White Bird Fossil Site sits at the northern edge of the small town of White Bird in Idaho County, Idaho, surrounded by steep Salmon River canyon walls and grasslands.

From town, Old U.S. 95 climbs through a series of road cuts that expose layers of white volcanic ash from the Latah Formation. This formation dates to the middle Miocene, roughly 11 to 16 million years ago, when a temperate broadleaf forest covered the region.

Volcanic eruptions buried leaves and plant material under fine ash, preserving them in remarkable detail. Today, those same ash beds sit exposed in cliff faces along the old highway, making this one of the more easily viewed fossil sites in Idaho.

The fossil site is located just a few steps from White Bird Battlefield, a unit of Nez Perce National Historical Park, where collecting any materials is prohibited.

White Bird Fossil Site

The fossil cliffs are located just a short distance from the White Bird Battlefield entrance, on the left side of Old Highway 95.

You can easily spot the exposed white ash layers, which stand out clearly along the roadside.

The White Bird fossil site is an exciting place to see ancient plant remains, but it is not a designated public fossil quarry.

Can White Bird Fossils be collected?

Technically, the fossil cliff appears to be adjacent to a road managed by the White Bird Road District.

While we saw collectors seeking unique pieces, we were unable to confirm the legality of collecting, and no local authority we contacted provided a definitive answer.

We suggest observing, taking pictures, and not disturbing the site. Photographing fossils in place allows scientists, educators, and future visitors to appreciate these natural treasures without degrading the area.

Always stay safely off the road, respect signage and barriers, and leave the fossils where they can continue to tell the story of Idaho's deep past.

White Bird Battlefield is right next to the fossil site and is absolutely worth your time. The 1.5-mile round-trip self-guided walking tour covers the site of the June 17, 1877, battle between the Nez Perce and the U.S. Army.

The trail gains about 250 feet in elevation and is moderately strenuous. Carry plenty of water and wear a hat, as this stretch of canyon gets hot in summer. Stay on the trail and keep pets leashed. This archaeological site is federally protected, so disturbing any features is a federal offense.

This area is special because it tells two stories—one about ancient life millions of years ago and another about important events in American history. The fossil site is outside the official battlefield boundaries, but it is in the same scenic valley.

When visiting, respect both the area's natural fossils and its cultural history.

Hells Canyon can also be accessed from the White Bird area, and the Salmon River offers fishing, rafting, and scenic drives in both directions.

There are multiple rockhounding spots nearby, including areas along the Selway River.

Also, Idaho is a hotbed of both developed and undeveloped hot springs including Red River, Burgdorf, and Zims.

The area around White Bird offers several camping options right along the Salmon River and nearby public lands. For travelers with RVs, Swiftwater RV Park in White Bird provides riverside sites with hookups and easy access to local outdoor recreation.

A short drive out of town brings you to Hammer Creek Recreation Site, a BLM campground on the Lower Salmon River with first-come, first-served campsites, drinking water, restrooms, and a boat launch.

Just to the south, Slate Creek Recreation Site offers developed riverfront camping with picnic tables and fire rings, also on a first-come, first-served basis and surrounded by scenic canyon terrain.

For full-service lodging, Lucile is about 12 miles south on U.S. 95, and Grangeville is about 15 miles north.

Lodging near White Bird