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Far below the Confluence Overlook on the north bank of the Clearwater River, Donald MacKenzie established a trading post in August of 1812. The fur trading post proved unsuccessful because the Nez Perce wanted to trade food and horses but were unwilling to trap beavers. The highway pullout overlooks the confluence and valleys of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Getting to Confluence OverlookThe Confluence Overlook is at a highway pullout about 8 miles north of Lewiston, Idaho, on the Lewiston Grade of U.S. Highway 95. Location:
Driving to Confluence OverlookFrom Lewiston Idaho, head northwest onto U.S. Highway 12 East. Continue onto U.S. Highway 12 E and cross the Memorial Bridge across the Clearwater River. Then merge onto U.S. Highway 95 North via the ramp to Moscow/Coeur D' Alene for 5.6 miles. Turn left onto Spur Road followed by a quick right turn onto Beacon Drive. After 0.5 miles, turn right onto Old Spiral Highway and then another quick right onto U.S. Highway 95 South. Follow U.S. Highway 95 S for 1.4 miles. The highway pullout for the Confluence Overlook will be on the right. Things to Do at Confluence OverlookExplore the SiteFrom the Confluence Overlook, you can see the vast expanse of the Nez Perce homeland: the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Hells Canyon, and on a clear day, glimpses of the Bitterroot and Wallowa Mountains. This highway pullout site also has a historical marker that explains more about the MacKenzie Pacific Fur Trading Post and how the Nez Perce people used this area in the past. Nearby AmenitiesThe Confluence Overlook is located approximately 17 miles northeast of the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center where further information is available. 
Confluence Overlook History
The Clearwater River joins the Snake River at Lewiston, ID, continuing to the Columbia River where the water drains into the Pacific Ocean. |
Last updated: February 2, 2018