Tolo Lake

Tolo Lake

National Park Service

Quick Facts

Location:

45.917575, -116.238442

Significance:

Nez Perce traditional gathering location and the site where the Flight of 1877 began

MANAGED BY:

Idaho State Fish and Game

Amenities

5 listed

Beach/Water Access, Dock/Pier, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom

Tolo Lake, the largest natural body of water on the Camas Prairie, is an ancient rendezvous site the Nez Perce used for gathering roots and for meeting neighboring bands. After being forced from their homes in Wallowa Valley, several bands of Nez Perce gathered here on June 2, 1877, in preparation to move on the reservation. Frustrated by the injustices against the Nez Perce, a group of young warriors decided to get revenge. They killed eighteen settlers in the Salmon River area. As a result of this action, called the Salmon River Raids, the flight of 1877 began.

Getting to Tolo Lake

Tolo Lake is located on Tolo Lake Road 6 miles west of Grangeville, Idaho.

Driving to Tolo Lake

• From the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding, Idaho turn left onto U.S. Highway 95 South for 54 miles and then turn right onto Lake Road. Continue on Lake Road for 2.1 miles where you will cross John's Creek. The road changes to John's Creek Road at this point. Continue on John's Creek Road for 1 miles and turn left onto the Tolo Lake access road.

• From I-95 turn west onto Tolo Lake Road 1.6 miles south of Grangeville, Idaho. Stay on Tolo Lake Road for 4.2 miles. The pullout at the lake will be on your left.

Things to Do at Tolo Lake

Explore the Site

Tolo 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.