Weippe Prairie

Quick Facts

Location:

Near Weippe in Clearwater County, ID

Significance:

Where the Corps descended from the Bitterroot Mountains

Designation:

National Historic Landmark

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Weippe Prairie is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

On September 20, 1805, Clark and six others advanced from the Bitteroot Mountains into an expansive upland prairie occupied by two Nez Perce villages. Two days later, Lewis arrived with the main expedition. All were famished and exhausted. Lewis found himself “growing weak for the want of food and most of the men complain of a similar deficiency and have fallen off very much.” The Nez Perce generously welcomed and fed them meals of camas, dried salmon, and berries. Whether due to bacteria or a sudden change in diet, nearly the entire expedition became extremely sick. They departed Weippe Prairie on September 24 to prepare for their descent of the Clearwater River. Lewis and Clark reunited with the Nez Perce on May 3, 1806, during the return journey. Delayed by lingering winter in the mountains, they camped along the Clearwater River until June 10, then relocated to Weippe Prairie. On June 15, the expedition made its first attempt to cross the mountains, but found conditions to be impassable. They returned to Weippe Prairie on June 19 and remained another five days. Their final departure was on June 24. Six days later, they arrived at Travellers Rest. During the times spent with the Nez Perce, bonds of mutual friendship and respect were forged.

The Weippe Prairie National Historic Landmark covers approximately 3,120 acres, the majority of which is privately owned. However, there is a 274-acre tract owned by Nez Perce National Historical Park that is publicly accessible and offers sweeping views of the landscape.