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
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
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Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
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Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
