Nez Perce History ~ Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon ~ Wallowa Valley History & Images ~ Regional Natural History ~ Bear Creek Press

Nez Perce History

The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Northwest ~ Alvin M. Josephy, Jr.

Is there any chapter in American history more dramatic than that of the Northwest from the time of Lewis and Clark to the tragic defeat of Chief Joseph in 1877? Heroic- and not so heroic - characters abound: explorers, fur traders, miners, settlers, missionaries, ranchers, Indian chiefs and their tribespeople. Now, when interest in Lewis and Clark and the American Northwest has never been higher, come the first complete and unabridged paperback edition of Alvin Josephy's masterwork. $21.00 Trade paperback.

Hear Me, My Chiefs!: Nez Perce History and Legend ~ Lucullus V. McWhorter

These peaceable and prosperous people were oppressed, persecuted, misunderstood, and badgered, yet avoided war until fateful forces pushed them into it. McWhorter was devoted to the Nez Perce and spent years interviewing, researching, then recording their legends and history. This their complete record as told by the Indians themselves. $19.95 Trade paperback.

Yellow Wolf: His Own Story ~ Lucullus V. McWhorter & Yellow Wolf

Yellow Wolf was one of the last surviving participants of the Nez Perce War. This is his story of the hitherto unrevealed Indian strategy and policy in that conflict as told to L.V. McWhorter, his friend for decades. Many researchers consider this book a classic -- one of the first to tell the story of those tragic times from the Native American perspective. $16.95 Trade paperback.

Saga of Chief Joseph ~ Helen Addison Howard

A good biography of Joseph which includes the time before and after the war of 1877. $16.95 Trade paperback

A biography of chief Joseph for the whole family to read. $10.95 Trade paperback

Nez Perce Summer, 1877: the US Army and the Nee-Me-Poo Crisis ~ Jerome A. Green & Alvin M. Josephy, Jr.

Extremely well-researched account of the war of 1877 by one of the foremost experts in frontier military history. It is the first book to incorporate research from all known accounts of Nez Perce and US military participants. $24.95 Trade paperback

Dreamers: On the Trail of the Nez Perce ~ Martin Stadius

The author follows the Nee-Me-Poo route today and tells the story of the war and flight towards Canada from the perspective of all involved in this historic event. $24.95 Hardcover (cloth)

Nez Perce Nation Divided: Firsthand Accounts of Events Leading to the 1863 Treaty ~ Dennis Baird $50.00 hard cover

Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy by Kent Nerburn

Here is the story of the 1,800-mile journey made by Chief Joseph and eight hundred Nez Perce men, women, and children from their homelands in what is now eastern Oregon through the most difficult, mountainous country in western America to the high plains of Montana where they surrendered just 40 miles from the Canadian border.

Nerburn reveals the true, complex character of Joseph, showing how the man was transformed into a myth by a public hungry for an image of the noble Indian and how Joseph exploited the myth in order to achieve his single goal of returning his people to their homeland.

Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce is a grand saga of a pivotal time in our nation's history. Its pages are alive with the presence of Lewis and Clark, General William Tecumseh Sherman, General George Armstrong Custer, and Sitting Bull. Its events brush against the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, the great western pioneer migration, and the building of the telegraph and the transcontinental railroad. $15.95 trade paperback

Following the Nez Perce Trail by Cheryl Wilfong

The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail traces the route taken by the 800 Nez Perce men, women, and children from May to October 1877. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, this unique book chronicles the heartbreaking retreat of Chief Joseph and his people and offers an essential guide for anyone wishing to follow all or part of the Trail.

The Nez Perce Trail stretches for 1,500 miles from Wallowa Lake, Oregon, through Idaho and Yellowstone Park, ending at the Bear Paw Battlefield, near Chinook, Montana. This historical guidebook splits the Trail into thirteen segments, each with its own chronology and travel plan, with alternative routes for "mainstream," "adventurous," and "intrepid" travelers. The routes include maps, GPS coordinates, and recommendations for side trips. Period photographs and firsthand accounts from those who first traveled the trail-the Nez Perce, soldiers, settlers-bring history to life. $29.95

Children of Grace: The Nez Perce War of 1877 by Bruce Hampton $19.95 Univ or Nebraska Press

Using authoritative sources, Hampton, a Native American history scholar, presents an objective account of the Nez Perce war and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Indians struggling to maintain their homeland and way of life. Prior to 1877, the Nez Perce were a peaceful and wealthy band. Misled by the white man's promises and faced with encroachment, a renegade band massacred 18 settlers. Fearing retribution, over 750 Nez Perce Indians began their flight toward Canada, followed by several army regiments. This war would eventually last several weeks, cover 1200 miles through three states, involve numerous battles, cost over $930,000, and result in the loss of many lives before the Indians would be forced to surrender only miles from their destination.

Chief Joseph: Guardian of the People (American Heroes Series) by Candy Moulton

This is a carefully researched and lovingly written account of the leader of the Nez-Perce in the latter part of the 19th century. Joseph is famous for his "I will fight no more forever" speech, but not famous enough for the leadership and guidance he gave his people as he tried desperately to save their land for them. Not a war chief but a leader responsible for the safety of the families under his care, Joseph sought peace and fair treatment from the American army and the American government. He found neither. After the military surrender in 1877, Joseph worked for the 27 remaining years of his life to return his people to their land and their land to his people. He did not succeed. Not until 1997 was some of their original territory returned to them. Moulton's smoothly written prose leads the reader through the tragedy of this tribe and leaves the reader with nothing but respect for the strength and nobility of its leader. from KLIATT

$12.95 trade paperback

The Nez Perce by Stefanie Takacs

From the Scholastic Press True Books series. For young readers age 8-10 years. $6.95

Soldier to Advocate: C.E.S. Wood's 1877 Legacy by George Venn

A soldier's unpublished diary, drawings, poetry and letters of Alaska and the Nez Perce Conflict. $20.00 trade paperback.

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Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon

The Wallowa Mountains: A Natural History Guide by Keith Pohs

The Wallowa Mountains are among the most spectacular in the state of Oregon. This comprehensive introduction to the natural history of the Wallowas covers for the first time the climate, geology, flora, and fauna of this exceptionally interesting and diverse mountian range. Expertly written by geologist Keith Pohs, this guide is a fascinating resource for anyone wanting to learn more about this truly unique and beautiful area. $19.95 paperback

Hiking Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness ~ Fred Barstad

Lace up your boots and head into Oregon's remote Wallowa Mountains. Explore this wonderland of more than fifty glacial lakes, miles of streams designated as National Wild and Scenic Rivers, hundreds of soaring peaks, and open meadows with elk, deer, bighorn sheep, coyote, black bear, and cougar. Climb Aneroid, Chief Joseph, and Matterhorn Mountains; hike the Eagle River, Cliff Creek, and Deadman Canyon; or visit Razz, Blue, and Bonny Lakes. Veteran hiker and outdoor writer Fred Barstad will introduce you to these trails and many more. Whether you are planning a day hike or an extended backpacking trip, you'll find trails suited to every ability and interest in Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness. Second edition - April 2002. $16.95 paperback.

Hiking Hells Canyon and Iaho's Seven Devils Mountains ~ Fred Barstad This guide provides trail information suited to both novice and experienced hikers, whether they are embarking on a day trip or a long-distance excursion. The book rates each hike, offers a trail map, and gives directions for getting there. Seventy-four trails are listed, grouped by geographic location. A glossary, a hiker's checklist, and rules for low-impact wilderness recreation are also included. Barstad grew up in Oregon, and has been hiking these trails for nearly 40 years. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR 2001 Edition. $18.95 Paperback.

Imus map of Eagle Cap Wilderness ~ $6.00

Quick Trips to the Wallowas by Louise Rea ~ How to find 33 trailheads on the boundary of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and what to expect when you get there. $25.00 spiral bound paperback

Imus map of Oregon ~ $7.95

Hiking the High Wallowas and Hells Canyon: 18 Hikes in Northeast Oregon edited by Frank Conley, $12.00

Snake River of Hells Canyon by Johnny Carrey, John Carrey, Cort Conley

Organized by miles headed downriver from Hells Canyon dam, this is a colorful chronicle of canyon history. A must read for anyone visiting Hells Canyon, whether by boat, on horseback or a foot.$16.95 Paperback

Home Below Hells Canyon ~ Grace Jordan

During the depression days of the early 1930s the Jordan family--Len Jordan (later governor of Idaho and a US senator), his wife Grace, and their three small children--moved to an Idaho sheep rance in the Snake River Gorge where they were short on "modern" conveniences and long on hard work and self-sufficiency. In this classic of pioneer literature, Grace Jordan tells the story of their life in the deepest chasm of North America. $16.95 Trade paperback

Wallowa Valley History and Images

Historic Downtown Enterprise - A walking tour guide to historc buildings in the town of Enterprise. Photos and historic information. $8.00 paperback.

Oregon's Wallowa Valley - Thirty-four page booklet with lots of photos and facts about Wallowa County.

Wallowa County Photo Club Calendar - Twelve months of awesome images in this high-quality wall calendar. $13.95

Wallowa Valley DVD - $19.95

Wallowa Valley Screen Savers, Volumes I and II - Each with over 30 images from the area. $19.95 each.

Regional Natural History

In Search of Ancient Oregon - Ellen Morris Bishop

Geology is an extremely visual subject, and In Search of Ancient Oregon is a beautifully photographed, expertly written account of Oregon's geological story. Written by a professional geologist who has spent countless hours in the field exploring and photographing the state, In Search of Ancient Oregon is a book for all those interested in Oregon's present and past landscapes, plants, animals, and climates. Extraordinary photographs and the author's clearly written explanations make this book unique and essential for those curious about our own contemporary landscape. This book tells the tale of how Oregon's diverse landscapes, climates, and wildlife evolved - and what we may expect in the future. $29.95 Timber Press Paper

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Guide to the Plants of the Wallowa Mountains of Northeastern Oregon ~ Georgia Mason

This plant guide is very specific to the Wallowas and includes line drawings along with detailed keys to identifying the local flora. Published on demand. $22.95 Trade paperback.

Wildflowers of the Inland Northwest: Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alberta by Ralph Faust, Peggy Faust

A format for easy carrying on field trips with 216 wildflowers identified, illustrated and in color. Organized by flower color and number of petals. This book combines a little history, practical applications, and fun information about wildflowers. This well-indexed and easy to use book is a welcome addition for anyone interested in identifying and learning about wildflowers of the Inland Northwest. $15.95 Paperback

Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia and the Inland Northwest by Robert Parish, Dennis Lloyd, Ray Coupe

Over 675 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens commonly found in the region from the crest of the Rockies to the Coast Mountains, including the interior of Washington and Idaho. Detailed species descriptions are combined with concise drawings and color photographs to make plant identification easy. $19.95 Paperback

The Prairie Keepers: Secrets of the Grasslands ~ Marcy Houle

Tucked away in the far corner of remote northeastern Oregon lies the ruggedly beautiful Zumwalt Prairie - a seemingly peaceful land of waving grasses that has become a symbolic battleground in the war between ranchers and environmentalists over the use of our country's rapidly vanishing natural habitats. It is home to one of the highest concentrations of native buteo hawks in North America. Marcy Houle, a wildlife biologist and student, comes to the Zumwalt to discover what attracts and sustains the buteos in such startling abundance. What she finds could overturn all accepted notions on both sides of the land-use debate. Important, exhilarating, and even funny, The Prairie Keepers is compelling nature writing. Drawing together a wealth of anecdotes, both animal and human, Houle portrays an ecosystem of incredible beauty and diversity, as well as a model that can save the last of the native prairies for us all. $19.95 Trade paperback.

The Wallowas: Coming of Age in the Wilderness ~ William Ashworth

Part mountaineering adventure story and part spiritual memoir, The Wallowas recounts a young man's search for the challenges and the solace that wilderness offers. As a student, William Ashworth discovered the Wallowa Mountains in northeast Oregon and they became an obsession. His weekends and vacations were dedicated to exploring this rugged country - roughly the size of Los Angeles and home to 126 peaks, each over 8,000 feet high. In language vivid and precise, Ashworth describes attempts to ascend Eagle Cap, Pete's Point, Sacajaweja, and the Matterhorn. Climbing and camping in summer rain and winter blizzards, he faces the challenge of the Wallowa high country and the humility it teaches. The book tracks the author's coming of age in the wilderness - from a need to conquer mountains to an awareness of the redemptive qualities found in these wild places and the need to preserve the last of them. $17.95 Trade paperback

Hiking Oregon's Geology ~ Ellen Morris Bishop with John Eliot Allen

Fun, easy-to-use guides to hiking and understanding the dramatic geologic formations of these regions.

$16.95 Trade paperback

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Bear Creek Press

Bear Creek Press features a catalog of 60 titles that feature personal, pictoral and poetic accounts of the history of and life past and present in rural Oregon. Click here for titles, descriptions and prices.

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