West to the Columbia

Ted. After a month in Missoula, it was time to follow in the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark expedition and wander over the Bitterroot Mountains, tumble down onto the plains and make our way to the mighty Columbia River, the path to the Pacific Ocean. We followed their route over Lolo Pass and stopped in Orofino, Idaho where the explorers constructed dugout canoes from massive Ponderosa pines. From there we left their path and drove north, via Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington to Spokane, WA where we checked into an Airbnb that would be home for 10 days.

Dugout at Clearwater Historical Museum

 

Spokane served as a good base for us to explore an area of the Northwest we did not know. One day we took a road trip to nearby Idaho, first visiting beautiful Coeur D’Alene, on the lake of the same name. We then drove north to Sandpoint, following the shore of Lake Pend Oreille to the town of Clark Fork where the Clark Fork River (last seen in Missoula) ends it journey in the lake. 

Lake Pend Oreille

Floating Restaurant, Hope, ID

On another day trip we drove west to visit old Fort Spokane, built where the Spokane River empties into the Columbia River to protect the Indians living in two reservations across the rivers.  

Remains at Ft Spokane

Spokane River (L) entering Columbia

A tour of downtown Spokane focused on Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World’s Fair (who knew?). We also found time for a hike along Iller Creek, just outside of town.

Upper Spokane Falls

Clock tower

Fun slide

 

Spokane Valley from Iller Creek trail

For the second half of our time in Spokane we were joined by our good friends Terry & Sue. Natives of Washington, we enjoyed having a rendezvous with folks who really know the area. We also had a great time relaxing, visiting and enjoying local salmon and wine.

Terry in  DC3 at flight museum

Sue & Terry & salmon & wine

As you may have read, California, Oregon and Washington have been the scene of horrific wild fires in September. For nine days we had escaped any of the damage, or lingering smoke but our last day proved to be pretty bad. Overnight the air grew thick with smoke – even waking me up in the night. So, when we packed our bags to drive back to Montana, we were sad to leave our friends but glad to get out of the smoke.

Time to go!