Hells Canyon and Clearwater River, Washington and Idaho
Our day began in Clarkston, Washington, right on the border with Lewiston, Idaho. The two towns are located at the junction of the Clearwater River and the Snake River, and through this area two hundred years ago the Lewis and Clark expedition paddled through.
We could choose to either ride a jetboat some 60 miles further upstream on the Snake River or take an excursion with Linn Laughy up the Clearwater River valley visiting the actual campsites where the Corps of Discovery camped. Those who rode in the jetboat were treated to some fantastic scenery, with very interesting geology, including the basalt columns shown in the picture. We also kept an ever-watchful eye for wildlife on the slopes, and sure enough some wildlife was spotted, including mule deer, some Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and even a bald eagle circling above the steelhead filled waters.
Upstream on the Clearwater River, absent the effects of the dams that are so common along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, you are therefore able to see the river just as it was when Lewis and Clark paddled through, and Linn recounted excerpts from the journals at each site, to give context and meaning to what we were seeing. It was just like traveling back in time, and Linn's enthusiasm was infectious.
Late this afternoon we could also choose to visit the Nez Perce Interpretive Center at Lapwai, and view numerous artifacts, as well as hear some Indian tales and legends. We all had a very full and thoroughly rewarding day indeed.
Our day began in Clarkston, Washington, right on the border with Lewiston, Idaho. The two towns are located at the junction of the Clearwater River and the Snake River, and through this area two hundred years ago the Lewis and Clark expedition paddled through.
We could choose to either ride a jetboat some 60 miles further upstream on the Snake River or take an excursion with Linn Laughy up the Clearwater River valley visiting the actual campsites where the Corps of Discovery camped. Those who rode in the jetboat were treated to some fantastic scenery, with very interesting geology, including the basalt columns shown in the picture. We also kept an ever-watchful eye for wildlife on the slopes, and sure enough some wildlife was spotted, including mule deer, some Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and even a bald eagle circling above the steelhead filled waters.
Upstream on the Clearwater River, absent the effects of the dams that are so common along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, you are therefore able to see the river just as it was when Lewis and Clark paddled through, and Linn recounted excerpts from the journals at each site, to give context and meaning to what we were seeing. It was just like traveling back in time, and Linn's enthusiasm was infectious.
Late this afternoon we could also choose to visit the Nez Perce Interpretive Center at Lapwai, and view numerous artifacts, as well as hear some Indian tales and legends. We all had a very full and thoroughly rewarding day indeed.
