The Lewis Clark Valley is an important cultural hub in the Inland Pacific Northwest. According to tribal legend, Nimiipuu, “the people,” were created in North Central Idaho at the dawn of time. There is evidence dating back more than 12,000 years of their inhabiting the area’s canyons. In Hells Canyon you can find petroglyphs that have been carbon dated back that far.
More recent history and perhaps more well known is the exploration of the area by the Corps of Discovery Expedition. When Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were sent by Thomas Jefferson to find a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, as it is also known, would have died here if not for the Nimiipuu. Tribal members provided them with food and shelter for months. The explorers camped on an island close to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers near our Valley.
Today, the history and culture of this region can be explored though museums, historic sites, natural landmarks and any of the many different types of tours offered in the area.
