Lewiston, Idaho

Lewiston sits at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Its main industries are agriculture, paper and timber products production and light manufacturing. Immediately west of Lewiston is the smaller twin city of Clarkston, Washington.

Because of the dams and their locks on the Columbia River, Lewiston is navigable by some ocean-going vessels. The Port of Lewiston is the most inland seaport in the West, at 465 river miles from the Pacific. Barges of timber products, grain, and other goods are shipped via the Snake-Columbia system to the Pacific Ocean.

Downtown Lewiston, at 756 feet, is only slightly higher in elevation than the river, about 740 ft (230 m). Away from downtown the terrain gains elevation quickly.

Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America and offers more than 70 miles of rugged river country. In 1975, Congress established the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area in west central Idaho and northeastern Oregon. Consider exploring this remote canyon in a jet boat or raft, or try a hike or trail ride. Nez Perce Indian petroglyphs and pictographs can be found in the caves and on rock walls in the canyon. Hells Canyon is accessible from Lewiston to the north, White Bird (Pittsburg Landing boat launch site) and Cambridge to the south. The Riggins area offers views into the canyon. Outfitters offer jet boat trips from both Lewiston and Cambridge and float trips from White Bird and Cambridge.