Hells Gate State Park & Lewis and Clark Discovery Center

Along the shores of the Snake River south of Lewiston, Idaho is Hells Gate State Park and the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center. The location has historical significance due its being a former Nez Perce village. Little is left of the village, but there still remains some remnants of pit houses that were used for years by the natives when they fished near Asotin Creek.

Lewis and Clark passed through the area in 1805, and the Discovery Center at the state park has commemorated the occasion with indoor and outdoor displays, as well as a film describing the journey of Lewis and Clark through Idaho. The center also has a two-acre outdoor interpretive plaza on the banks of the river, where there are sculptures featured by artist Rip Caswell.  And of course, visitors can immortalize their visit with a trip to the Lewis and Clark gift shop.

Meanwhile, the Hells Gate State Park offers a plethora of activities for outdoor fun. These include but are not limited to bird watching, boating, fishing, camping with over 80 tent sites, cabins, and RV sites, disc golf, swimming, sailing, canoeing and paddleboating. There are various trails suited for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Park Rangers offer guests educational programs. There’s even WiFi for when you want to take a break from the great outdoorsHells Gate State Park & Lewis and Clark Discovery Center