The Clearwater Battlefield is interpreted at a roadside pullout on the west side of Idaho Highway 13, approximately 2 miles south of Stites, Idaho. The battle site itself is located on private property, making it inaccessible to the public. The battlefield is associated with the 1877 Nez Perce War. In pursuit of the Nez Perce, General Howard met the nontreaty bands at Clearwater Battlefield on July 12, but he failed to subdue them.

During the Nez Perce War of 1877, most of the army movements of the Clearwater Battle occurred on a broad plateau immediately east and southeast of Stites. Much of the battle area is now cultivated. The Nez Perce occupied the ravines, which are uncultivated land. The stone rifle pits and barricades raised by the Nez Perce are still present in a collapsed state, as is the smoking lodge used by the old men at various stages of the fighting. At least one Nez Perce burial reportedly occurred on the site. A sense of the large size of the battlefield has been retained through modern agricultural use. The Nez Perce village site across the Clearwater River from the present interpretive pullout is used for agriculture.

The view of the Nez Perce campsite across the Clearwater River is obstructed by vegetation, and none of the battlefield is visible from the sign. Visitors will understand the battle better if they are directed to an interpretive site where the battlefield is visible.

Clearwater Battlefield retains much of its integrity and merits protection comparable to that afforded other battlefield sites in the park. The National Park Service will attempt to provide protection and interpretation of the site by working with the landowners through agreements or through acquisition by easement or fee simple purchase on a willing seller-basis.