You could follow the Lewis and Clark Trail from Washington, DC all the way to the Pacific Ocean — all 4600 miles of it — but we’ve only experienced one small but beautiful segment: from Missoula, Montana, to Lewiston, Idaho. With almost 200 miles of dense, forests (the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests), this highway follows winding, sometimes turbulent, streams leading ever so slightly but continuously downward to a lower altitude at the end.
We were fortunate to have chosen fall for our tour since the tall, dark evergreens were highlighted by the brilliant leaves of the hardwoods. When we parked the car for short hikes, we were often rewarded with old growth forests in their natural state beckoning us to come in and enjoy the peace and quiet.
This scenic drive has to be one of the finest in America — unspoiled beauty and well-marked, well-maintained parks and outlook areas. Definitely worth the drive!
If you choose to go:
Be sure you are prepared with plenty of fuel and food since retail establishments are few and far between . We’ve read that the Lolo Pass Visitor Center is a great first stop; however, it was closed when we got there since our visit coincided with the government shutdown.
For more information:
The Lewis and Clark Trail: http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/
The Lewis and Clark Trail from Missoula to Lewiston (Map included): http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/trailadventures/w200.htm
Facebook: LewisandClarkTrail.com: https://www.facebook.com/relivetheadventure
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This post is #11 for the National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) for 2013.
These photos are beautiful. I read Undaunted Courage a few years ago and imagined the scenery. Now I can see some of it right here.
This is such a beautiful area, I’m happy you got a chance to experience it! I used to spend several weeks each summer with my grandparents when they lived in the Lewiston area and will never forget what it is like to be alone in the woods exploring like Lewis and Clark.