South of today's Lewiston the Nez Perce called this area hasotain, meaning 'eel creek." The winter camp of the Looking Glass band, another nontreaty Nez Perce band, was located in this area.

The Asotin band of Nez Perce was visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and by Captain Bonneville in 1834. Both these accounts mention Apash Wyakaikt (Flint Necklace). His son, who was also named Apash Wyakaikt, was known to whites as Looking Glass, Sr. It is he who figured in the treaty councils of 1855 and 1863.

Looking Glass, Jr., was designated as the leader of the the nontreaty bands who fled Idaho in 1877.

Some jetboat tours leave from Asotin while others leave from Clarkston and Lewiston. If you would like the opportunity to see the Nez Perce Crossing and other interesting places along the river, Asotin is one place to start a ride upriver.