Heart of the Monster

Heart of the Monster is venerated as the creation site of the Nez Perce people.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

46.210816, -116.005822

Significance:

Creation site for the Nez Perce People

Amenities

4 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom

There is a creation story at the center of every culture. For the nimíipuu, or Nez Perce, the story of their people begins at the landmark near present day Kamiah, Idaho called timʼné•pe, or Heart of the Monster, where Iceye'ye (coyote) killed a monster who was eating all of the animals.
The Heart of the Monster is a 53 acre site located off of U.S. 12 East approximately 60 miles east of the park visitor center in Spalding, Idaho, and about 2 miles upstream from the bridge that crosses the Clearwater River in east Kamiah, Idaho.
Driving to Heart of the Monster
Located on U.S. Highway 12 at mile marker 68.
From the Spalding Visitor Center, turn right onto U.S. Highway 95 to head north. After 1 mile, use the right lane to take the ramp to Orofino/Missoula on U.S. Highway 12 East. Continue on U.S. Highway 12 East for 55 miles to Kamiah, ID. Continue passed Kamiah for 2 miles. The Heart of the Monster will be on the right.
Things to Do at Heart of the Monster
Explore the Site

This site has an interpretive shelter with two exhibits and an audio program. These give you the background information on the role of legends in Nez Perce culture and tell part of the “Coyote and the Monster” legend in Nez Perce and in English. A short trail (approx. 0.2 miles) leads to the “Heart of the Monster” feature and a small semi circle of seating. Here another audio recording tells the “Coyote and the Monster” legend in English. Other amenities at this site include RV parking, restrooms, a water fountain, and picnic tables. Either return to your vehicle along the paved trail, or take the unpaved scenic trail to the north and west to make your hike a loop, for a total length of 0.5 miles.

Respecting Sacred Ground

As visitors to a spiritual place for the Nez Perce, we ask you treat Heart of the Monster with the same respect and honor you would show to any other sacred or religious site.

• Resist the tempation to approach, climb upon, or deface the rock features.
• Digging in the area or collecting rocks is not allowed at this site.
• Metal detector and drone use is strictly prohibited here and throughout the entire park.
• Please do not litter.
• Keep dogs leashed at all times, and pick up any waste they may leave behind.
• Report any damage or suspected violation to the National Park Service at [phone] or email us.