This morning the National Geographic Sea Bird greeted the day by docking in Clarkston, Washington. Today’s journey was to explore Hells Canyon by expedition landing craft up Salmon River. As the expedition landing craft journeyed up the river and into Hells Canyon, there was a chance to witness the change in terrain geologically as we gazed at the cliff sides of Columnar Basalt. We tied up at a location called Cache Creek, and had a quick break to stretch our legs, walk the property, and wander through a tiny visitor center. We were on our way shortly into the Hells Canyon National Area, and spotted bird life, big horn sheep, and mule deer. We turned around when the river eventually was too narrow to ride any further, and went to our next destination to have lunch at Garden Creek. We were served a delicious BBQ style lunch, and could walk the property where we spotted turkeys and deer that roam the grounds. We returned to Clarkston, having rode 50 miles through Hells Canyon on the expedition landing crafts.
Once we returned, there was an option to visit the Nez Perce National Historic Park. There was an interpretive ranger who met the group and gave a short introduction. There was a chance to visit the pieces on show and walk around the facility. It was a wonderful day here in Clarkston.
