A scenic 1895 wagon road from Harpster to Elk City gave freighters and travelers better access across high ridges and rugged terrain to isolated mining camps. Sections of the steep, narrow road run close to a much older Nez Perce trail that led to Montana's buffalo country and the Snake River Plain. Nez Perce travelers have utilized the route since obtaining horses, which made long distance hunting and other excursions possible. Missionary Samuel Parker was guided over portions of the route in 1835 by the Nez Perce.