The View From This Little-Known Overlook In Idaho Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words
By Courtnie Erickson|Published February 17, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are some pretty spectacular overlooks that are scattered around the Gem State. Some of these scenic overlooks are well-known like the Bruneau Canyon Overlook and the viewpoints above Shoshone Falls. However, in the panhandle is one of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in Idaho: the Confluence Overlook. Many Idahoans have never stopped to enjoy its beauty, and we want to change that.
The Confluence Overlook is located on U.S. Highway 95, approximately 8 miles north of Lewiston. It is found at a highway pullout on the Lewiston Grade.
This overlook will cause your jaw to drop. On a clear day, you can see for miles. You can see many features including the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Hells Canyon, and the Bitterroot and Wallowa Mountains.
From the overlook, you will see where the Snake River and Clearwater Rivers join together. These rivers will flow more than 100 miles west to the Columbia River.
Years ago, the Nez Perce would use the rivers as a popular way to travel. These rivers also attracted many fur traders.
In 1812, Donald MacKenzie established a trading post on the north bank of the Clearwater River, below the present-day Confluence Overlook. This was the first attempt at a trading post in Nez Perce Country. However, conflicts arose and the trading post was unsuccessful.
Today, the Confluence Overlook is easy to access and requires no hike. Stop for a while and just admire the beauty that is around you — you won't regret it.