 Paleo @-@ Indians visited the area about 12 @,@ 000 years ago but did not leave much archaeological evidence . Northern Shoshone created trails through the Craters of the Moon Lava Field during their summer migrations from the Snake River to the camas prairie , west of the lava field . Stone windbreaks at Indian Tunnel were used to protect campsites from the dry summer wind . No evidence exists for permanent habitation by any Native American group . A hunting and gathering culture , the Northern Shoshone pursued elk , bears , American bison , cougars , and bighorn sheep — all large game who no longer range the area . The most recent volcanic eruptions ended about 2 @,@ 100 years ago and were likely witnessed by the Shoshone people . Shoshone legend speaks of a serpent on a mountain who , angered by lightning , coiled around and squeezed the mountain until liquid rock flowed , fire shot from cracks , and the mountain exploded . 
