Myrtle, Idaho — Small Stop Along a Very Old River Route

Myrtle lies beside the Clearwater River east of Lewiston along U.S. 12.

The modern highway follows a corridor people used long before pavement. The Clearwater supported Nez Perce fishing, travel and settlement for generations, while later roads and transportation systems occupied the same valley.

Canyon geography limits development to benches and openings near the river.

Myrtle remained small because there was never much flat ground—or much reason—to build a large town there.

The community is one of several inhabited points strung along the Clearwater between Lewiston and Orofino.

The highway looks modern. The logic of the route is ancient.