Location: Nez Perce Indian Reservation, in North Central Idaho near the Washington state border Length: 90 miles (145 km) Time To Allow: 2 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest When the Lewis and Clark Expedition journeyed through North Central Idaho 200 years ago, they were seeking a "northwest passage" to the Pacific Ocean. What they found, sparkling rivers, deep canyons and rolling hills, is largely unchanged for travelers today. Trace the historic route along the byway's Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers in this breathtaking land of the Nez Perce Indians. Whether you're exploring culture, recreation or adventure, you'll find this "Northwest Passage" an incredible journey. Suggested Itinerary In 1803, President Jefferson commissioned Lewis and Clark to find a navigable passage between the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. This beautiful byway is the easiest way to trace their Idaho route along the Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers. (Their actual trail lies on the mountainous ridges above the rivers.) Although it only takes a few hours to drive the Northwest Passage Scenic byway, to fully enjoy and appreciate this important trail you'll need to set aside at least a full day. This itinerary spans two full days, and begins at the junction of U.S. 12 and U.S. 95 at Spalding, Idaho. The byway follows U.S. 12 northeast to the Montana border; it also follows Idaho 13 from Kooskia to Grangeville and the junction of U.S. 95. You can drive this byway year-round, but whitewater rafters and kayakers prefer May, June and July when the water is running high. Located in Idaho's "Banana Belt," Lewiston is a gateway to Hells Canyon. Many are surprised to learn Lewiston has a seaport that leads to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Together with its sister city of Clarkston, the city was named for the explorers Lewis and Clark. Lewiston offers a variety of attractions, restaurants, cultural and sporting events. Visit Hells Gate State Park, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewis-Clark Center for Arts and History and the Nez Perce County Historical Museum. For thousands of years, the valleys, prairies and plateaus of North-Central Idaho and Northeastern Oregon were home to the Nez Perce people. Today, the 38 sites of Nez Perce National Historical Park, scattered across four states, commemorate the legends and history of the Nee-Me-Poo (or Nez Perce) and their interaction with explorers, fur traders, missionaries, soldiers, settlers and others who moved through or into the area. The visitor center offers interpretive exhibits, audio-visual programs and daily talks in summer. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, which occurred from 1804 to 1806, was one of the most dramatic and significant episodes in the history of the United States. It stands, incomparably, as an epic journey in the exploration of the American West. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail, which is on a tree-lined ridge high above the Lochsa River, represents the most difficult part of the Corps of Discovery's trek across the western territory to discover a passage to the Pacific Ocean. Visit Canoe Camp, Long Camp, Heart of the Monster and many other sites along Idaho Highway 12. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is located where the North Fork and mainstream Clearwater River meet. Dworshak produces 2.5 million steelhead trout and up to one million spring Chinook salmon annually. A self-guided tour is available seven days a week during daylight hours. Brochures, maps and an introductory video are available in the main lobby. The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station dates from the 1920s and offers a glimpse of life at a backcountry Forest Service Ranger Station. Log buildings are outfitted with period furnishings and volunteer provide a sense of living history. The station is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.