Weippe Prairie Site

Weippe Prairie with Camas blooms

National Park Service

Quick Facts

Location:

46°21'0.16"N 115°55'30.31"W

Significance:

Traditional gathering site for the Nez Perce

MANAGED BY:

Private Property, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho State Historical Society

Amenities

1 listed

Information

Long before Lewis and Clark arrived, the prairie had been a traditional gathering place for the Nez Perce. Families came to this area to dig for camas bulbs and socialize for thousands of years. In mid-September of 1805, the Lewis and Clark made contact with the Nez Perce for the first time. Unprepared for the arduous trek over the Bitterroot Mountains, Captain Clark and a small group of hunters went ahead of the main party in search of food. When they entered the Weippe Prairie, they encountered three frightened Nez Perce boys hiding in the grass. Clark gave them small presents and sent them to the village. After Lewis and Clark reunited on September 22, 1805, they spoke with a head man known as Twisted Hair: trading gifts, passing the pipe, and aquiring information about the country. 

Getting to Weippe Prairie

Weippe Prairie is a swath of camas prairie trending northwest to southeast. The town of Weippe, Idaho, is situated within this swath along Idaho Highway 11.

Things to Do at Weippe Prairie

View and/or Harvest Camas

Weippe Prairie continues to be a traditional gathering place where Nez Perce families dig for camas bulbs.The prairie is located on private property. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners prior to harvesting camas. Camas flowers bloom here between May and June, and are a colorful sight not soon forgotten.