Thursday, July 24, 2014

7/24 Clarkston, WA, Bike Trail

I chose this campground for a couple of night stay because it is right on the Snake River, just across the Idaho border.  It is also a very pleasant campground, with paved sites, nice landscaping, and full hookups, although I seldom really use full hookups.  Most importantly, I had a pull-in site with a terrific view right next to the bike trail.  I haven't ridden my electric bike in quite a while so it was nice to get out on such a beautiful day, although getting it uncovered and the tires filled up with air is a chore.

The bad thing is that in spite of the cover, it was filthy underneath.  Must have at least partly been the dust storm I drove through in Wyoming, but I am sure just ordinary road dust did not help.  Cover and bike were dirty and the accelerator still sticks so I used damp paper towels on the bike and some WD40 on the accelerator control. (It sticks on, so that when I stop my bike, it wants to take off on its own.  Not very safe or fun.)

Yesterday, I drove along the Clearwater River, coming from the east through Idaho.  Just a few feet upstream from the campsite  (and at the Idaho/Washington border) is where it combines with the Snake River



This car bridge is on the Snake River.  Bit scary riding over it because there was no bike trail, which is strange because there are bike trails on both sides for several miles along both the Snake and the Clearwater.

This sculpture is in Idaho on a building near the bridge above.

This was a memorial to Lewis and Clark along the trail.  In the front, you can see a bronze sculpture of Sacajawea with waves of water behind her.

On the waves behind Sacajawea are reliefs of many of the animals in the region. 


This monument says that Lewis and Clark camped here on October 10, 1805. 

More of the Idaho shore of the Clearwater River.

I rode down about 4 miles, turned around, and then followed the Idaho side of the Snake River all the way to Hell's Gate State Park Visitor Center.  Hell's Gate is a narrow canyon on the Snake River with wild rapids.  You can take a jet boat tour of the rapids, but I am pretty much a coward when it comes to rapids., so that was not on my agenda.   

You can see what an excellent bike trail this is.  Both sides of the Snake River and one side of the Clearwater River have parks along them.  Very pleasant.




Back to the campground.  Took some photos from the bike trail.

Here is my vehicle, second from the right. 

They allow you to wash vehicles in this campground, but mine wasn't dirty, but I did get out and scrub my bike cover.  I just hate taking it on and off when it is so dusty and grungy.  I have to wash my hands and arms, and it also leaves dirt on my clothing.  I am supposed to keep my bike covered because the electrical components should not get rained on.  No rain for the next few days, so may just fold the clean cover up and stuff it in a compartment underneath. 

4 comments:

  1. I love your blog. I am putting together monument collection for the DAR in WA State of markers we have installed and am wondering if I can use your photo of the Clarkston Lewis&Clark monument. I have no budget but will give you named credit in the document. If I may use it, please let me know how to word your credits. Thanks!

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    1. Yes, you may use it. I do not need any credit, however. If you will post your email briefly, I will send you the original so you have a better version. Post it here, and I will check several times tomorrow and once I copy it, I will delete your posting so it does not stay public.

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    2. Thank you! I just realized that the marker you posted is on the Oregon side (by the Oregon DAR) and I primarily need the one on the Washington side, though would like both. Don't know if you would have the one on the WA side, but just thought I would mention it. It is in Granite Lake Park, 850 Park Way, in Clarkston, Asotin County, WA and was placed by the DAR in 1999.

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    3. my email (without the spaces) is: stirL sa @ comcast.net

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