Clarkston, Washington
A clear, blue sky greeted us today as we docked in Clarkston, Washington. From our moorings, we could see the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers. The Sea Bird could go no further; we had traveled over 450 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and passed through eight locks that raised our vessel over 730 feet above sea level.
After breakfast, our guests departed for trips up the two rivers via jet boat and motor coach. On the quick and agile jet boat, we journeyed over 60 miles up the Snake River into Hell’s Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America. Along the way, we spotted two herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. High above the river, these nimble animals grazed on the dry grasses growing from the rocky ledges. On our return trip down the river, we witnessed a fisherman catching (and releasing) a seven-foot long sturgeon from the depths of the river.
Our guests traveling up the Clearwater River walked in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as they visited important camp sites from the Corps of Discovery’s 1805 trip down the river and their return journey the following year. Local guide Lin Laughey used Lewis and Clark’s writings to shed light on their close relationship with the Nez Perce people who helped the Corps during their time in the Clearwater Valley. Later in the afternoon, we visited the Nez Perce National Historical Park and learned more about Nez Perce culture and history. Tonight we depart for the Palouse River and a new day of adventure and discovery.
A clear, blue sky greeted us today as we docked in Clarkston, Washington. From our moorings, we could see the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers. The Sea Bird could go no further; we had traveled over 450 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and passed through eight locks that raised our vessel over 730 feet above sea level.
After breakfast, our guests departed for trips up the two rivers via jet boat and motor coach. On the quick and agile jet boat, we journeyed over 60 miles up the Snake River into Hell’s Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America. Along the way, we spotted two herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. High above the river, these nimble animals grazed on the dry grasses growing from the rocky ledges. On our return trip down the river, we witnessed a fisherman catching (and releasing) a seven-foot long sturgeon from the depths of the river.
Our guests traveling up the Clearwater River walked in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as they visited important camp sites from the Corps of Discovery’s 1805 trip down the river and their return journey the following year. Local guide Lin Laughey used Lewis and Clark’s writings to shed light on their close relationship with the Nez Perce people who helped the Corps during their time in the Clearwater Valley. Later in the afternoon, we visited the Nez Perce National Historical Park and learned more about Nez Perce culture and history. Tonight we depart for the Palouse River and a new day of adventure and discovery.
