Hells Canyon and Clearwater Rivers
The morning greeted us with a beautiful sunrise and the promise of yet another sunny day In the Wake of Lewis and Clark. Those folks that are avid L&C buffs boarded a bus bound for Lewis and Clark campsites and trails in the Clearwater drainage (KoosKoosKee in the native language). Our guide was Lin Laughy, a lifetime local resident that knows the Lewis and Clark story and the Clearwater like no one else. They visited "Canoe," "Long," and "Treaty Council" Camps, and walked in the steps of the Corps of Discovery. They talked of how the Nez Perce culture has changed since their first encounter with Lewis and Clark in 1805. During the day we noticed that dry grassy canyon walls gave way to Ponderosa Pine forests with shrubby undergrowth. Logging is still a big industry in this part of Idaho with one of the biggest mills of the region located at the mouth of the Clearwater River. One of the highlights of the day was a demonstration of native and pioneering skills. We put these skills to practice by actually building a fire.
The rest of our group boarded the jet boat for a ride deep into Hells Canyon. Can you believe that we actually took a jet boat up and down these rapids? The boat can carry 60 people, has nice padded seats with backrests, and can travel fully loaded in only 12 to 14 inches of water. It was an incredibly smooth ride despite the rapids. The temperature was ideal and views were spectacular at each bend in the river. Our boat captain informed us of the geology, wildlife, and botany in the canyon. We also learned of the history of early river transportation, mining, and local pioneers.
Upon returning to the ship, some of us took the opportunity for a short break before taking a bus to the Nez Perce Historical Park where we met our Clearwater shipmates. A local Nez Perce ranger at the Historical Park showed pictures and artifacts that explained how Native Americans lived in the time of Lewis and Clark.
The morning greeted us with a beautiful sunrise and the promise of yet another sunny day In the Wake of Lewis and Clark. Those folks that are avid L&C buffs boarded a bus bound for Lewis and Clark campsites and trails in the Clearwater drainage (KoosKoosKee in the native language). Our guide was Lin Laughy, a lifetime local resident that knows the Lewis and Clark story and the Clearwater like no one else. They visited "Canoe," "Long," and "Treaty Council" Camps, and walked in the steps of the Corps of Discovery. They talked of how the Nez Perce culture has changed since their first encounter with Lewis and Clark in 1805. During the day we noticed that dry grassy canyon walls gave way to Ponderosa Pine forests with shrubby undergrowth. Logging is still a big industry in this part of Idaho with one of the biggest mills of the region located at the mouth of the Clearwater River. One of the highlights of the day was a demonstration of native and pioneering skills. We put these skills to practice by actually building a fire.
The rest of our group boarded the jet boat for a ride deep into Hells Canyon. Can you believe that we actually took a jet boat up and down these rapids? The boat can carry 60 people, has nice padded seats with backrests, and can travel fully loaded in only 12 to 14 inches of water. It was an incredibly smooth ride despite the rapids. The temperature was ideal and views were spectacular at each bend in the river. Our boat captain informed us of the geology, wildlife, and botany in the canyon. We also learned of the history of early river transportation, mining, and local pioneers.
Upon returning to the ship, some of us took the opportunity for a short break before taking a bus to the Nez Perce Historical Park where we met our Clearwater shipmates. A local Nez Perce ranger at the Historical Park showed pictures and artifacts that explained how Native Americans lived in the time of Lewis and Clark.
