Lewiston, Idaho

In Lewiston we camped at Hells Gate State Park. At the south end of the park there is a trail that leads to some fascinating, somewhat symmetrical basaltic lava formations. It is the nature of basaltic lava cooling that allows this to happen. The whole process is called columnar jointing.

The Nez Perce National Historic Park was established to remember the battles between the Nez Perce Indians and the United States government. The Nez Peres War was caused when President Grant opened their homelands to white settlement.  The U.S. government also demanded that all roaming Nez Percé bands move onto the Lapwai reservation in present-day Idaho. Chief Joseph was chosen to meet and discuss this demand with Brigidier General Howard. There was little discussion; Howard delivered a 30-day ultimatum with a threat to comply, or else. This was the beginning of the Nez Peres War.

A dug out canoe.

Honored Nez Peres Chiefs