24 Things you Definitely Need To-Do in Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston, Idaho--home of the swung fly... plus a whole lot more. So much in fact, that this could quite possibly become the next destination on your "places to travel" list.
If you're a local, you'll have probably done at least a few of the activities that we've outlined below; and if you're planning on visiting Lewiston? Then you just found what's probably the coolest travel itineraries you'll find online.
We've been in this area for a long time, and because of that, we've learned about some of the coolest things you can do in the area--from locals, and from staff... and some of these we don't know where the Intel came from (or we aren't allowed to release it ;).
If you read through this list, and you feel like we missed a vital piece of "to-do in Lewiston," please give us a head's up using the form below, or find us on social here.
My guess though? You'll find some new things to do in the city... even if you've lived here for 20+ years. Enjoy!
Fish somewhere in the Banana Belt... in the Winter- The valleys around Lewiston exist in what is called the Banana Belt of southern Idaho. It's warmer than the rest of the state even during winter time. Year-round hiking and fishing, plus the region hosts the largest steelhead derby in the Northwest.
Find 9 glyphs in Buffalo Eddy- Just off the Snake, these petroglyphs were created by the Nez Perce over 4,500 years ago. This is a federally protected area because it is a national treasure, so be respectful and enjoy your direct connection to North American history!
Find and photograph the trestles in Camas Prairie- An agricultural area named for the Blue Flowering Camas that you'll see in summer. This area also hosts a beautiful stretch of railway that runs at tree-level over expansive trestles those wooden stilts you'll see in old western movies. (If you do this one, post the photos on our wall over here on Facebook.)
Find 12 birds on the Clearwater [River] - When it comes to Lewiston, the place you need to know is the Snake and the Clearwater confluence. This is the best place in the city for birding. This also happens to be the place for the super famous salmon and B-run steelhead.
Find a Pygmy Nuthatch in Craig Mountain [Wildlife Management Area] this is another great birding sight located just outside Lewiston. Expect to see pygmy nuthatch, mountain quail, western wood-pewee and the northern Goshawk. It's free, so take the family along.
Hike and drink a coffee on Cottonwood Butte- A great place to go hiking in the summer, Cottonwood Butte also offers skiing in the winter. It's the highest peak in the Camas Prairie and another great place to catch a glimpse of the northern shrike (LSATs anyone?), calliope or rufous hummingbirds.
Water-ski (or wake board) on the Dworshak Reservoir- Created by the Dworshak Dam, the tallest straight-axis concrete damn in the United States, this is the place to go for all water recreation including camping, boating, fishing and water-skiing. There are six boat ramps and the Dworshak State Park is three miles north of the reservoir for hiking or camping as well.
Find (and climb) Granite Point- Head over to Clarkston. Cross Red Wolf Bridge, turn left and follow that road for about 30 minutes. You'll see the rock directly it's right on the Snake. It has some good bolted routes and is great for top rope climbing.
Take the scenic route to Harper's Bend- A great recreation area known for salmon and steelhead, it is free access and open year round. Take the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway to get there you won't regret it.
Take a picture in Hells Canyon- Seven Devils mountains, Heaven's Gate Lookout and Black Lake just some of the recreational areas you will find in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. One of the most spectacular photo-ops in the state. No roads and amazing hiking.
See a bald eagle and peregrine in the same day on Mann Lake- This lake is open year-round and a great place for birders in any season. Expect to see bald eagles and osprey in winter, peregrine and prairie falcons alongside merlin during shorebird migrations. Sensational rockhounding and fishing at Steens Mountain. Highly recommended.
Eat home made bread somewhere in Palouse- A major agricultural area producing wheat and legumes, this area is steeped in a deep tradition of agriculture dating back to wheat farmers in the 1860s. Today, the area is a world leader in white winter wheat production.
Camp in Pioneer Park- Set about 2,000 feet above sea level, this is the oldest park in Lewiston and a beautiful place to go camping with huge grass lawns and wild roses and thimble berry. You can boat, fish, hike and swim here. A great place for the family don't just read it here, go stake it out.
Explore Frank Church... without a cell phone- River Of No Return- You will lose a piece of yourself in this forest. The coupling of whitewater rapids and the mountain expanse is something you will never forget. The must see on this list.
Climb the Tower of Babel in the Seven Devils- Elk, black bear, cutthroat, cougar: just some of the denizens that will share the land with you if you make it out to the Seven Devils. Part of the Rockies, the tallest peaks in this range are over 7,800 vertical feet. Climb into the Tower of Babel peak if you are an advanced climber.
Find out how to properly pronounce this name: Skookumchuck- A scenic swimming beach on the Lower Salmon River with many picnic tables and even built in barbeques. This local spot is a great getaway for young people. It's open year round.
Stay for a three day spa trip in Stanley Hot Springs- At the end of a rough 6 mile trek into the Selway-Bitterroot Mountains, you will find the hot springs along with primitive facilities. You can camp at the Wilderness Gateway Campground which is right at the trailhead to the hot springs. Get there before the snow does.
Smell the orchards during harvest time- Some cities are famous for waterfalls or mountains. We are famous for the orchards. And you can smell the difference.
Fish the Snake- Called the Shawpatin in 1880s, the Snake River is a tributary of the Columbia and runs right through Lewiston. This is a main artery of all recreation in the area.
Find 3 gardens in the LC Valley- Located in North Central Idaho where the Snake and the Clearwater meet, this area has mild winters and amazing summers. The growing season is 220 days- so you can imagine the scenery.
Check out the Lochsa- The Salish name of this river translates as, "Fast Water."
Boat Soldiers Meadow [Reservoir]- With four miles of shoreline and with 124 acres of water, this is a great place to boat, fish, swim or camp.
Catch 6 fish on Waha [Lake]- Great for fishing. An incredibly productive area. Go and see. You won't forget it.
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