🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Nez Perce Sacred Homeland — Sacred ancestral campsite of the Nez Perce people in the Wallowa Valley with interpretive trail
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site preserves an ancient Nez Perce campsite at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains in Northeast Oregon. “Iwetemlaykin” means “at the edge of the lake” in the Nez Perce language — the site overlooks Wallowa Lake, a glacial lake sacred to the Nez Perce people. The park was created in collaboration with the Nez Perce tribe and features an interpretive trail with artwork by Nez Perce artists, telling the story of the tribe’s forced removal from the Wallowa Valley in 1877 — one of the most tragic chapters in American history.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Joseph, Wallowa County, OR |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Heritage | Nez Perce sacred ancestral site |
| Trail | Interpretive trail with Nez Perce art |
| Views | Wallowa Lake & Wallowa Mountains |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Nez Perce?
In 1877, the U.S. government forced the Nez Perce from their ancestral Wallowa Valley homeland. Chief Joseph led a legendary 1,170-mile fighting retreat toward Canada before surrendering near the Canadian border with his famous words: “I will fight no more forever.”
About Iwetemlaykin
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site preserves a sacred landscape of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people in the Wallowa Valley. The name means “at the edge of the lake” in Nimiipuu. This was the homeland of Chief Joseph’s band before their forced removal in 1877 — the site tells one of the most tragic stories in American history.
Things to Do
Interpretive trails with panels explaining Nez Perce history, culture, and the events leading to the Nez Perce War of 1877. The spectacular views of Wallowa Lake and the Wallowa Mountains add natural beauty to the cultural significance.
More parks nearby: Wallowa Lake Highway Forest State Scenic Corridor is a short drive away, while Wallowa River Rest Area lies a short drive away.
🪶 Visit Iwetemlaykin SHS
Sacred Nez Perce homeland — Chief Joseph’s Wallowa Valley with mountain and lake views.
Wildlife & Nature
Iwetemlaykin SHS — “at the edge of the lake” in the Nez Perce language — a sacred site of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce. This was the homeland of Chief Joseph before the forced removal of 1877 that led to the Nez Perce War. The site’s Wallowa Lake moraines, meadows, and forest support bald eagles, mule deer, and elk.
Nearby Attractions
Joseph — adjacent — named for Chief Joseph. Wallowa Lake SP — 5 miles south. Wallowa Mountains — surrounding — the “Alps of Oregon”.
