Discover rivers and cultural history

The Clearwater and Snake Rivers meet in Lewiston. The Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center, museum and park headquarters, along with several historic sites, are in the Spalding area. The confluence gives the trip a specific geographic reference point; in Spalding, historic and cultural sites take center stage.

The film Of One Heart is shown year-round at the visitor center. The museum exhibits include Nez Perce clothing, tools, weapons and ceremonial objects. The film and exhibits offer different perspectives: the film presents a theme through moving images, while the exhibits cover several categories of objects.

The park program also offers different ways to learn. Park staff generally offer walks, talks, museum tours and tipi-raising demonstrations from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This distinction is useful for planning: the film is shown year-round, while these activities are generally limited to the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Watson's Store can be seen along the trails in the historic area of Spalding.

At the Snake River: Hells Gate and historic traces

Just south of Lewiston, Hells Gate State Park is situated along the banks of the Snake River. The site was formerly the location of a Nez Perce village. At the park, the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor and outdoor exhibits. Hells Gate brings together several themes: its riverside location, the site's earlier use and the Discovery Center exhibits.

Hells Gate Marina has a public boat launch. Check current operating details before your trip. The Confluence Center offers another historic trace: it has a commemorative marker for the Lewis and Clark Expedition's camp on October 10, 1805. Nancy Dreher's sculpture Tsceminicum conveys Nez Perce traditions.

River activities and cycling trails

The Lower Salmon River Recreation Area in Nez Perce County is accessible via Eagle Creek Road or by boat on the Salmon River; conditions may vary. Rafting, fishing and swimming at the beaches are possible there. Check access conditions as you plan. Waha Lake Park offers day-use facilities and overnight camping.

The cycling trails offer different highlights, too. The 13-mile Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail starts at the entrance to the day-use area of Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston and can be explored by bicycle. Interpretive signs along the parkway cover Lewis and Clark's historic journey toward the Pacific Coast. The 8-mile Spiral Highway is another cycling option; it is used for the annual I Made the Grade bicycle race.

For arrival, the Lewiston–Nez Perce County Regional Airport provides a convenient reference point: it is only a few minutes from the city centers of Lewiston and Clarkston. When planning your trip, you can choose from cultural discoveries, river activities and different cycling options without having to combine them into a fixed route.

Discover more destinations: Lewiston, Cassia County, Adams County, Lewis County, Boundary County, Jerome, Lemhi County, Gem County

For the broader travel overview: Idaho.