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Lewiston sits where the Snake and Clearwater rivers meet, at the bottom of a deep canyon some 700 feet above sea level, which makes it the lowest point in Idaho and, thanks to barge traffic down the Columbia system, the state's only seaport. Lewis and Clark passed through in 1805, and the town later boomed as a supply post for the gold rush and briefly served as the first capital of Idaho Territory.
The mild river climate brings an early spring, celebrated with the Dogwood Festival, and long summers for paddling, fishing and cycling the levee paths that follow both rivers. Jet boats leave from the area for Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, while Hells Gate State Park offers camping and beaches just south of town. Downtown Main Street has historic buildings, cafes and the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts and History.
Above the city, the old Lewiston Hill highway climbs about 2,000 feet in tight switchbacks to a broad view of the valley. A short drive east leads to the Spalding site of the Nez Perce National Historical Park, devoted to the Nez Perce people.
A state park on the Snake River just south of Lewiston with a campground, beaches, boat launch, marina, disc golf and a discovery center about Lewis and Clark and the region's geology. Several jet boat companies depart from here for Hells Canyon. Shade is limited, so bring sun protection in July and August.
A paved path on top of the levees along the Snake and Clearwater rivers, part of a longer trail network that links Lewiston with Clarkston across the water. It is flat and popular with cyclists, runners and walkers, with benches and river views. Rent or bring a bike and go early in summer before the heat.
Licensed outfitters run half-day and full-day jet boat trips from the Lewiston area up the Snake River into Hells Canyon, passing rapids, petroglyphs, homestead sites and bighorn sheep on the cliffs. Full-day trips usually include lunch at a river lodge. Book in advance and bring a layer for the spray.
The old US 95 route north of town winds up Lewiston Hill through dozens of hairpin curves, gaining about 2,000 feet above the river valley. It is quiet now that the main highway bypasses it, and pullouts offer sweeping views of Lewiston, Clarkston and the confluence. Drive it slowly and watch for cyclists.
The meeting point of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, the reason Lewiston exists, is easiest to appreciate from the levee paths and riverside parks at the west end of downtown. Lewis and Clark camped near here in 1805. Come at sunset when the canyon walls glow and the two rivers show slightly different colors.
A local history museum downtown with displays on the Nez Perce people, Lewis and Clark, the gold rush era, Chinese immigrants, steamboats and early Lewiston as Idaho's first territorial capital. It is small enough to see in an hour. Check the seasonal opening days before visiting, as hours are limited.
A gallery run by Lewis-Clark State College in downtown Lewiston with changing art exhibitions, concerts and lectures, plus a permanent display about the city's Chinese community and its historic temple. Admission is usually free. Combine it with a walk along Main Street and lunch at one of the nearby cafes.
The main visitor center of the Nez Perce National Historical Park, about a fifteen-minute drive east of Lewiston on the Clearwater River, with a museum of Nez Perce culture, a film, a historic mission cemetery and riverside picnic areas. Rangers lead talks in summer. Entry is free; allow at least an hour.
A professional rodeo held each September since the 1930s, with bronc and bull riding, barrel racing, a parade and evening shows that draw crowds from across the region. It is one of the biggest events of the year in the valley. Buy tickets early, bring a cushion for the bleachers, and arrive before the grand entry.
Lewiston's historic downtown along Main Street has brick buildings from the gold rush and early statehood eras housing cafes, antique shops, bars and restaurants, with murals and sculptures along the way. Summer brings street fairs and a farmers market. Park once and explore on foot, finishing at the river levee.
A casino and hotel owned by the Nez Perce Tribe on the Clearwater River east of downtown, with slot machines, table games, several restaurants and a concert venue that books touring acts. An RV park sits next door. Check the event schedule for shows, and visitors must be at least eighteen to enter the gaming floor.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Lewis-Clark State College, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dsdugan, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ken Lund, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steve Shook from Moscow, Idaho, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region from Missoula, MT, USA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ian Poellet, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
