Visit Asa Smith Mission

The Asa Smith Mission was established near present day Kamiah, Idaho in 1838 by Asa Smith and his wife, Sarah. Asa Smith took the first steps in saving the Nez Perce language by writing the first Nez Perce dictionary and grammar book.

 

The historical markers about the Asa Smith Mission and Lewis and Clark's Long Camp are located at the same pullout on Highway 12.

Photo by Cosmos Mariner

Getting to Asa Smith Mission

A historical marker with information about Asa Smith Mission is located on U.S. Highway 12, approximately one mile east of Kamiah, Idaho.

Location

• Located on U.S. Highway 12 at mile marker 67.6

• Latitude/Longitude for Highway Pullout:
  46°13'20.76"N 116°0'33.79"W

Driving to Asa Smith Mission

From Kamiah, Idaho, turn right onto U.S. Highway 12 E/3rd St (signs for Kooskia/Missoula). Continue to follow U.S. Highway 12 E for 1.3 miles. The highway pullout will be on the right.

Things to Do at Asa Smith Mission

Exploring the Site

The Asa Smith Mission is an affiliated site of the Nez Perce National Historical Park that is located on private property, and is not accessible to the public. However, there is a pullout off of U.S. Highway 12 about two miles upstream of the actual mission site that has interpretive signs explaining the mission.

Nearby Amenities

• Asa Smith Mission Highway Pullout is located approximately 55 miles southeast of the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center where further information is available.
• A historical marker for Long Camp is located at the same highway pullout as the one for the Asa Smith Mission.
• Looking Glass' 1877 Camp, another park site, is located 8.5 miles east of the highway pullout for the Asa Smith Mission.
• Heart of the Monster, another park site, is located less than 1 mile east of the highway pullout for the Asa Smith Mission.
• The Idaho Department of Commerce has a trip planning website that will help you locate hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and other amenities near the Asa Smith Mission Highway Pullout.

Learn More

Asa and Sarah Smith's time among the Nez Perce was short, but eventful. Read more about them on our Asa Smith history page.