Kamiah is a city in Idaho and Lewis counties in the U.S. state of Idaho. The largest city in Lewis County, it extends only a small distance into Idaho County. The population was 1,160 at the 2000 census. The city lies in the narrow valley of the Clearwater River; downstream is Orofino and Lewiston, at the confluence with the Snake River. The Kamiah area has been inhabited by the Nez Perce tribe for centuries. The name "Kamiah" is Nez Perce for "many rope litters," as Nez Perce manufactured "Kamia" ropes in the area to fish steelhead. Also according to Nez Perce tradition, the Appaloosa horse was first bred in the area. On their return trip east, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped in the Kamiah area for several weeks during the spring of 1806, waiting for snows to melt..