Tolo Lake is the largest natural water body on the Camas Prairie, and a traditional gathering area for many bands of the nimíipuu (Nez Perce). It has a rich and varied history that includes providing habitat for mammoth's thousands of years ago to playing a role in the Nez Perce Flight of 1877 to providing fishing, bird watching, and other popular recreation activities today. Getting to Tolo LakeTolo Lake is located on Tolo Lake Road 6 miles west of Grangeville, Idaho. Location:
Driving to Tolo Lake
Things to Do at Tolo LakeExplore the SiteTolo Lake is an affiliated site of the Nez Perce National Historical Park that is owned and managed by the Idaho State Fish and Game (IDF&G). There are informational panels, a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits, a dock, and a boat ramp. It is a popular birding and fishing spot, supporting a warm water fishery. Nearby Amenities
Respecting Sacred GroundThis 36 acre lake is an important cultural site for the nimíipuu (Nez Perce) and also a popular recreation area for anglers and birders. Please help us protect and respect Tolo Lake.
Nez Perce Trail Auto TourThe staff at the Nez Perce National Historic Trail have developed auto tours with travel instructions for retracing the 1877 route of the Nez Perce along with maps, graphics, and details about the confilct at sites you can see along the way. Download Auto Tour 1 for more details about the what occured at Tolo Lake and other early events in the Nez Perce Flight of 1877, or email us to receive a free printed copy. Tolo Lake History
When the non-treaty bands met on June 2, 1877, before moving onto the reservation, three Nez Perce warriors raided homesteads in the area. |
Last updated: December 30, 2022