Located in Orofino, ID is the Canoe Camp where Lewis and Clark, with the assistance of the Nimiipuu, felled Ponderosa Pines and built dug out canoes for their journey to the Pacific.
Lewis and Clark spent several weeks living among the Nez Perce while waiting for better weather so they could cross over the Bitterroot Mountains in 1806
Just one of the many bird species you can find in Hells Canyon and the Pacific North West.
The Pacific Northwest is nothing short of beautiful, and if you have a car or even an RV you are well on your way to seeing the terrain that Lewis and Clark traversed. There are many places to visit and so much to see as you travel along the senic byways of this area. Take a drive from Lewiston, Idaho to Orofino, Idaho and visit the Canoe Camp. Here you can learn about dug out canoes that were built and used by Lewis and Clark as they made their way to the Pacific Ocean.
You can continue your journey by driving on to Kamiah, Idaho and visit the site of the Nez Perce Long Camp where Lewis and Clark stayed. This is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch and to let everyone stretch their legs a bit. From Kamiah you can continue your journey to Kooskia, Idaho and visit the site of the Heart of the Monster, the place of creation in the Nimiipuu mythology.
Continuing on your road trip will bring you to Grangeville, Idaho. Though Lewis and Clark never visited this area, you should at least to see the mammoth exibit. After visiting this area, head north on Highway 95 and take in the sights of wolves at the Wolf Education and Research Center by Winchester Lake State Park.
The lake is great for fishing and camping either with a tent, camper or in one of the Yerts that can be rented year-round. This should be a place to spend the day at the very least. You can hike around the lake, see some great wildlife such as white-tail deer, painted turtles, osprey, loons, bald eagles, and so much more. Be sure to bring your camera, and your fishing gear, to capture all the sights this area has to offer.
Once you are ready you can pack your car and continue your journey north back to Lewiston, Idaho. This town was named in honour of Captain Meriwether Lewis and is neighbor to Clarkston, Washington found just across the river and state line. Clarkston was named in honour of William Clark. Clarkston was first named Jawbone Flat due to the flat and arrid conditions of the area. The Lewis and Clark valley is known as the Gateway to Hells Canyon as many tours begin from these two towns.
