Lewiston, Idaho

Located where the Snake and Clearwater Rivers meet, sister city to Clarkston in Washington, Lewiston, Idaho is rich with cultural and natural resources sure to please the outdoor enthusiast and historical adventurer alike.

A city which has now grown to a population of over 30,000, when Lewis and Clark first visited these lands made home by the Nez Perce tribe they called it “paradise”. In that respect not much has changed since those early days as Lewiston and its surrounding area still holds true to its wondrous beginnings. Warm coastal air pours through river valleys providing an ideal climate for wildlife and residents both. The summers stay mild, usually in the low 90’s and the winter temperatures in the 40’s are rarely harsh, making a great environment for many activities year round.

Founded in 1860, named for Meriwether Lewis of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, Lewiston is Idaho’s only seaport as well as its oldest city. In 1863 Lewiston was made the state capital of Idaho, a title which it retained for only a few years until the capital was moved to where it resides today in Boise.

Lewiston is also home to the Lewis-Clark State College. Originally established in 1893 under the name Lewis-Clark State Normal School as a teacher training institution the college today provides professional, arts, and science baccalaureate degree programs and excellent vocational and technical programs as well.

Recreation

In addition to hiking, camping and hunting one can also find excellent berry picking in season in this ripe area. There are over 15 public parks located in and around Lewiston as well, providing a welcome getaway to the outdoors without having to pack up the entire homestead. For those wanting a real wilderness retreat there is no short supply of rugged outings available nearby.

The lowest high point to visit can be found just south of Lewiston in Hells Canyon. Hells Canyon is North America's deepest river gorge, encompassing a vast and remote region with dramatic changes in elevation, climate and terrain. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1975 to preserve the free flowing character of the Snake River and to protect archaeological, recreational and ecological treasures. It covers 652,488 acres, including some of the most rugged and spectacular wilderness area on earth. Carved by the great Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges more than a mile below Oregon's west rim, and 8,000 feet below snowcapped “He Devil Peak” of Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains. There are no roads across Hells Canyon's 10-mile wide expanse, and only three roads that lead to the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam and the Oregon-Washington boundary. One of the most popular ways to see the canyon is to take a trip along the river in a jet-boat which can be chartered from a local outfitter.

Golf enthusiasts will be right at home in the Lewis-Clark Valley, (often referred to as the "Banana Belt" due to the area's low elevation) as while most other pars of the Northwest are covered in snow, golf courses in the valley are open for business. It’s not uncommon to be able to play golf every month of the year on one of the four 18-hole courses here!

Anglers as well have no room for disappointment with a number of rivers and streams in the area prime for steelhead, bass, white sturgeon, trout, and many other species of game fish. Some of the best fishing spots for trolling, spinning, bait casting, and fly-fishing are right in town. Five public boat ramps and two marinas are also located within a few miles. In the spring and summer months the big fast action catch is bass and trout while in the fall it’s steelhead. The biggest steelhead fishing derby in the region is held the week of Thanksgiving. Organized by the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce, the Great Snake Lake Steelhead Roundup offers more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. Just south of Lewiston, Hells Canyon has a healthy number of North America's largest fresh water fish, the great white sturgeon, which can reach lengths of over seven feet! You can't take one home, but catching one of these canoe-sized beauties would be the highlight of any day on the water!

For the 4x4 enthusiast the “4 City 4x4 Club” is a proactive organization that promotes education, restoration and recreation on both public and private lands in our region. A diverse club that welcomes all 4x4's and their owners. From stock to the custom rock buggies, racers to full sized pick-ups, foreign and domestic. If you like trail runs, show-n-shines, land matters, camping, mud bogs, meeting new people, rock crawling, poker runs, community service, racing, parades, or building and maintaining trail systems you have found the right 4x4 club.

If you enjoy a good run you’ll be right at home in Lewiston, home to the Palouse Road Runners. The Palouse Road Runners promote running and fitness through organizing fun run/walks, clinics and daily runs, as well as by maintaining a website with race calendar, detailed maps and an online newsletter. The history and name of the club has changed over the years since it was founded in 1973 in helping to organize the "First Annual Crazy Days Run" between Pullman and Moscow. In the late 1970's it became Moscow Road Runners, then in 1991 it was reorganized as Palouse Road Runners better encompassing the spirit of the larger area of participants. The Palouse Road Runners organize the Snake River Half Marathon in March, Moscow Mountain madness on the second Sunday after Labor Day each September, and the Women's Run in October. They also work closely with the WSU 100-K in April, and are already looking to add other races to their calendar in the near future.

The area surrounding Lewiston is famous for its rapids and wild rivers. Rafting trips are available on all regional rivers. You can enjoy a gentle slow drift and do a little fly-fishing or take a wild white-knuckle rollercoaster ride down the whitewater! Trips range from just a few hours to several days in untracked wilderness. Licensed raft and kayak outfitters are available to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Adventure awaits!

It may not get as cold in Lewiston as it does in other parts of the state but nonetheless there is plenty of winter sport to be enjoyed here. Lewiston is one of the main entry spots to the North Central Idaho region known for its snowmobiling. Featuring over 1,200 miles of groomed trails and thousands of acres of untouched off-trail adventure! Many trails lead to scenic vistas while others follow along side beautiful crystal clear mountain streams. By late November the trails are covered with the light fluffy snow most can only dream of being graced to ride on. Just southeast in Grangeville quiet wide-open spaces await the cross-country skier. Further to the north the hardcore snowboarders can find some of the best shredding powder this side of the rockies!

Arts & Culture

Lewis & Clark Center for Arts and History is Located at 415 Main Street in Lewiston the Center is housed in an 1884 building. It hosts a unique Chinese exhibit whose history dates back to the 1860’s. Following the discovery of gold near Pierce, Idaho, Chinese miners began arriving in 1865. The Center showcases the Beuk Aie Temple and turn of the century artifacts. Local, regional, and international artists display work in rotating exhibits. They also present concerts, recitals and literary events. CenterPieces is a museum and gift shop located at the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts & History. Unique gifts, paintings, photographs, and books are offered representing over 100 Northwest artists.

Lewiston Civic Theatre is a non-profit organization that produces several shows throughout the year and has won several national and international awards for its performances. It is housed in the historic Anne Bollinger Performing Art Center, which originally functioned as the Lewiston Methodist Church and was built in 1907. It has retained many original features such as the beautiful large stained glass panels.

The Old Opera House Theatre, located just east of Lewiston in Kooskia, Idaho welcomes visitors to enjoy old-fashioned entertainment and live performances throughout the year. Acts include plays and melodramas featuring local talent; musical variety shows including Dixieland jazz, Bluegrass, barbershop quartets, and big band music. This refurbished theatre allows visitors to take a step back in time, emulating a splendor of yesteryear, complete with a spectacular crystal chandelier, a dessert and Sarsaparilla bar, and waitresses in Victorian style dress. A real piece of living history!

Winter nights in Lewiston are anything but dark and lonely ! As part of of the Winter Spirit local parks come to life with lights, music and laughter! People of all ages are delighted as the wheels on the locomotive start turning and lighted trees nearby respond in 24 different ways to the music coming from within. This is just one of many lighted displays throughout the city. Initially it all began in 1993, when the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were approached by a group of downtown Lewiston merchants for help in creating a winter light display. A huge Christmas tree was placed in a grassy area at 13th & Main Streets. Lights were added along with decorations made by area students. Since then more and more people have gotten involved and the Winter Spirit has spread across the town for everyone to share!

The Nez Perce Tribe

Long before Meriwether Lewis and William Clark headed west; even before Christopher Columbus stumbled upon his ‘new world’, the Nez Perce, or Nimiipuu (pronounced nee-mee-poo), lived in the prairies and river valleys of what is today north Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The Nez Perce were at the height of their power and influence when the first white explorers found them and they provided horses, food, and geographical information to the explorers Lewis and Clark. Sorely tested by their travels the two Captains were very complimentary to the Nez Perce and the Nez Perce were well aware of what a friendship with these ambassadors of the great United States could mean for their people in terms of power and prestige. The Nez Perce accepted the promising words Lewis and Clark had to offer as the truth, but sadly the bonds of friendship that were established did not last. In the years that followed with the arrival of missionaries, miners, and settlers tension and division as well came to the Nez Perce people. In the end, the promises of friendship were broken under the unceasing pace of modern civilizations press west and so the great legacy of Lewis and Clark is mixed for the Nez Perce.

The threads of the past spin on to meet the future however, as the language, culture and traditions of the Nez Perce move forward into the 21st century. Then as now, the Nez Perce Tribe is federally recognized as a sovereign nation with inherent rights reserved by treaty. The tribe adopted its own constitution in 1961 and is governed by a nine-member elected executive committee with their tribal headquarters located in Lapwai, Idaho. Of approximately 3,300 tribal members, two-thirds live on or near the reservation. The Nez Perce are proud of their contributions to the culture and economy of this area, and well they should be. In keeping with their history of self-governance, the Nez Perce tribe has taken on many functions once performed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In addition to government programs, the tribe also manages business enterprises related to forest products, convenience stores and gaming facilities. The tribe employs over 900 people, making it one of the areas largest employers.

Nez Perce country has much to offer visitors. In addition to a landscape rich in history and natural beauty, Nez Perce people share their customs and culture in colorful events throughout the year. Pow-Wows and other community events are hosted in various locations and visitors are welcome. For visitors looking to learn about the Nez Perce and their history here, the Nez Perce National Historical Park offers historical displays and interpretive programs, as well as books and Nez Perce crafts. Working to restore links to their rich cultural heritage, the Nez Perce offer a language program and have begun breeding horses again. At the facility near Lapwai, the horse lover will find colorful Appaloosas and equine representatives of one of the oldest breeds in the world: the Akhal-Teke. The tribe has established a new breed registry as the result of crossing these two prized lineages. The tribe has also taken a lead role in reintroduction efforts for Coho Salmon and the Gray Wolf in Idaho -- both firsts for an Indian tribe. The Wolf Education and Research Center is near the town of Winchester, just southeast of Lewiston, and is open to the public. The past meets with the future to bring everyone a brighter tomorrow; the proud people of this region play a strong role in the greatness of this lands rich diversity.

Events

Throughout the year festivals and events dot the calendar to keep you busy having fun through all year long! In May there is the Summerfest Wine Tasting, and the NAIA World Series. In June the Lewiston Farmers Market opens and runs every Wednesday and Saturday until September, there is also the Summerfest on the Snake – a full day of arts, crafts, music, and food on the river! – there is also the North Idaho Senior Games presented by the Area Agency of Aging – a great event for our elder sportfolks! – and the Annual Lewis and Clark Symposium, a sharing of cultures and understanding the history of the Nez Perce people and the Lewis-Clark Expedition. In August there is Hot August Nights, a real blast to the past featuring food, music, and dancing as well as a classic car show! October bring the Hells Canyon Rock and Gem show. In November, Lewiston holds The Festival of Trees and The Great Snake Lake Steelhead Roundup! In December stop in for a spot of tea at the Victorian Tea event or let down your hair and crank things up for the coming year at the New Year’s Eve Bull Bash! Never a lack of something to do here in Lewiston not to mention the wonderful cities nearby each with their own special events calendars!

A little touch of something for everyone here in Lewiston, a modern day city with roots rich in the soil of the past; a port city surrounded by the rocky mountain lands of beautiful Idaho. Come take a visit and soak in the scenic wonder and history where the rivers meet!

Orofino, Idaho

Orofino, Idaho is a land of all seasons, with something for everyone the whole year round. Beautiful mountains, crystal clear rivers, babbling brooks and turquoise lakes surround this cozy town of just over 3,200.

Orofino got its start in 1898 due to the inflow of settlers and the construction of the railroad up river. The name Oro Fino means "fine gold" in Spanish. It was taken from a gold rush town called "Oro Fino" that was located near Pierce that later burned down. The post office objected to a two- word name and the town joined the two words and it became Orofino. In 1905, the Idaho State Hospital was opened.

Dworshak Dam and Fishery
Located four miles northwest of the town of Orofino, Dworshak Dam is a hydroelectric, concrete gravity dam in Clearwater County, Idaho, on the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Originally the name was slated to be "Bruces Eddy," but the name was changed to honor Henry C. Dworshak, a United States Senator from Idaho. The dam is the highest straight-axis concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, and the 22nd highest dam in the world.

Construction began in June 1966, the main structure being completed in 1972, with the generators coming online in 1973. The generating capacity of the dam is 400 megawatts, with an overload capacity of 460 MW. Dworshak Dam is part of the Columbia River Basin system of dams. Dworshak Reservoir, is formed behind the dam, stretching 53 miles upstream. The North Fork of the Clearwater River, runs 2 miles downstream from the base of the dam, until it joins the South Fork of the Clearwater to form the Clearwater, which flows to the Snake River at Lewiston.

Dworshak Dam Visitor Center is located at the top of the dam, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibits highlight the history and wildlife of the area. Tours are also available through the interior of the dam.

Dworshak reservoir is easily the least used body of water in the state. Over 54 miles in length, with over 100 mini-camps, it's a great place to fish or just get away from it all. Best known for its Kokanee salmon and Smallmouth bass, currently it holds the state record for the largest smallie, at a whopping 8 1/2 pounds! With close to 250 miles of shoreline, you can leave your worries about being cramped or disturbed at home, there is plenty of room here even in the busiest of seasons. Truly this man made lake is an anglers paradise with a variety of fish species to test your skills against!


Nez Perce National Historic Park
Since time immemorial, the Nimiipuu (or Nez Perce) have lived among the rivers, canyons and prairies of the inland northwest. The proud Nez Perce are still here and you can experience the story of a people who are still part of this beautiful landscape. Nez Perce National Historical Park includes a number of historical and cultural exhibits for your enjoyment. You can visit sites that Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through or camped at on their journey across western Montana and central Idaho like the Lolo trail and Pass where you can retrace the route that Lewis and Clark took in 1805 and 1806. Don’t miss the opportunity to steep yourself in the rich history of this region!

Clearwater River
The Clearwater River is a river in northern Idaho, the North Fork of which flows from the Idaho-Montana border westward to join the Snake River at Lewiston. The Lewis and Clark Expedition went down the North Fork just northwest of Lolo Pass. It is the largest tributary of the Snake River, with a flow of over 3000 ft³/sec. The river has long been known for its large Steelhead Trout, who returning from the sea can weigh in at over 25 pounds. There is also a run of Chinook Salmon that return in the late fall. The Dworshak Fisheries Complex is responsible for the success of these runs; their hatchery is well worth a visit.

GOLF
Orofino golf course opened in 1966; it has been serving the local community with great golfing opportunities since.The 9-hole "Orofino" course at the Orofino Golf & Country Club facility features 2,696 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 35. You'll have a tough time hitting two identical shots on this course, as there are few flat fairways and lots of elevation changes. Give this challenging course a try – you won’t be let down!

Bald Mountain Ski Resort
Managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, this small resort in North Central Idaho has been open since 1959 for skiing and snowboarding in the Orofino area. With two lifts to take you to the 7,770 foot summit, a vertical drop of over 975 feet, and the longest run at 7,920 feet there are plenty of great opportunities to carve some serious powder at this great resort! An annual snowfall of 230 inches insures you will be able to make full use of the 195 acres of terrain.

Although snowmobiling is not permitted at Bald Mountain Idaho has more groomed trails than any other western state, with some of the most spectacular scenery you'll ever see. You can ride freely through freshly blanketed valleys, across frozen lakes and over open plains. Gas, food, supplies, and lodging are never too far away.

Clearwater National Forest
Clearwater National Forest covers over 1 million acres, from the jagged peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains in the east to the river canyons and the rolling prairie of the Palouse in the west. The North Fork of the Clearwater and the Lochsa rivers provide miles of tumbling white water separated by quiet pools for migratory and resident fish. The mountains here provide habitat for elk, moose, whitetail and mule deer, black bear, gray wolf, cougar, mountain goats, and many smaller animals.

For centuries the ridges between the deep canyons have provided travel corridors across the mountains. These ancient routes were used by the Nez Perce Indians and, in 1805-1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Today the main travel route, U.S. Highway 12, follows the dramatic canyon of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River and its tributary the Lochsa River, providing a wonderful scenic drive.

There are numerous opportunities for a varied number of activities in this natural wonderland, from fishing and hunting to camping and hiking, there is a little something here for every kind of nature lover. There are hundreds of named trails to explore during your visit, as well as a number of rental cabins and lookouts available for those who like a few more creature comforts with their outdoor experience. Adventure is waiting for you in the Clearwater National Forest, don’t miss out!

Kamiah, Idaho

Kamiah, Idaho is nestled on the beautiful banks of the Clearwater River, surrounded by scenic foothills. Heritage meets the modern day world as the forward looking residents of this quaint town focus on the future without losing site of the past.

Before history was recorded in this part of the west, Kamiah was the winter home of the Nez Perce Indians. It was here they came to fish for steelhead, a mainstay in their diet, and to manufacture "Kamia" ropes, hence the name Kamiah, meaning the place of "many rope litters".

Lewis and Clark camped here for several weeks during the early spring of 1806 waiting for the snow to melt before they could continue their journey east. The valley is rich in the heritage and legends of the Nez Perce and it is here, among the ancestors of the present day Nez Perce, that the Appaloosa horse was first bred, primarily as a war animal.

Today the town is moving fast towards the future, and this is reflected in the restoration of the main business district to a Western/Victorian style, an up-to-date school system, modern sanitation facilities and water filtration plant, efficient fire and police departments, a modern medical clinic with an outstanding emergency medical unit. Come visit the past in a place where the future is happening today – Kamiah!

Heart of the Monster
It may sound intimidating at first but it is from this place that the Nez Perce tribe first began – or so the legend tells. The rock formation that is the center of this site represents the heart of a monster, which according to legend is the source from which the Nez Perce sprang.

The formation sits two miles upstream from a bridge across the Clearwater River in Kamiah, Idaho. In ancient times this site was a major prehistoric and historic Nez Perce crossing point of the Clearwater River. You will learn the role of the legend in Nez Perce culture as you view exhibits and listen to audio programs at an interpretive shelter near the formation.

The geologic feature at the center of the creation story by which Coyote slew a monster, and called into existence The People – “Nimiipuu”. This Nez Perce National Historic Park site is located near Kamiah on US Highway 12, enroute to Kooskia.

Hunting and Fishing
Kamiah is just a stones throw from the great untamed wilds of Idaho where big game hunting is at its best. The nation's largest elk herd is located not far from here, and deer, bear, mountain lion, pheasant and grouse are plentiful. Idaho Fish and Game Department allows hunters to draw lots for special moose and mountain goat hunts.

Kamiah is a hotbed for the avid fisherman! The massive steelhead trout, some measuring up to 45 inches in length, and the chinook salmon travel up the Clearwater river to spawn. There are both fall and spring seasons for these beauties, with whitefishing in the winter, and trout and bass fishing during the summer. Well-stocked creeks and mountain lakes an hour or two hike away; the Clearwater and its tributaries, make for some of the finest fishing in the country.

Recreation
Kamiah lies along the scenic Lewis and Clark Highway, the shortest route from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast. It is also the longest highway within a national forest in the nation and opens the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing along the beautiful Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers where elk, mountain goats, deer, and other wildlife are frequently seen. Opportunities abound here for backpacking, camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, rafting, skin diving, game and bird watching, nature study, berry picking, prospecting, and rock hounding.

Kamiah itself has a competition size swimming pool and tennis courts. There are organized summer recreation programs for youth and adults. There are bowling alleys, a gun club, garden clubs, a riding club, rodeo association and an excellent community library. For skiers, there are three ski areas within an hours driving time and only a short distance to great snowmobiling.

No matter what your passion there is a place for it to come alive in Kamiah, Idaho!