Southeastern Washington State Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

Traveling westward down the Clearwater River, the Lewis and Clark Expedition reached the Snake River on October 10, 1805, near present-day Clarkston, Washington. They followed the Snake through innumerable Nez Perce villages down to the Columbia River. The Nez Perce were the largest and most powerful tribe in the Pacific Northwest, and had more horses than any tribe on the continent. On the return trip eastward the captains decided to follow an overland shortcut back to the Clearwater, rather than navigating the Snake upstream. In the fall Captain William Clark had established a reputation with the Nez Perce as a physician, and on the return trip Captain Clark's services were bartered for badly needed provisions.

Whitewater Jet Boat Tours

Before it is joined by the Clearwater, the Snake passes through Hells Canyon, where Beamer’s Hells Canyon Tours provides all-day & half-day tours, dinner cruises, wine tasting cruises, brunch cruises, a US Mail tour, fishing charters, float trips, and a lodge for overnight visits. On the all-day tour, you will travel nearly 200 miles round trip into the deepest river gorge on the continent. The trip is narrated by a United States Coast Guard certified tour captain and covers Native American history, the geology of Hells Canyon, the history of sternwheelers, miners, cattle ranchers, and the rough-riders of the US Mail. Traveling past three mountain ranges, three rivers, and three states you will surely be captivated by this amazing stop on your road trip.

A Camping Park on the Shoreline

In Washington, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park covers 37 acres of ground and boasts 1,333 feet of freshwater shoreline. Open all year for, the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park features 24 RV campsites and 17 primitive campsites. Hiking trails, fishing, swimming, wildlife observation, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are some of the great activities available here. Lewis and Clark passed by this area in 1806 and made mention of the unique vegetative environment. Some original homestead sites still remain on the park. Mammoth fossils were found near Lewis and Clark Trail State Park and were believed to be brought by Ice Age flooding.

A Waterfall Park with Unique History

Palouse Falls, dropping from a height of 200 feet, is just a hop, skip and a jump from Lewis and Clark Trail State Park. Featuring a 105 acre camping park, it is also an important site of archeological relevance and is characterized by the unique geology of hanging flood-created-coulees, cataracts, plunge pools, kolk created potholes, rock benches, and buttes. The Marmes Rock Shelter is the site of the famous 1968 archeological dig when the “Marmes Man” was found and recovered from the ground. The “Marmes Man” is of the oldest human remains found in the western hemisphere aged at approximately 10,000 years old.

A Wildlife Refuge Rich in Waterfowl

At the McNary National Wildlife Refuge, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation are just some of the activities enjoyed by its visitors. Supporting some of the most densely concentrated populations of waterfowl, the refuge hosts over 200 different species of birds. There is 15,000 acres of riparian and wetland habitat along with shrub-steppe and cliff-talus habitat. Quarry Pond is Washington State’s only location where it is stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, so fishing enthusiasts often vacation here to take advantage of the opportunities.

A National Historic Site in the Old Oregon Country

A key historical site to visit while on vacation in this area is the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. The original mission site, mass grave (where Marcus and Narcissa Whitman are buried), Whitman memorial shaft, and a small museum are featured here. Fishing and other day-in-the-park activities are available nearby. The Whitman Mission discusses the lifestyles of the Whitmans and the Cayuse and includes Native American artifacts as well as belongings of the Whitmans and Sagers.