Overview

Chief Timothy Park sits on a 282-acre island on Lower Granite Lake in the Snake River.

The park is known as the gateway to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the deepest river gorge in North America and an area of striking scenery, abundant cultural history and outdoor adventure.

Natural Features:

Lower Granite Lake is situated in extreme southeastern Washington and central Idaho along the lower Snake and Clearwater Rivers.

Visitors can see unique geologic features as well as many species of wildlife in the area. The land was once settled by the Nez Perce Tribe, and the park is named after a tribal chief.

Recreation:

With both a campground and day use area, Chief Timothy Park provides opportunities for nearly every outdoor pursuit.

The Clearwater and Snake River National Recreation Trails provide serene hikes along the lake shore and surrounding landscape. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail also runs through the park, and visitors can learn about the expedition, which once passed through the area.

Sturgeon and catfish fishing at Lower Granite Dam and kayaking or windsurfing along the deep blue waters of the lake are also popular activities.

Deer, upland game birds and waterfowl are available for hunting.

Facilities:

The campground is spacious and shady, with a well-maintained day use area as well as swimming beach, boat launch, and five docks for the convenience of boaters and fishermen.

There are a variety of campsites, including those with electric hookups as well as tent-only sites. All roads in the park are paved and all sites have picnic tables and campfire pits. Four cabins are available to visitors without camping equipment or those who would like an easier camping experience.

Nearby Attractions:

Both Little Goose and Lower Granite Dam feature fish viewing rooms that allow guests an up-close look at the many species of fish in the Lower Snake River. Lower Granite Lock and Dam also has a visitor center that offers movies, interactive displays, brochures and guided tours.

In the adjoining towns of Clarkston, Washington and Lewiston, Idaho, there are 22 miles of levees designated as the Clearwater and Snake River National Recreation Trail for walking, bicycling or running.

For those who enjoy cultural history, Nez Perce National Historical Park is about 10 miles east of Lewiston on Highway 12.