Last updated: July 28, 2022
Place
Looking Glass Camp
National Park Service
Quick Facts
Location:
Kooskia, Idaho
Significance:
The Looking Glass Band joined the non-treaty Nez Perce on July 1, 1877, when their village was attacked by the U.S. Army.
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
3 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table
Though he originally opposed the 1863 Treaty and certainly sympathized with the Nez Perce bands who had been dispossessed of their land, Chief Looking Glass was originally neutral during the Flight of 1877. Unfortunately, General Howard did not trust that Looking Glass would remain this way. He ordered Captain Whipple and two companies of men from the First U.S. Cavalry to attack the Looking Glass camp. Several Nez Perce were killed and the village was burned to the ground. Enraged, Looking Glass joined the non-treaty bands. Familiar with the route and a skilled warrior, Looking Glass provided invaluable assistance to the non-treaty bands of Nez Perce.
Explore the Site
A hiking trail along the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River at the hatchery tells the story of the attack on Chief Looking Glass’ village. The trail is very short, roughly 0.15 miles each way. Near the interpretive trail, there is a small wooden platform with a view of a wetland that has a picnic table. There is also a historical marker that explains the attack on Looking Glass Camp at a highway pullout on the north side of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River off U.S. Highway 12, three miles east of Kooskia, Idaho.
Driving to Looking Glass Camp
From the Spalding Visitor Center, turn right onto U.S. Highway 95 to head north. After 1 mile, use the right lane to take the ramp to Orofino/Missoula on U.S. Highway 12 East. Continue on U.S. Highway 12 East for 63 miles to Kooskia, ID. Continue for an additional 0.7 miles. The highway pullout and interpretive sign will be on the right. The Kooskia National Fish Hatchery’s trailhead is located at 126 Kings BluffKooskia, ID 83539. To access it from Kooskia, ID, take the bridge exit off U.S. Highway 12 and follow posted signs to the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery. At the fork, follow signs for “DEAD END” for about 0.1 mile until you reach the trailhead.
Explore the Site
A hiking trail along the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River at the hatchery tells the story of the attack on Chief Looking Glass’ village. The trail is very short, roughly 0.15 miles each way. Near the interpretive trail, there is a small wooden platform with a view of a wetland that has a picnic table. There is also a historical marker that explains the attack on Looking Glass Camp at a highway pullout on the north side of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River off U.S. Highway 12, three miles east of Kooskia, Idaho.
Driving to Looking Glass Camp
From the Spalding Visitor Center, turn right onto U.S. Highway 95 to head north. After 1 mile, use the right lane to take the ramp to Orofino/Missoula on U.S. Highway 12 East. Continue on U.S. Highway 12 East for 63 miles to Kooskia, ID. Continue for an additional 0.7 miles. The highway pullout and interpretive sign will be on the right. The Kooskia National Fish Hatchery’s trailhead is located at 126 Kings BluffKooskia, ID 83539. To access it from Kooskia, ID, take the bridge exit off U.S. Highway 12 and follow posted signs to the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery. At the fork, follow signs for “DEAD END” for about 0.1 mile until you reach the trailhead.