Kamiah (pronounced KAM-ee-eye) is the largest city in Lewis County, set in the narrow valley of the Clearwater River; downstream is Orofino and Lewiston, at the confluence with the Snake River.
The Kamiah area has been inhabited by the Nez Perce tribe for centuries. The name "Kamiah" is Nez Perce for "many rope litters," as Nez Perce manufactured "kamia" ropes in the area to fish Steelhead. Also according to Nez Perce tradition, the Appaloosa horse was first bred in the area.
On their return trip east, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in the Kamiah area for several weeks during the spring of 1806, waiting for snows to melt.
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Located on the banks of the Clearwater River south of Kamiah, the Heart of the Monster is the legendary birthplace of the Nez Perce Tribe, where Coyote defeated a monster and, in turn, created the Nez Perce people. A walking path takes you to an interpretive shelter and another to a small seating area where audio stations tell the legend in English and Nez Perce.
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In the summer of 1873, the government built the present church and the Rev. Henry Spalding spent 1872 and 1873 here during the construction. The church and cemetery is still in use today and stand in quiet dignity at the original location on Hwy 12.
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