Snake River Lewis-Clark Valley Road Trip

When was the last time you packed up the car and went for an old school road trip? If you had to think about that for more than 5 seconds, it’s been too long. Let’s get you on the road this summer!

I’m a firm believer that the art of the road trip is governed by food so my first suggestion is to pack a picnic lunch. Think finger foods or sandwiches, some chips, pickles and a blanket with a thermos of lemonade. For down time in the car, you’ll want some distractions if there are kids riding with you; Bellhop has a great set of printable Road Bingo cards and we also found some instructions for Cat’s Cradle.

All packed? Buckle up and let’s go!

Start at the foot of the Lewiston Hill on Hwy 95 where you’ll find Two Nations Meet On the Kooskie River by David Govedare & Keith Powell, a metal sculpture installation that can be viewed from the road as you drive by. There’s a scenic lookout 3/4 of the way up the hill with a spectacular view of the Lewis-Clark Valley; it’s a good spot for a photo.

Just before the summit, you’ll see the turn off for the Old Spiral Highway. This part of the drive will require some close attention but it’s worth the effort. Interesting fact:  Charlie Ryan’s Hot Rod Lincoln was written about his hot rod race up this very same highway – can you imagine someone doing that?!

Coming to the bottom of the spiral, you’re in for a leisurely 55 mile drive along the Snake River to Lower Granite Dam for a picnic lunch. If you’re lucky, you can watch the locks empty – it’s impressive. After lunch, spend some time in the Visitor Center and be sure to check out the fish viewing window for a good look at trout, bass, steelhead and Chinook salmon.

Leaving the dam and 72 miles further along the road is Palouse Falls and a short hike to see 198′ of falling white water. Hop back in the car and head back to the Lewis-Clark Valley. The drive takes you over the oldest extant steel cantilevered bridge in the State of Washington, 1000′ long The Snake River Bridge.

You’ve got to be hungry again, right? Coming back to Clarkston, turn into the 410 Drive In for a genuine drive-in experience – they’ve been in business since 1955 and definitely know their way around a burger and shake.

At the end of a big day, you’re going to want good night’s sleep. In keeping with the retro-road trip theme, we suggest a night at the Motel 6 because … they’ll leave the light on.

Average drive time for this round trip is 5 hours. Google Directions and Lite Map, MapQuest Travel Journal.

To plan your stay, check out our RV Parks, Campgrounds, Hotels or Bed & Breakfasts and don’t forget to watch our Specials & Packages for a great deal.

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see a picture or two of your race getaway! You can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

Races, Runs and Fun in the Lewis-Clark Valley | Summer and Fall 2013

5K Fun Runs, Half Marathons, Marathons, Duathlons, Triathlons …. why do you race? Is it to keep in shape? Maybe it’s a social thing you do with friends? How about the great t-shirts? (Ahem, the author raises her hand for this last choice.)

Really, it doesn’t matter why you race. What matters is that you do race and that we have some great events on the run calendar.  The Lewis-Clark Valley provides a beautiful scenic backdrop for a number of races each year – here’s a few of our favorites:

• 35th Annual Seaport River Run in April
  Part of the Annual Dogwood Festival of the Lewis-Clark Valley, this 2.9 mile or 10K Fun Run course follows the banks of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers.
• Run For the Hill of It in May
  An 8 mile course that climbs a 2000′ elevation up the famed Old Spiral Highway on the Lewiston Hill.
• Mt. Misery Mania Relay & Solo Run in July
  This a serious 57 mile run through the Umatilla Forest. Starting at Asotin Creek Canyon, the course ascends to an elevatin of 6194 feet between Mt. Misery and Mt. Horrible, descends to the Grande Ronde River and Grouse Flats then plunges down the Wenaha River to Troy.
• 16th Annual LC Valley Marathon, Half Marathon and Doc Sears 5K in October
  All three runs start at Chief Looking Glass Park in Asotin and follow the Greenbelt Trail along the Snake River in Washington with the full Marathon course continuing into Idaho along the Clearwater River.

Part of the fun of running is a good carb-load. If you’re hunting for pasta, look no further than Tomato Bros. for Spaghetti Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfreda or Spaghetti Marinara – all available as gluten free entrees, too!

To plan your stay, check out our RV Parks, Campgrounds, Hotels or Bed & Breakfasts and don’t forget to watch our Specials & Packages for a great deal.

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see a picture or two of your race getaway! You can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

Downtown Lewiston Culinary Tour and A Side Of Public Art

The Lewis-Clark Valley has some incredibly great places to eat. There are long -standing legendary specialties and we’ve noted a few up and coming favorites that are quickly making a name for themselves:

In between these spots, Beautiful Downtown Lewiston has overseen the installation of imaginative benches, bicycle racks and wildlife sculptures along the Fifth Street intersections of Main and D streets. So plan a culinary walking tour of Lewiston – there’s lots to see and taste! You can get a map of this tour on Google or MapQuest and we have some great hotel specials waiting.

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see a picture or two of the favorite parts of your getaway! You can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

Romantic Stays For February 2013 Near Hells Canyon

Spend a romantic getaway with us!

Situate yourselves in a riverview room on the southern bank of the Snake River for some time to spoil and be spoiled. Begin your stay by checking in to private room with a king size bed and a Jacuzzi Spa bath. Once you’re settled, there’ll be a platter of fruits, cheeses and crackers and a split of Champagne. After that, you can order room service or walk down to Bogey’s for some fine dining or the Q Lounge for a fireside cocktail. The next morning, enjoy a delicious made to order breakfast in bed.  Romantic Getaway Package for two at $150 + tax is available February 1-29, 2013 from Quality Inn & Suites in Clarkston, Washington.

Within walking distance: Wine tasting at Basalt Cellars, Miniature Golf on an 18-hole grass course, Beer tasting at Riverport Brewing Company, Granite Lake Park Greenbelt Walking Path.

Taste the suite side of life! When you check in to your King Junior Suite, you’ll find a lovely bottle of house wine and two wine glasses waiting for the start of your special stay. For later on, there’s a $50 gift certificate for use at Meriwether’s American Grille, The Exchange Lounge or MJ Barleyhopper’s – or perhaps room service is more in order. The Celebration Package for two at $179 + tax is available from Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston, Idaho.

The Clearwater Wine Dinner from Meriwether’s pairs five courses with five exceptional wines and might be just the add-on you’re looking for.

Within walking distance: Locomotive Park, Jackson Baldwin Falls, Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail, Lewis Clark & Sacagawea bronze statues by J. Shirly Bothum.

How about a romantic stay & play getaway alongside the Clearwater River? Open the door to your suite and your special someone will find a flower and bud vase with balloons on entering. After you get settled, there are two vouchers for dinner and a Casino March Play for each of you! The Romance Package for two at $ 169 + tax is available Clearwater River Casino in Lewiston, Idaho. 

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see a picture or two of the favorite parts of your getaway! You can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

Holiday Things To Do And Hotel Packages In The Lewis-Clark Valley

Every holiday season, from top to bottom, the valley that is home to Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington, lights up the night.

The STAR at the top of the Lewiston Hill uses, 382 lights on 1146 feet of wire to shine down on the Lewis-Clark Valley from the day after Thanksgiving through New Years. The star can be viewed from most locations in Lewiston and Clarkston.

WINTER SPIRIT brightens up every inch of the trees at Locomotive Park with thousands of colored bulbs. Visitors can watch responsive archways change color as they pass through the walkways on their way to the giant gas fireplace. Dancers of all ages love to play on the interactive dance pad that translates foot movements to a light show on the park’s largest tree. Winter Spirit is free and open to the public. The Fireplace is on Sunday thru Thursday from 5:30pm to 8pm; Friday, Saturday and Holidays from 5:30pm to 10pm.The Park Lights are on through New Year’s Day. Get directions to Locomotive Park in Lewiston.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS at Vernon Park include lighted sculptures of an ice castle, a festive helicopter and a carousel. The display is free and open to the public from the first Saturday in December until New Year’s Day. Get directions to Vernon Park in Clarkston.

Hells Gate State Park is teaming up with the Idaho Potato Commission and Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation to launch FIRST HIKE on New Year’s Day. After walking your choice of 1.3 or 2.5 mile hiking loops, head back into the Discovery Center for complimentary hot cocoa and potato soup! Learn more about First Hike here. Get directions to Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston.

We’re excited to have you here! We’ve got winter driving links for Idaho, Washington, Montana and Oregon to help you get here safely and a couple of valley hotels have some great HOLIDAY SPECIALS for you, too!

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see what your holiday adventure was like and you can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

~image property of Winter Spirit

Haunts and Halloween Fun in Hells Canyon

Autumn has landed in the Lewis-Clark Valley! This vivid change of seasons offers  beautiful, scenic walks through flaming foliage – along the Snake River levees and in the Idaho Department of Fish & Game Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area.  And then … around almost every turn in town, there’s fun and fright for everyone of any age!

A number of haunted sites have sprung up, bringing with them a ghoulishly good time.

• Nightmare On Grelle Avenue’s admission is $10 per person and a promises a serious turn of terror to those brave enough to enter the walls.
• The Haunted House at Clarkston High School asks $3 for your first trip and $1 for any further trips through their hallways of horror.
• The Haunted Hay Ride is $5 per carload and, once seated on the wagon, passengers should bundle up for a spooky ride through the shadowy twists and turns of Hells Gate State Park.
• Ghost Tours of historic downtown Lewiston are offered by appointment and bring  you up close and personal with spirits from the past.

Trick or Treat Nights are planned for boo’s and ghoul’s of every age.

• Main Street Trick or Treat in Beautiful Downtown Lewiston is free and open to the public of all ages and promises SAFE treats and activities.
• Sixth Street Trick or Treat in historic downtown Clarkston is free and open to the public and invites everyone to enjoy contests and SAFE treats.

An a-maize-ing adventure is waiting for the whole family.

• At the U of I Corn Maze, try your hand at finding your way through pathways in 11 acres of corn, shoot a pumpkin cannon – there’s more, including a hay bale maze for tiny ones. All for $5 per person.

Pumpkin fun for everyone.

• Pumpkin Palooza celebrates all things pumpkin – music, food, fun, activities and more are waiting in Beautiful Downtown Lewiston where admission is free and open to the public.

Learn about these and other events from our October Calendar.

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see what your autumn adventure was like and you can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

Image property of JustinDeRosa

Fall Fishing for Steelhead and Chinook Salmon Near the Lewis-Clark Valley

Chinook salmon or steelhead – what’s your pleasure? One, the other or both, it doesn’t matter because the 2012 fall seasons are open on all waters surrounding Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington and we can’t wait!!

For everyone headed our way wanting a chance to catch a few of these legendary Hells Canyon game fish, we’ve rounded up a list of  licensed guides and outfitters in good standing with Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau for you to choose from.

Need a lodging deal? We’re on it!

• Quality Inn & Suites’ Fisherman’s Special rate is $75 for one adult or $85 for two adults and includes your choice of a complimentary cocktail or breakfast. Visit them online.
• Motel 6 Fisherman’s Special rate is $42.59 for one adult or $47.59 for two adults and offers the added perk of moorage at Hells Canyon Resort for $10. Visit them online.
• Best Western River Tree Inn’s Sportsman rate is $89 for double occupancy or $99 for triple occupancy and includes a deluxe continental breakfast. Visit them online.

The high point of Fall Steelhead Season is the Clearwater-Snake Steelhead Derby – the largest in the nation. With over $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, the seven day event is equal parts fun and fierce competition for anglers from across the country.

What will you be fishing for this fall?

Things to know if you go:

The Catch

• Adult Chinook measure 24 inches or more
• Jack Chinook measure under 24 inches and must be at least 12 inches to qualify for harvest.
• Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that measure 20 inches or more.

Know Your Limits

• Washington; All Chinook and steelhead with an unclipped or intact adipose fin must be released. Washington allows for a daily limit of 3 adult hatchery chinook and 3 jack hatchery chinook. Anglers may also harvest up to 3 hatchery steelhead daily and must cease all fishing (for salmon and steelhead) when the limit for steelhead has been retained for the day. Complete Washington Rules and Regulations are available here.
• Idaho; All Chinook and steelhead with an unclipped or intact adipose fin must be released. Idaho allows for a daily possession limit of 18 hatchery Chinook with a cap of 6 adults. Anglers may also harvest up to 20 steelhead during the season; steelhead anglers fishing the Clearwater River from its mouth to Memorial Bridge on U.S. Highway 12 beginning August 1 are allowed 2 steelhead per day with a possession limit of 6. Complete Idaho Rules and Regulations are available here.

Photographing Wild Chinook Salmon and Steelhead

• In Washington, wild salmon and steelhead must be unhooked and released without being removed from the water. Have your camera ready for a quick image capture and keep the fish low to the water.
• Idaho allows anglers a bit more leeway and lets fishermen remove wild fish from the water for photographing. Remember to wet your hands before touching the fish. Use both hands to support the fish, over the water if possible, so that if the fish struggles free it doesn’t fall onto a hard surface such as rocks or a boat floor.

Get Licensed

• In Washington anglers 15 & older must be licensed. Purchase yours online from Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
• In Idaho, Anglers 14 & older must be licensed. Purchase yours from Idaho Department of Fish & Game.

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see what your fishing adventure was like and you can share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

Things To Do Inside, If You Don’t Want To Be Outside In Hells Canyon

The Lewis-Clark Valley has got it going on when it comes to outdoor recreation – that’s why we’ve been consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Towns in America for Hunters and Fishermen by Outdoor Life since they started ranking spaces for outdoor sportsmen.

That said, there’s a lot to going on indoors, too. Here’s a look at just a few of the things you could be doing indoors right now:

• Sampling the craft beer at Riverport Brewing Company and MJ Barleyhoppers.




• Tasting locally produced wine at Basalt Cellars and Clearwater Canyon Cellars.




• Exploring the culture, heritage and history of the Nez Perce at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Spalding Museum and Visitor Center.




• Swimming at the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center.




• Eating one of these three famous valley foods.




• Learning about the life and career of outdoorsman and writer Jack O’Connor at the Hunting Heritage and Education Center.




• Meeting the Corps of Discovery at the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center in Hells Gate State Park.




• Enjoying coffee and conversation at Stone House Coffee, Daily’s Bakery or Blue Lantern Coffee.




• Walking the galleries at the LCSC Center for Arts & History.




• Revisiting the past at the Nez Perce County Historical Society Museum and the Asotin County Historical Society Museum.

Where are you going to start? Wherever it is, share a picture and a comment with us here or on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page – maybe give a shout on Twitter to @HellsCanyon.

78th Annual Lewiston Roundup Is Right Around The Corner

September means big time rodeo here in the Pacific Northwest – that’s when riders and fans hit the Columbia River Circuit for the legendary Big 4 – Ellensburg Rodeo, Walla Walla Frontier Days, Lewiston Roundup and Pendleton Roundup.

This year marks the 78th Annual Lewiston Roundup and when you ask anyone who’s been here, they’ll tell you, “She’s Wild!”  From bulls to broncs and parades to dances, Lewiston Idaho’s western roots show everywhere you look.

The schedule for 2012 goes like this:

Roll in to town and get yourself settled. (Pick a hotel, RV Park or Campground before you get here.)

• Extreme Bulls on Thursday at 6:59pm
• Rodeo First Performance on Friday at 7:29pm followed by Barn Dance with Copper Mountain Band.
• “Vintage Chaps and Cowboy Hats…The True Western Way” Parade on Saturday morning at 9:59am, then Rodeo 2nd Performance at 7:29pm followed by another Barn Dance with Copper Mountain Band
• Rodeo Final Performance on Sunday at 1:29pm

You’re going to need to eat while you’re here and we want you fed well so we asked our Lewis-Clark Valley locals about their favorites.

COFFEE  Daily’s Bakery in Clarkston roasts their own delicious blend plus … they make donuts. If you need coffee on the go, try Hot Shot Espresso drivethrough.

BREAKFAST  Visit Waffles ‘N More for the friendliest service and BBIT (Best Breakfast In Town).

BBQ  The toss up here is all about the smoke and sauce – Maddog BBQ and Lunch Box Deli & BBQ both rank high with the crowd.

You can find a few more local favorites over here.

So. Save the dates — September 6-9, 2012! If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see the fun you had!  Share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give us shout on Twitter … @HellsCanyon.

Four Concerts Heating Up Hells Canyon This Summer

One valley, two towns, three venues and four live shows are booked to make your summer visit that much hotter!  So. Who’s coming? Let’s take a look …

Sawyer Brown is playing Boomer’s Garden at 301 C Street in Lewiston.  There’s general admission on the grass lawn, reserved seating on The Deck and all ages are welcome. A number of food and beverages vendors are inside the gates with beer and wine available from the venue.

• July 20, 2012
• $30 in advance, $35 at the gate; available locally and on TicketFly.com
• Directions to Boomers Garden.
• There is no online source of information for this concert.

Scott Weiland, former front for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, headlines what promises to be a day of fun, sun (bring the sun screen) and great music for the entire family! Some of the best sounds of music in the Northwest will fill Gateway Golf Center in Clarkston, Washington at the 11th annual Rockin’ on the River event! Gates open at 3pm, music starts at 4pm. Get there early to pick your spot on the green grass and enjoy. There will be fabulous food from local restaurants and caterers with  beer, hard lemonade and wine by the glass inside the gates.

• July 21, 2012
• $27 in advance, $35 at the gate, kids under 5 get in free; available locally and on TicketsWest.
• Directions to Gateway Golf Center.
• Visit Rockin’ On The River for more information.

Saving Abel will headline the opening night of Lewiston’s Hot August Nights Concert Series.  The gates open at 4pm and the warm up bands start at 5pm. It’s General Admission seating in Pioneer Park so get there early. Food and beverages are available inside the event, including a 21 & older Beer Garden.

• August 24
• $30 admission and kids under 6 get in free.
• Directions to Pioneer Park.
• Visit Lewiston’s Hot August Nights Concerts for more information.

Fans of ELO and Electric Light Orchestra II will recognize the familiar symphonic rock sounds as Louis Clark, Mik Kaminski, Eric Troyer, Glen Burtnik, Gordon Townsend and Parthenon Huxley – now billed as The Orchestra – take the stage at Lewiston’s Hot August Nights.  The show wraps up a three day event and takes place after the closing Show & Shine in downtown Lewiston.  A number of warm up bands and General Admission seating in Pioneer Park means you should get there early – the gates open at 5pm.  Food and beverages are available inside the event, including a 21 & older Beer Garden so grab a blanket or chair and get in there.

• August 25
• $30 admission and kids under 6 get in free.
• Directions to Pioneer Park.
• Visit Lewiston’s Hot August Nights Concerts for more information.

Need a place to stay?  We’ve got you covered with hotels, RV Parks and campgrounds.

If you come, don’t forget the camera – we’d love to see the fun you had!  Share it with us on the Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau Facebook Page or give us shout on Twitter … @HellsCanyon.