information panels, trails and river scenery, as well as architecture and exhibits.

River Scenery and Wildlife

The Chief Joseph Wildlife Area covers 25,037 acres in Asotin and Garfield counties, about 30 miles south of the city of Asotin. Along its eastern border, the area adjoins the Snake River; three of its units border the Grande Ronde River. The rivers mark different sides of this expansive area.

The waterways provide habitat for Chinook salmon, summer steelhead, and bull trout. Management of the area also focuses on bighorn sheep, mule deer, and upland game birds. This encompasses both fish habitats and the wildlife targeted by management efforts.

Petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy

On the Washington side of Buffalo Eddy near Asotin, closely grouped petroglyphs and pictographs feature hundreds of distinct images. They may date back as far as 4,500 years. A short walking trail passes information panels about the Nez Perce and the petroglyphs found here. The Buffalo Eddy site in Asotin County is accessible by car.

The rock art, panels, and short trail give your visit a clear focus: you can take time to explore the images and their context without limiting your visit to a quick drive-through.

Buildings with a History

The Asotin County Historical Society Museum is housed in a building constructed as a funeral home in 1920. The museum features numerous interactive exhibits.

The historic Full Gospel Church also tells the story of the town’s architectural history: built in 1899 in the Carpenter Gothic style, it now serves as the Asotin Community Center. At the museum, the exhibits and former funeral home are the main focus; at the church, its construction date, architectural style, and current use offer a different historical perspective.

Trails and Park Amenities

The Greenbelt Trail connects Granite Lake Park in Clarkston with Chief Looking Glass Park in Asotin. It runs along the Snake River and is suitable for biking, inline skating, fishing, walking, and cross-country skiing. The trail is also wheelchair accessible. The activities listed range from leisurely walks to outings on wheels or skis.

Asotin City Park is located on Asotin Creek. Its amenities include shelters, a playground, picnic tables, and horseshoe pits. While the Greenbelt Trail connects two parks and accommodates a range of activities, Asotin City Park offers these specific amenities in one place.

Excursions and Events

Hells Canyon lies 20 miles south of Asotin along Snake River Road. This remote wilderness offers opportunities for hiking and horseback riding; its diverse wildlife and prehistoric cultural sites are also among its notable features. Seasonal guided jet boat and rafting trips to Hells Canyon depart from the Lewis-Clark Valley. Check tour dates before your trip.

Swallows Nest Rock is part of the Asotin–Pasco tour segment. Far below, the Snake River winds along the foot of basalt canyon walls and shifting sandbars. The Hells Canyon Rodeo program for 2026 features ranch bronc riding, bareback riding, bronco riding, and bull riding. Asotin Days takes place every summer; check event dates before planning your trip around it.

When choosing where to stay, weigh your priorities: would you mainly like to explore rock art, cultural sites, and trails, or also set aside time for the canyon and wildlife areas to the south?

Discover more destinations: Clarkston, Lincoln County, Kitsap, Spokane, Adams County, Island County, Grant County, Clark.

Return to the main travel overview: Washington.