Clarkston, Washington
At the end of a full day of exploration, guests return to the Sea Lion, our inviting home away from home, just before sunset. Our day began with a spectacular sunrise on the Snake River just before we docked for the day in Clarkston, Washington. After breakfast we split into two groups: one sprinting by jet boat sixty miles farther up the Snake River to reach the heart of scenic Hells Canyon; the other traveling by bus to learn more about Lewis and Clark's historic journey along the Clearwater River of Idaho. We rejoined one another late in the afternoon at the Nez Perce National Historic Park.
For those of us traveling into Hells Canyon, the primary reward was the scenery of a mountain chasm defined by canyon walls that rise nearly perpendicularly from the river's edge to tower high above us. This canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, would easily dwarf several Empire State Buildings stacked atop one another. In Hells Canyon, we enjoyed good views of a herd of mule deer at the river's edge, Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, a river otter, and a variety of other wild creatures. In years past, several efforts were made to dam the canyon to produce hydroelectric power. However, those efforts all failed thanks to years of protest and litigation by opponents who believed the scenic value of the gorge outweighed economic considerations. Ironically, the remote canyon now generates considerable money from enthusiasts eager to see its scenery, raft its whitewater, or enjoy its abundant opportunities to hunt and fish.
This evening before dinner, we enjoyed the chance to relax in the lounge with good food and good conversation.
At the end of a full day of exploration, guests return to the Sea Lion, our inviting home away from home, just before sunset. Our day began with a spectacular sunrise on the Snake River just before we docked for the day in Clarkston, Washington. After breakfast we split into two groups: one sprinting by jet boat sixty miles farther up the Snake River to reach the heart of scenic Hells Canyon; the other traveling by bus to learn more about Lewis and Clark's historic journey along the Clearwater River of Idaho. We rejoined one another late in the afternoon at the Nez Perce National Historic Park.
For those of us traveling into Hells Canyon, the primary reward was the scenery of a mountain chasm defined by canyon walls that rise nearly perpendicularly from the river's edge to tower high above us. This canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, would easily dwarf several Empire State Buildings stacked atop one another. In Hells Canyon, we enjoyed good views of a herd of mule deer at the river's edge, Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, a river otter, and a variety of other wild creatures. In years past, several efforts were made to dam the canyon to produce hydroelectric power. However, those efforts all failed thanks to years of protest and litigation by opponents who believed the scenic value of the gorge outweighed economic considerations. Ironically, the remote canyon now generates considerable money from enthusiasts eager to see its scenery, raft its whitewater, or enjoy its abundant opportunities to hunt and fish.
This evening before dinner, we enjoyed the chance to relax in the lounge with good food and good conversation.
