Near Kamiah in Lewis County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Trails at Heart of the Monster
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016
1. Trails at Heart of the Monster Marker
A short walk leads to ilcwe-wcixnim timine the Heart of the Monster, the Place of Beginning for the nimi-pu, the Nez Perce people. Like other sites in the valley that are significant to the Nez Perce, the Heart is a distinctive feature of the terrain.
The nearby interpretive shelter contains exhibits that explain the Heart of the Monster story. A half-mile nature trail loops along the river – a chance to see wildlife that frequent the area.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the The Nez Perce Trail series list.
Location. 46° 12.633′ N, 116° 0.357′ W. Marker is near Kamiah, Idaho, in Lewis County. Marker is on U.S. 12, 0.3 miles north of Corbett Lane, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located at the Heart of the Monster site parking lot, within the Nez Perce National Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kamiah ID 83536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Nez Perce National Historical Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Long Camp (approx. 0.8 miles away); Asa Smith Mission
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Also see . . .
1. Heart of the Monster.
For the Nez Perce, the story of their people begins at the ‘Heart of the Monster.” As the story goes… A monster was eating all of the animals. Coyote fooled the monster into swallowing him. Using a set of stone knives that he had brought with him, Coyote cut apart the monster from the inside to release all of the animals that were trapped in the monster. Upon emerging from the remains of the monster, Coyote cut it up and threw the pieces all over the land, creating the Indian people who inhabit the land. Fox asked Coyote about the land around the monster, it had no people, what was he to do? As Coyote washed the blood of the monster off his hands, the drops became the Nez Perce. (Submitted on November 13, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Heart of the Monster.
This Nez Perce National Historical Park site commemorates the creation of the
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016
2. Trails at Heart of the Monster Marker (wide view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016
3. Heart of the Monster Trailhead
Ancestral Birthplace of the Nez Perce Tribe
You are at East Kamiah, one of 38 sites of Nez Perce National Historical Park. This area is open daylight till dark. Follow the trails to learn how this place got it’s name. The trail to the left takes you to the audio station to hear the story. The trail to your right takes you to the shelter where the story is written in English and told in Nez Perce.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 5, 2018
4. Heart of the Monster
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 5, 2018
5. Heart of the Monster
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016
6. Nez Perce National Historical Park sign at site entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4, 5. submitted on August 8, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6. submitted on November 13, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
