Hasotino Village Site

Hasotino

National Park Service

Quick Facts

Location:

46°21'11.05"N 117°3'34.40"W

Significance:

Nez Perce village site

MANAGED BY:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Amenities

1 listed

Information

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that the Nez Perce have lived in the Pacific Northwest for close to 11,000 years. The river valleys that bisect Nez Perce country provided all the necessities for survival. Many of these sites continued to see human activity as late as the 1870s. One of the largest villages on the Snake River was Hesutiin or Hasotino. The village was located near an important lamprey fishery, a delicacy among the Nez Perce. 

Getting to Hasotino Village Site

The Hasotino Village Site is located about 6 miles southwest of Lewiston, Idaho, in Hells Gate State Park.
Driving to Hasotino Village Site

From Lewiston, Idaho, head northwest on 21st St toward 19th Ave. Then turn left onto 16th Ave. Continue onto Southway Ave for 0.7 miles. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Snake River Ave. Continue on Snake River Ave for 2 miles and then turn right onto Hells Gate Rd. Continue on Hells Gate Road until you hit Hells Gate State Park.

Things to Do at Hasotino Village Site

Explore the Site

The Hasotino Village Site is now owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, and is incorporated into Hells Gate State Park. Little is left of the village, but depressions south of the campground are the remnants of pit houses used for years by the Nez Perce as they fished for lamprey near Asotin Creek.

Respecting Sacred Places

Ancient places are sacred to the Nez Perce and protected by federal law. The digging, collection, or damaging of these resources is a felony offense punishable by fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment or both.