Nez Perce National Historical Park

05/29/2026

In memory of Maurice “Pistol Pete” Wilson

To say that Pistol Pete was an advocate and friend of our parks would be a true understatement. His depth of knowledge of his culture, the passion through which he shared it with others, and the kindness with which he carried himself touched every person who crossed paths with him.

During his time as a park ranger, he delighted visitors with his knowledge and wit. He created cultural materials that he graciously and generously shared with the public, cultivating lasting memories. While his tenure working for the National Park Service was brief, he continued to be involved at every turn.

As a proud U.S. Navy veteran, Pistol Pete helped his community honor their ancestors through commemoration events. Reaching both old and young, he ensured that history and culture were not forgotten.

Equal parts wise and mischievous, he spent 15 years as a vital pillar in Coyote Camp. Pistol Pete inspired awe in thousands of students with his storytelling, becoming the talk of the classroom for the whole year.

Thank you for all you gave to our parks, Pete. You will be missed.

05/16/2026

Are you local? We are hiring!
Nez Perce National Historical Park is looking for a seasonal Interpretive Ranger. If you live within a 75-mile radius of the Spalding Visitor Center, such as Lapwai, Lewiston, Grangeville, Weippe, Moscow, and Pullman, you are eligible to apply.
Applications will close May 25, 2026 or when we receive 50 candidates, whichever comes first.
Apply online at usajobs.gov/job/868463500
Call 1 (208) 843-7009 or email [email protected] for more information.

05/15/2026

With 38 sites spread out over four states, we have a wide variety of animals that live within the bounds of Nez Perce National Historical Park. Some of our sites, such as those in Montana, are in bear country; others are home to rattlesnakes. As you road trip across our many sites, consider how the landscape changes, and with that, the varying precautions you'll need to take to stay safe. Read below to learn a bit more about staying safe in bear country.

🐻Be bear aware!🐻

Black bears have regularly been seen at Big Hole National Battlefield in recent years, and the Big Hole Valley is known grizzly territory. Our sister park, Bear Paw Battlefield, also has bears in the area.

Most bears will avoid humans if they are aware of your presence, so make noise and hike in a group if possible as you explore the battlefield. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak in a steady voice, back away slowly, and avoid sudden movements. Report bear encounters to park staff as soon as it is safe to do so.

And remember: Bear spray does not work like insect repellant. Nor is it very helpful when it's buried below your snacks and jacket in your backpack. If you carry bear spray, be sure to know how to use it: check out this video to learn more https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=F7EC7B4D-1DD8-B71B-0BA8E72257EBE39A

05/13/2026

The restroom remodeling project at Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Lapwai will continue through the upcoming summer season. This work will create ADA-compliant restrooms and modernize facilities. Porta potties are available at the front of the visitor center.

The visitor center remains open but entry into the building is from the back patio. Thank you for your patience as we improve your national park!

05/07/2026

Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Those bright yellow flowers on the hillsides along the Clearwater and Snake rivers are Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Basalmorrbiza sagittata); to the nimiipuu, they are páasx and a sure sign of spring. Traditionally, women gathered the young tender stems, which were then peeled and eaten like celery. Páasx is one of the foods of kéˀuyit, the first taste or root feast in spring.
All parts of the plant are edible. The large taproot can be dried and ground into a starchy flower. Additionally, the root can be used as an expectorant, and the sap can be used as an ointment for treating minor wounds.
When you think of spring, think of páasx.

05/05/2026

In April 1877, the Wallowa, Asotin and Pikunan bands of the Nimiipuu as well as the Palouse people continued to argue against the government’s attempts to force them onto the reservation at Lapwai, ID. The Army, meanwhile, posted troops at western end of the Wallowa Valley, near the mouth of the Grand Ronde and at Lewiston, ID.
On May 3, at Lapwai, Gen. O.O. Howard met with Joseph, Ollokot and about 50 other Nimiipuu. Howard told them he would listen to their arguments, but in the end the Nimiipuu would still have to obey the government and move from their homeland. If they did not agree, he would move them by force.
The council continued for the next two weeks. Finally, on May 15, the bands agreed to move onto the reservation at Lapwai. Howard gave the people 30 days to comply. This was just the beginning of what would become a very long summer.

04/22/2026

History lives here.

The place where Chief Looking Glass’ camp was attacked during the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Flight is one of the 38 sites that make up Nez Perce National Historical Park. Located near Kooskia, this site marks a turning point in the events of 1877.

After the battle at White Bird Canyon, Chief Looking Glass had returned to the reservation and intended to remain neutral. But on July 1, 1877, U.S. Army troops approached his camp near Clear Creek with orders to capture his band. As negotiations began under a white flag, a volunteer fired, wounding a Nimiipuu man. The camp was then attacked and destroyed. In response, Chief Looking Glass and his band joined the other non-treaty bands heading east toward Montana.

Today, visitors can reflect on this history at two stops:
• An interpretive sign along Highway 12
• A short 0.15-mile trail with an overlook near Kooskia National Fish Hatchery

To reach this site, proceed east along Highway 12 for 0.7 miles from Kooskia to the pullout and interpretive sign. To access the trail, take the bridge exit off Highway 12 and follow the signs to the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery. At a fork in the road, travel down a road marked “DEAD END” for about 0.1 mile until you reach the trailhead.

04/19/2026

Spring is here, and that means it's time for baseball season!
Did you know the Nez Perce have a rich history of sports, especially baseball? One of the best of his day was Levi McCormack, a Nez Perce professional baseball player who started as a multi-sport athlete at Lapwai High School. Levi made it to the Professional Leagues in 1933 and played until 1947, with a break when he served in the Navy during World War II.
He played for teams in both the Pacific Coast League (Seattle Indians, later the Seattle Rainiers) and the Western International League (Spokane Indians). During World War II, Levi served in the Navy and played service baseball with the Pasco Flyers while at the naval station. He was a fan favorite and loved by sports writers.
So as spring rolls in, step out and play ball!
Picture 1: Levi McCormack, circa 1938-1939.
Picture 2: Phillip Morris, McCoy Hill, Phillip Spalding, and Axtell Hayes, circa 1910-1920.

04/18/2026

On April 18 at 10am, the annual Chief Redheart Memorial Ceremony takes place at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Hosted in partnership the Nez Perce Tribe and City of Vancouver this event honors Chief Redheart’s band of Nimíipuu (Nez Perce).

04/02/2026

Dogs have been part of nimiipuu life since the beginning. These ancient canines provided the nimiipuu with pack animals, companionship, security, hunting partners and a connection to the spiritual world.

The nimiipuu word for dog is ciq’áamqal, pronounced, sih-come-qual. Later, after contact with early settlers, the nimiipuu brought cats into their homes and farms. The nimiipuu word for cat is pícpic, pronounced pits-pits.

The nimiipuu and their ciq’áamqal share a relationship of companionship and security. The dogs are likely happy they are no longer pack animals.

Please enjoy the friendship of your ciq’áamqal and your pícpic.