Lewiston and Beyond
A North Central Idaho Adventure
Lewiston, known as the gateway to Hells Canyon, is celebrated for its wonderful wine-growing terrain, rich cultural scene and incredible recreation opportunities. From Lewiston, drive along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway—Idaho’s longest byway—and follow the path of Lewis and Clark through this region and learn more about the culture of the Nez Perce.
Pick a Town, and Start Exploring.
University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Moscow. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Moscow
You won’t want to mistake Moscow for just another college town. Home to the University of Idaho, this town is known for its lively celebrations, enviable outdoor offerings and charming local scene.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Known to some as the “Fest City,” Moscow (pronounced Moss-koe, not like the Russian capital city) earned this title with its monthly Artwalks October through May, frequent live music performances and an array of delightful festivals. Check out the Moscow Winterfest, Pour Company Rare Beer Fest, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival or Moscow Renaissance Fair to join the fun.
- Spend a Saturday walking around the Moscow Farmers Market, a thriving event highlighting products from local farmers, musicians and artisans that runs May through October.
- The University of Idaho campus offers attractions for more than just students. Stroll around the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which features a collection of the Pacific Northwest’s native plants, and the University of Idaho Golf Course, where you can enjoy lessons or book a tee time on the public green.
- Learn about the history of the magnificent Appaloosa horse and its ties to the region with a self-guided tour at the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center.
- Once operating as the Moscow–Arrow rail line, the Latah Trail follows State Highway 8 for 12 scenic miles on a wide, paved path to Troy. Stroll or ride the Bill Chipman Trail, a gentle seven mile paved route with access to Pullman, Washington. When the snow flies, visit the Palouse Divide to enjoy Nordic trails for skate and cross-country skiing, a snowshoeing space and backcountry skiing.
- Sip and sample award-winning wines in downtown Moscow at the Colter’s Creek tasting room and even stay overnight in the historic Hattabaugh Hotel right upstairs.
- Dig into delicious eats at the Moscow Alehouse with outdoor dining, craft beers, burgers and other pub favorites. The Breakfast Club is a locally adored, bustling breakfast and lunch stop in the center of town. Try the Sangria Grille to sample the inventive Latin American menu using regional ingredients. One World Café has been crafting quality beverages downtown since 2005, and guests can often find free live music on weekends.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
City of Orofino. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Orofino
Situated in north central Idaho, Orofino is a go-to location for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and those looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Visitors can find access to nature trails, historical sites and inviting lakes, rivers and reservoirs during this small-town getaway.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Dworshak State Park on the western side of Dworshak Reservoir and Dam. Enjoy camping, hiking and disc golf, as well as boating, fishing, swimming and waterskiing.
- Explore exhibits about the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Nez Perce tribe and more at the Clearwater Historical Museum.
- Canoe Camp, recognized as an important site of the Nez Perce National Historical Park, is the location in which the Nez Perce tribe aided the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery in carving out canoes to continue their journey to the Pacific Ocean in 1805. The site contains a nature trail with interpretive signs.
- While in town, visit Fiesta En Jalisco to satisfy a craving for homemade Mexican food, Ponderosa Restaurant and Brass Rail Lounge to order from a delicious family-style menu, or Augie’s, a shop with artisan sandwiches, soups, salads and, if you need a little pick-me-up, espresso drinks.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Mc Iver Road, near Dworshak State Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho
Grangeville
Get outside and uncover sensational historical sites, museums, pristine nature and miles of trails in Grangeville for a wide variety of all-season adventures.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Tolo Lake, a significant cultural location for the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people. Visitors can learn about the historical importance of this area in the Tolo Lake Visitor Center, while at the visitor center make sure to check out the resident mammoth replica.
- Reel in a catch with convenient fishing spots on the epic waterways of the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers, as well as the historic South Fork of the Clearwater River.
- Tour Hells Canyon from a new perspective on a jet boat tour upriver or get a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular canyon on a Hells Canyon helicopter tour.
- Grangeville Border Days, Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo, is put on annually on Independence Day weekend and offers art shows, parades, competitive sports and the “world’s largest egg toss.”
- Snowhaven Ski Area and Tubing Area features downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing. The Fish Creek Cross Country Ski Trails include five loops ranging from one to seven miles long with scenic overlooks. Cottonwood Butte Ski Area offers four groomed ski runs ranging from intermediate to advanced, a bunny hill and six powder trails that wind through the trees.
- Start your day at Crema Café with freshly brewed coffee and homemade sweet and savory goods. While in town, don’t miss The Trails Restaurant and Lodge, Palenque Mexican Restaurant and Seasons Restaurant.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Town of Kamiah. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Kamiah
Kamiah is a small town with abundant adventure opportunities. With river access for whitewater rafting and fishing, Nez Perce history and countless other recreational activities, this spot is well-suited to satisfy a taste for adventure.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- The Clearwater River runs alongside Kamiah, and with it, whitewater rafting, fishing and wildlife-watching abound. Also in the area, the Lochsa River—a tributary of the middle fork of the Clearwater River—with premier whitewater rafting and fishing.
- The Upper Clearwater River Corridor has off-roading routes for ATV and OHV that gives riders the chance to experience this region from a different perspective. Visit Shearer Park for trailhead access.
- Immerse yourself in Nez Perce culture by visiting important cultural sites throughout this area. Explore the Idaho portion of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and make a stop to visit the Heart of the Monster, a site that embodies the Nez Perce creation story. Continue your explorations at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center with exhibits showcasing clothing, tools, weapons and ceremonial objects.
- Riverfront Park, true to its name, faces the Clearwater River and has playground equipment, hiking access and its own nature trail, which begins in the park and provides an easy walk with the chance to spot wildlife.
- The Kamiah Valley Museum covers topics such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, crafts from the Nez Perce tribe and even mammoth bones.
- Pull up a seat at the Kamiah Hotel Bar and Grill for steaks, soups, sandwiches and a good selection of spirits. Hearthstone Restaurant and Bakery considers bread baking to be its specialty but also serves a full menu for lunch and dinner. Settle in for a spell at Clearwater Brewing Co., where you can find microbrews and ciders with major flavor. Or, try a fine tea or cup of coffee at Fog Hill Coffee and Tea House, a small-batch roasting company.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Can’t Get Enough of North Central Idaho?
The adventure continues … Keep exploring and add one of these towns to your trip.