Welcome to Lewiston, Idaho

Chamber of Commerce
2207 E. Main ~ Lewiston, ID 83501
208-743-3531 

PICK ONE: ACCOMMODATIONS ~ OUTFITTERS & GUIDES

More in tour 4 Please email us if you want your business listed. Don't forget outfitters & guide services, parks, campgrounds, backpacking or hiking trails.

A Friendly Welcome to the Lewis-Clark Valley

Photo/Aaron Frizzell

Lewiston, Idaho, with a population of 30,000, sets on the east side of the Snake River at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Just across the bridge is Clarkston, Washington. So much of these cities are intertwined that I will present the two together as the Lewis-Clark Valley. Lewiston is the larger of the two. Over 50,000  in  the Lewis-Clark Valley extent a special welcome to you!  Whether you are a newcomer or just visiting, we know you’ll fine the people friendly and helpful.  But it’s easy to be good-natured living in the Valley.  Why?

Things like knowing your neighbors, living just 5 to 15 minutes from your place of work, no traffic jams, low crime rate and a great climate can contribute to a fabulous lifestyle. In fact, the pleasant climate really adds an extra dimension to working and playing.

With an elevation of 738 feet above sea level, the Valley’s weather is mild in the winter-rarely dropping below zero.  And our summers are long with warm days and refreshingly cool nights.  Ending a day by fishing, golfing, boating, jogging, bicycling or taking a quiet walk can become addicting! 

We enjoy our small-town living environment, but when we need the big city, it isn’t far away.   We are within an easy day’s drive from:  Seattle (320 miles);  Portland (332 miles); Spokane (106 miles);  or Boise (270 miles). 

We know you’ll find the Valley’s taste for life a natural place to mellow-out and feel friendly!

A BIT OF HISTORY

For many centuries, the Nez Perce Indians referred to the Lewis-Clark Valley as the Tsceminicum, which means "the meeting of the waters."  It was a perfect place to camp, gather roots, fish and hunt game. 

In 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition came over the Lolo Pass from Montana and followed the Clearwater River to the Snake River.  They camped at the confluence of the rivers where the Nez Perce Indians helped supply them with food to continue their exploration.

The unspoiled Valley was changed in 1860 when gold was discovered 75 miles away in Pierce, Idaho.  The gold rush created a thriving business center to serve prospectors’ needs.  Gold seekers were followed by homesteaders who began to plant orchards and grain, raise cattle and cut lumber.  The rivers flowed with shallow draft stern wheelers that took people and products to the coast. 

In 1899, a bridge between Lewiston and Clarkston merged the two states and two communities into one commercial unit.  Today, the Valley continues in a cooperative partnership serving as a major transportation center for agriculture and timber product.

ENJOYING YOURSELF

Photo/Aaron Frizzell

With more than 24 parks in the Lewis-Clark Valley, recreational opportunities are endless.  Swallows Nest and Beachview Parks in Clarkston, Chief Timothy Park 8 miles west of Clarkston, Chief Looking-Glass Park in Asotin, and the Hells Gate State Park 4 miles south of Lewiston offer beaches, swimming, and boating on the Snake River.  The Lewiston Levee Parkway stretches over 11 miles along the Clearwater and Snake Rivers with an informative visitor center at the confluence.  Another beautiful green belt trail connects Clarkston and Asotin.  Both trails provide the perfect place to jog, bike, walk or just relax.

Culture is abundant with civic theater productions, Washington-Idaho Symphony, Lewis-Clark State College Artists Series or the Old Time Fiddlers with their foot-stomping music.  The Luna House Museum and the Asotin County Historical Museum describe the region’s history and a few miles away is the Nez Perce National Historical Park with exhibits of the Indian history and culture.    You can enjoy many annual events:  the Asotin County Fair in April;  the Dogwood Festival, Seaport Run and NAIA College World Series in May;  the Western Divisional Hydroplane races, in July;  and in September the Nez Perce County Fair and the Lewiston Roundup.

Photo/Aaron Frizzell

The  Valley boasts four golf courses, three public pools, eight tennis courts and several private fitness clubs.  Within a short distance, you can find yourself in any one of six national forests, experience the thrill of five wild rivers, or retreat to the many secluded creeks and pristine lakes nearby. 

The Clearwater River is excellent for steelhead fishing with the world’s largest steelhead fish hatchery nearby.  There’s also salmon, trout, bass and sturgeon.  Of course, a jet boat or float trip on the Snake River in Hells Canyon is a must.  After all, Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America.  Don't forget, you can hunt big game in the surrounding wilderness.  In the winter you’ll find plenty of snow for snowmobiling, cross-country or downhill skiing. 

IN THE PURSUIT OF EDUCATION

We have outstanding educational opportunities for students of all ages.  The Valley’s children are enriched by over 400 teachers and 28 administrators, all giving their time, energy, knowledge and instruction to nearly 7500 students.  This low student-teacher ratio ensures the best education possible. 

Our 7 preschools, 11 elementary schools, 4 Jr. High Schools, 3 High Schools and several private schools provide excellent academic courses, athletic programs, vocational training and other curriculum opportunities. 

Photo/Aaron Frizzell

Lewis-Clark State college (LCSC), located in Lewiston,  offers baccalaureate degrees in the arts and sciences and in vocational education.  The on-campus Small Business Development Center and the vocational school provide special services and training for regional businesses. Its approximately 3400 part-time and full-time students range in ages from 17-82.  They may earn one of the 22 bachelor degrees offered through the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Professional Studies.  Most popular degrees at LCSC are in business, education and nursing. THE BUSINESS CLIMATE The Lewis-Clark Valley is actively planning for its continued economic growth.  We have several community organizations, councils and Chambers of Commerce that have taken an aggressive stance on business assistance and development.  Both new and existing businesses can readily find information and services about our tax structure, financing, the cost and access of utilities, transportation resources, industrial sites and the availability of a large labor pool. And since our cost-of -living is lower than the national average,

employers reap the benefits of lower wages, lower land purchase prices, lower lease rates and lower utility costs.  Employees, on the other hand, can enjoy lower housing costs, lower rent plus lower food and clothing expenses.  Whether in business for yourself or working for someone, you’ll find the Valley’s business climate full of opportunity. 

 INDUSTRIAL PROFILE

Lewiston, Clarkston and Asotin serve the Inland Northwest as a manufacturing and shipping center to regional, national and international markets.  Our resource base of logging, farming, food processing and manufacturing provides a diversified economy. 

Major industries are Potlatch Corporation and Omark Industries, along with producers of fiberglass products, home components and processed foods.  Many smaller industrial businesses also prosper in the Valley, Including steel fabricators and boat manufacturers.  The construction industry offers the Valley many builders, engineers and contractors of every description.  Our lumber yards and building supply distributors provide competitive prices on building materials. 

The Port of Lewiston, Port of Clarkston and Port of Wilma-the farthest inland seaports in the Pacific Northwest-link the Valley to many countries throughout the world.  Cargo shipped by barge provides inexpensive and reliable transportation to the coast for export. 

Industrial sites are available which meet the needs of a variety of industrial and commercial users.  Currently, the Valley has more than 400 acres of developed land. 

HOME SWEET HOME

 The homes in the Valley range from condominiums to mini-ranches , at prices substantially lower than the national average.  We are proud of the diversity offered in elegant, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes as well as many contemporary homes built with the latest efficient, energy saving construction.  Rental units are also available to suit your tastes and finances. 

The Lewis-Clark Valley’s real estate agents are eager to help you find the right housing situation to meet your family needs.  Or if you prefer to build your dream home, we have a good variety of architects, contractors and construction firms waiting to serve you.  Whatever you decide, we know you’ll find home sweet home

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The Valley has a rich resource of professional services that rivals any large metropolitan city.  Approximately 40 accountants, 90 attorneys, 10 banks, 4 savings and loan, 9 title and escrow companies, 44 insurance agencies, 9 investment firms, 28 real estate agencies, 6 architects and 8 engineering firms are ready and willing to serve your personal and business needs.

QUALITY HEALTH CARE

Health care services in the Lewis-Clark Valley are expanding rapidly to meet the needs of our residents and newcomers.  The Valley has three hospitals and over 100 physicians and dentists plus supporting health care professionals to serve you. 

Our hospital facilities provide the latest technology.  The 62-bed Tri State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston features an intensive care unit, coronary care unit, same-day surgery and 24-hour emergency room service.  St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston is a 145-bed rural referral center with a 24-hour physician-staffed emergency department, CAT Scan, ultrasound, birthing room and out patient surgery.  Lewiston has River Crest Hospital which offer psychiatric, alcohol and drug abuse treatment services and well as family intervention and employee assistance programs. 

These fine facilities, along with six licensed nursing homes, numerous pharmacies, several chiropractors and many other health-related consultants, make the Valley and excellent health resource for local and regional residents.  Of course, local veterinarians and vet clinics offer large and small animal health  care.  

LODGING AND ACCOMMODATIONS:

OUTFITTERS