Clearwater River & Hell’s Canyon
The morning brightened and the sun rose as a brilliant ball in the eastern sky. The Sea Bird, moored in Clarkston, Washington on the Snake River, said good day to its guests as some of them boarded a motor coach for a tour up the Clearwater River. Others boarded a jet boat to explore Hell’s Canyon. Each group was to experience a delightful day of adventure.
The motor coach tour, conducted by Lin Laughy, took us to five places along the river where the Corps of Discovery camped in 1805-06. The Clearwater River on this late autumn day is a beautiful place. At each stop Lin provided us with readings from Lewis and Clark’s journals. There was a definite sense of connection with that expedition across more than two hundred years of time.
For those who went on the jet boat it was a fast ride upriver, with golden leaves on the trees lining both sides. Steelhead fishermen were present in abundance along the way.
Soon they gave way to great blue herons, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn rams. A chill hung in the shadows of the canyon in places, but where the sun came through it warmed quickly. The steep and narrow reaches of the river worked their magic on us and as we returned we felt we had experienced a very special day.
To conclude the day both groups shared together a visit to the Nez Perce Center where we learned a bit more of the fine people who live in such a beautiful land.
