Heart of the Monster - Spalding, Idaho

Heart of the Monster - Spalding, Idaho

This rock formation is said to represent the heart of a monster in an ancient Nez Perce legend.  Located in East Kamiah the site is approximately 53 acres 2 miles upstream from a bridge across the Clearwater River in Kamiah, Idaho.

During the 1877 war the Nez Perce forded the Clearwater at this site.

There is an interpretive shelter with two exhibits located here offering an audio program giving the background information on the role of legends in Nez Perce culture.  It also tells a part of the "Coyote and Monster" legend in both Nez Perce and in English. 

You can follow a short trial to the Heart of the Monster formation, where a small semicircle of seating awaits you for you to listen to the audio program there.  It is a state of Idaho "watchable wildlife" site.

Allen Pinkham (Nez Perce) from Salmon and His People - Fish & Fishing in Nez Perce Culture states: "Another version of the ?Coyote Creates the Human Beings" story tells how Coyote makes ropes out of vines, which he attaches to the three mountains (Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier).  In his backpack he also put roots and fish and other things.  He taunts the monster who tries to suck him in.  As the vines break and as Coyote is drug along, he throws out the roots and food so that they will be there when the Human beings are created."

This site, located on the banks fo the Clearwater River south of Kamiah is the legendary birthplace of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Street Address: 39063 Hwy 95, Spalding, Idaho 83540

Phone: 208-843-7001

Email: NEPE_Administration@nps.gov