The Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, pronounced “ee-weh-TEAM-lye-kin”, is an Oregon State Park adjacent to a Nez Perce National Historical Park, site of Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Cemetery, all ancestral homes of the Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce.
Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Cemetery
This sacred site is dedicated to tıwi·teqıs, also known as Old Chief Joseph, born between 1785 and 1790. tıwi·teqıs came to be the principal leader of the waiwa-ma, Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce.Old. Chief Joseph refused to sell his Wallowa homeland and sign the 1863 Treaty. Before he died in 1871, he told his son to defend his homeland and people by saying, “My son, never forget my dying words, this country holds your father’s body. Never sell the bones of your father and mother.” Old Chief Joseph was originally buried between the forks of the Wallowa and Lostine rivers. His remains were reburied here in 1926.
This 5.1 acre cemetery is a national historic landmark and a sacred and sensitive site for the Nez Perce people. Old Chief Joseph’s grave is marked by a tall stone marker bearing the legend, “To The Memory of Old Chief Joseph, Died 1870.”
Short trails with spectacular views of the Wallowa Mountains pass Knight’s Pond, a cool summer oasis and a peaceful respite for hikers. Look for spring and summer wildflowers during your walk. You also may catch glimpses of deer, fox, bear and raptors.
For an historic Oregon experience, consider spending a few days in Joseph, Oregon, and visiting the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site at different times of day. In the early morning you’ll probably see plenty of wildlife. During the day, watch the sun cast varying shadows on the Wallowa Mountains and visit the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite. Visit Wallowa Lake State Park and get a lift on the Wallowa Lake Tramway, rising above Wallowa Lake Village and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake. Come back to Iwetemlaykin in the evening as the coolness descends.
Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast is located nearby in Joseph and welcomes you to the Wallowa Valley. This 1920s period bungalow is restored in the European Arts & Crafts style. The inn’s library includes many books on local Oregon history to round out your geotourism experience.
Bonus: for those searching geocaches Iwetemlaykin GC3W9AP
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