Weis Rockshelter

Weis Rockshelter

Quick Facts

Location:

45°57'21.89"N 116°21'49.68"W

Significance:

Ancient home of Nez Perce ancestors

MANAGED BY:

Keuterville Highway District

Amenities

2 listed

Information, Parking - Auto

More than 8,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Nez Perce first made this rock shelter their home. This small shelter is located near Cottonwood, Idaho and is close to the Salmon River, making it an ideal location because of its proximity to major food sources and transportation routes. The shelter is not a cave, but a small niche in a wall of basalt. The shelter was continuously inhabited until about 600 years ago. 

The site was excavated in 1962. There is one wayside exhibit at the site that discusses the excavation of the shelter by archaeologists, the ancient Nez Perce and historic Nez Perce housing, and the kind of projectile points found at this site.

The rockshelter has been backfilled to maintain is archaeological integrity. Tampering with the site is prohibited.

Getting to Weis Rockshelter

Weis Rockshelter is is about 8 miles south of Cottonwood, Idaho, along Graves Creek Road, 7 miles west and south of US Highway 95.

Driving to Weis Rockshelter

From Cottonwood, Idaho, head south on King St toward Main St. Then take a quick left onto Main St for 0.4 miles. Then Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Idaho St. Idaho St. will then turn into Graves Creek Rd. Continue onto Graves Creek Rd. for 7.1 miles. Weis Rockshelter will be on the right.

Things to Do at Weis Rockshelter

Explore the Site

The Weis Rockshelter is owned by the Keuterville Highway District. A small trail leads to an interpretive sign that explains the Weis Rockshelter.