October 14, 2006

A Day in Hell's Canyon

Please enjoy the exerpt from our "Hell's Canyon Day" aboard the Spirit of Discovery, currently operating on our Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise.

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In the fall of 1805, the Lewis and Clark party camped at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers during their overland journey to the Pacific Ocean. At this strategic spot, the point where the Snake River turns due south, the twin cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington grew up on opposite sides of the river.

From just south of Clarkston and continuing for 100 miles, the Snake is a free-flowing whitewater wilderness river, flowing through the deepest gorge in North America. Separating the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon from the Seven Devils Range of western Idaho, Hells Canyon is rich in history, scenery, and wildlife, all guests had your cameras and binoculars in hand. Our adventure by jet boat took us many miles deep into the canyon. This was an exhilarating experience as we rocketed up shallow, whitewater rapids and cruise around the many bends in the river. Along the banks guests spotted mountain goats, wild turkeys, deer, and elk.

Humans have a long history here. Ancient rock petroglyphs are scattered along the riverbanks. On the scree slopes rising above the relatively rare fords, watch for the diagonal traces of old Nez Perce horse trails mounting the canyon rim. On our way up river we paused at Nez Perce Crossing. It was here in 1877, Chief Joseph led his band of 250 warriors and 500 women across the boiling water towards the Lapwai Reservation. Instead, he led his people on an impressive trek across 1,400 miles of the most rugged terrain, trying to reach Canada, hoping to meet Sitting Bull and his people who were already there. They were halted just 40 miles shy of the Canadian border.

A rest stop on the riverbanks will allowed us to stretch your legs and enjoy a home-cooked meal at Kirby Creek.

Posted by Leigh on October 14, 2006 1:50 PM

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