Last updated: July 28, 2022
Place
Ant and Yellowjacket
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
46.445622, -116.843277
Significance:
A Nez Perce Legend Site
MANAGED BY:
Idaho Transportation Department
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
A basaltic rock arch along US Highway 12 that is associated with an important Nez Perce legend. A large wooden interpretive sign at this highway pullout along Route 12 tells the Nez Perce legend associated with a distinctive rock formation resembling two insects locked in combat.
The Story
The ants and the yellowjackets were friendly and shared resources, but had occasional arguments. One day, the leader of the yellowjackets was sitting on a rock eating a salmon when the leader of the ants walked by. The Ant became jealous and said that he wanted the rock and that the Yellowjacket should have asked for permission before sitting there. They then started fighting very loudly, which attracted the attention of Coyote (known as Iceye'ye to the nimíipuu).
Iceye'ye asked them to stop fighting but they ignored him and continued fighting even more loudly. Iceye'ye then turned them to stone right where they stood.
Getting to Ant and Yellowjacket
Ant and Yellowjacket sits just above a highway road cut approximately 8.5 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, off of U.S. Highway 12. Ant and Yellowjacket is an affiliated site of the Nez Perce National Historical Park that is located on private property. A historical marker at the highway pullout tells the story of their battle, and provides a view of the rock formation that the two insects were turned into. Please respect the land owner's property rights and do not climb the hillside where the rock formation is located.
Driving to Ant and Yellowjacket
From Highway 128 in Lewiston, Idaho, take U.S. Highway 12 E/ Route 95 7.5 miles east. Use the right lane to take the U.S. Highway 12 ramp to Missoula/Orofino. In less than 1 mile, the highway pullout will be on your right.
From the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center, take U.S. Route 95 1.3 miles west. Use the right lane to take the ramp to Orofino/Missoula. Merge onto Highway 12 E in 1/3 mile and the highway pullout will be on the right.
From Coyote's Fishnet, head northeast on U.S. Highway 12 E/U.S. 95 S for 1.8 miles. Use the right lane to take the U.S. Highway 12 ramp to Missoula/Orofino and continue .7 miles. The highway pullout for Ant and Yellowjacket will be on the right.