The overlook is on a hill above the White Bird Battlefield where a Nez Perce band made camp as they sought to avoid US soldiers who were to escort them to a reservation. On the morning of June 17, 1877, as the cavalry approached the camp, six Nez Perce came towards them holding a white flag. Against orders, one of the soldiers fired on the Nez Perce. Warriors who had been concealed by the high grass returned fire.The battle that followed resulted in the death of 34 soldiers and forced the cavalry to retreat, leaving an escape route for the Nez Perce.
The battle started Nez Perce on a 126-day, 1,170 mile journey toward Canada.They were only forty miles from the Canadian border when soldiers surrounded them on October 5, 1877. Freezing and hungry, they were forced to surrender and settle on reservations.
The overlook has a shelter and several interpretive signs. Everything is accessible.
The parking lot is large enough for any vehicle.
Overlook 45.80191, -116.2871
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