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I wanted to see cherry trees in bloom, and noted that Laurelhurst Park in Portland was said to be a place they could be seen. We'd had plenty of rainy days, I worried that the blossoms might have been rained down. Then the sun came out one day late in March of 2025, so I let my list go, and went. It was actually a Tuesday, but felt like a Saturday . . . 80 degrees and sunny brought out the blankets, picnic baskets, walkers and wheels . . .  I think that's a cherry tree in bloom--the only one I saw, late March 2025 Laurelhurst Park, 32 acres SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark St, Portland OR 97214 "In 1909, the land that is now Laurelhurst Park was purchased from the estate of William S. Ladd..." Peninsula Park, 16 acres, since 1909 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland OR accessible picnic, restrooms, paved paths splash pad, tennis court, basketball court, horseshoes, soccer field, baseball field historic features, public rose garden with fountain, bandstand, playground, community center, reservable picnic/events areasI don't seem to have photos of this one, but I must have had good reason to consider it worth adding to the post. Saturday (Mar 21, 2020) was a glorious Spring Day, what a day to go to the park! Spring Equinox was 2 days earlier—the earliest it has been in 124 years, according to Farmers Almanac https://www.farmersalmanac.com/spring-equinox-first-day-spring One of my favorite things is to explore different local parks. It's a one-day vacation, without as much packing/unpacking, preparing, adjusting/adapting, and travel. Each community has its own city parks you can generally find online at their Parks and Rec site, or with an online search, such as “city parks in . . . “, and don’t forget county parks . . . Note: keep a roll of TP and a container of disinfectant wipes in your car for using public restrooms.
Access Recreation has reviewed a lot of parks & trails in the Portland area . . . Check out https://accessrecreation.org/home/Access_Recreation_Home.html Here are 16+ great family parks I've visited in the last few years: Farragut Park, Portland--14 acres The main entrance is at the corner of N Kerby Ave and Farragut St. The park has nice paved paths, mostly level, though a little rough from weather in some spots. Nice playground, and swings. Splash area, picnic tables (at least one accessible; most could be reached over flat ground), fenced basketball court, fenced baseball diamond with team benches and fan bleachers & drinking fountain, all make this a family friendly place. Plenty of trees that have been there a long time offer shade. Kids that love big hills will be delighted to play there, and those that love watching trains can see them from behind the fence. Parking is along the streets. If you come from the bus, not all the curbs in the neighborhood are ramped. Restrooms are reported accessible, but they were still closed for the season the day I went. For more info, see https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=119 Mt Scott Park--SE 72nd Ave &, SE Harold St (NE corner of the park), Portland, OR 11 acres Just a block north of Woodstock Blvd and Arleta Triangle Square, not far from Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Reed College, this park is truly inviting on a hot summer day. Family & community friendly, it is also flat and wheelchair friendly. Amenities include picnic tables, playground, restrooms, horseshoes, softball, 2 courts for racket sports, and a community center with indoor pool. Bring your own picnic from home, or find plenty of restaurants and groceries nearby to pick up a quick picnic along Woodstock Blvd between Mt Scott & Reed College. Visited May 2023. Also in the near vicinity are Brentwood City Park, Woodstock Park, and Berkely Park, all with similar amenities (except the community center/pool). For more about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, see Blue Lake Regional Park, Fairview, OR—101 acres This park offers so much it can leave you breathless! Various events and kid activities happen through the summer, including natural gardening. The lake has a swimming beach (children under 5 play in the splash area), boating (rent paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day), accessible fishing (no license if under 12), and the park also has disc golf, volley ball, softball, basketball, soccer, horseshoes. First come picnic tables, and reservable covered group picnic places, as well as accessible restrooms. Paved paths are pleasant, and the lake had clear water when we visited March 19. There’s a $5/day parking fee (you can get a $40/yr pass good for all the Metro parks--$30 for Seniors, $10 for disabled), but the third Thursday of the month parking is free. Dogs are not allowed but watch your step to avoid walking in duck & goose poop. For more info, see https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/blue-lake-regional-park Commonwealth Lake Park, Tualatin Hills Park & Rec District, Beaverton—20-30 acres Such a serene, scenic park when we visited Presidents’ Day 2020. Much of the soccer area was still soggy from winter rains, but the paved path that encircles the lake was great, along with benches and picnic tables. There are very nice accessible fishing piers (lake is stocked with trout, other species), and a playground. It’s in a nice quiet neighborhood. We only saw very limited street parking, and port-a-potties (one looked large enough for wheelchairs). Access from SW Butner Rd, SW Huntington Ave, or SW Foothill Dr. Address: SW Foothill & SW Huntington, or, SW Butner Rd & SW Huntington Ave. More info at http://www.thprd.org/parks-and-trails/detail/commonwealth-lake-park and https://www.google.com/maps/place/Commonwealth+Lake+Park/@45.5116476,-122.8073992,18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x54950ecc04211c9b:0xca507fa9c19fc5e8!8m2!3d45.5123943!4d-122.8051644 Progress Lake Park, Barrows Park, Westside Trail, Beaverton A guy fishing at Commonwealth Lake Park recommended Progress Lake Park, and we finally found the time and place. There's no parking for the park. We finally parked in Progress Ridge Town Square at SW Menlor Lane & SW Barrows Road. From there you can stroll/roll past La Provence Bistro, Boulangerie & Patisserie (at 15151 SW Barrows Rd, Beaverton https://www.provencepdx.com/ ) to the entrance of Progress Lake Park. There's a bench, a drinking fountain for the standers, for the sitters, and for the 4-leggers. A ramp takes you down to a lower deck and a nice accessible floating fishing pier. The long ramp is reasonable, but you might not mind a little power assist on the way back up. The park is essentially just slightly larger than the little "lake". It has a waterfall that would be pretty when it's running. If you walk/roll (note the clever sidewalk art reminding you that the drains drain into the lake) a couple blocks up SW Menlor Lane, you will come to long and narrow Barrows Park. It's a part of Westside Trail, is paved, nice and wide, and they've managed to fit a few picnic tables (one cut away for wheelchairs), as well as cute animal statues and less ordinary playground equipment for the little ones to climb on. The playground and picnic tables are west of Menlor. Benches are placed along the trail as well. The 6 mile trail "intersects or provides nearby access to several THPRD [Tualitan Hills Parks and Rec] parks, including Progress Lake, Barrows Park, Murrayhill Park, Westside Linear Park, Hart Meadows Park, Summercrest Park and Burntwood Park." PDF maps of 3 segments of the trail can be found at http://www.thprd.org/parks-and-trails/westside-trail We saw indications of lots of parks as we drove to and from Progress Lake Park, and the easiest way I found to reconnoiter them was to Google "parks in Beaverton Oregon" and see them pinpointed and labeled on the map. You can then pursue more info about the one(s) you want to explore more. Henry Hagg Lake--Scoggins Valley Park, Washington county OR; the lake itself is over 1100 acres We finally made it out to Hagg Lake mid Jan 2021. No crowds, a beautiful day--48 degrees. Principle visitors were fishing, augmented by kayakers, bikers, hikers, dog walkers, picnickers. The entrance sign for the park is not where you enter, unless you want to see the spillway. But the road is blocked: authorized vehicles only. Next on the main road you come to the fee station, cost was $7, but we counted MLK Jr Day as non-fee and the ranger station was closed. Maps of the park were for the taking at the fee station. You can pay by card or cash. We drove around the lake on easily driven hills (more of an exercise on bikes), stopping at the several parks-within-the-park (which all had signs/maps showing where you are and other places to go):
Nearest towns are Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Gaston, which look interesting to explore as well. Lacamas Lake & Lacamas Park, Camas WA--Lacamas Park 312 acres, Heritage Park 5 acre It’s a little tricky to get to Lacamas Lake (Heritage Park) and Lacamas Park, Camas WA. From Portland, take Hwy 14 east from either I-5 or I-205 (about 11-12 miles from I-5), then exit 12 for NW 6th Ave, turn left onto Division Street, right turn onto NE 17th Ave, and left onto NE Everett St, and follow that to Lacamas Park (which includes the not-so-very-round Round Lake, an extension of Lacamas Lake). If you want to go to Lacamas Lake, just south of Lacamas Park turn west onto NW Lake Rd, and it’s not far, on the right. The sign says Heritage Park. Lacamas Park is cool and shady in the picnic/playground/restroom area. Some of the picnic areas have grills, charcoal disposal is close by, and the site below says there’s a non-reservable picnic shelter with water and electricity. There are trails, part of which are wheelchair friendly (paved in the picnic area, packed gravel beyond, and further beyond there are some hills that would require a helper for a manual wheelchair). If you want to combine family fun and education, they have some really great informative signs about the water cycle and so forth. The park offers fishing, and perhaps a disabled person could fish off the bridge to the left as you enter the park. Much is changing as of 2020, and this site is not quite up to date, but still useful: https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/lacamas-regional-park Heritage Park on Lacamas Lake has a boat ramp and docks people use to launch kayaks and to fish from, as well as a playground and picnic tables. Behind the small lodge is another access to the lake that can be used for fishing. I recommend having a helper to access the lake. It includes the 3.5 mile Lacamas Heritage Trail of hardpacked dirt/gravel, good enough for strollers and rollers, mostly flat. People like to swim there, but watch for notices of blue green algae outbreaks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacamas_Lake Port of Camas-Washougal, Marina Park, Washougal Waterfront Park & Trail, Washington Five miles east of Portland, on the Washington side (just off Hwy 14) is a beautiful new park (or series of parks) with paved path, picnic tables & benches, accessible picnic tables under a shelter, excellent view of Mt. Hood and scenic sunsets. The playground is a short walk from the picnic area and includes a Sasquatch, xylophone, drums, and other natural ways to play. Access to the Columbia River for boating and fishing. There’s a ramp down to the fishing dock, but it is very steep and long. There are informational/educational signs, including about the solar powered accessible restroom. Right next to the Washougal Waterfront Park is the Marina Park and Parker’s Landing Historical Park where the city of Camas hosts great events, such as all-day 4th of July, Christmas ships viewing, etc. You can sign up for news. https://portcw.com/ see also https://portcw.com/parks-trails/ Captain William Clark Park, Washougal, WA—85/93 acres along the Columbia River Just down the road from Port of Camas-Washougal is the Capt. Wm Clark Park, off Hwy 14. The Corps of Discover stopped there 6 days in 1806. There are replicas of their canoes/dugouts as well as canoe and swimming access, reservable covered picnic areas beside individual picnic tables, grills, volleyball standards, accessible restrooms, trails (some paved, some packed gravel ok for wheelchairs). The Lewis & Clark Heritage trail runs along that way, but is not accessible. The goal is to connect the trails all along the Columbia . . . presently the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail (aka The Columbia River Dike Trail) that goes from Steamboat Landing to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge—3 miles. See also https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/captain-william-clark-regional-park-cottonwood-beach Vancouver Waterfront Park, WA--32 acre urban development with 7.3 acres of park Vancouver, WA is developing its waterfront area into quite a lovely, (mostly so far) accessible walk along the river: A popular pet walk, friendly and family meeting and playing place, eating place, learning place, living and working place, and delight to the senses and soul. There are parking lots near, and street parking, but parking costs between 7am and 6pm. https://thewaterfrontvancouverusa.com/ Google says that you can walk from Waterfront Park to join Columbia River Renaissance Trail via Columbia Way in 15 minutes (.7 miles). The Renaissance Trail paves the way between Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver (the Washington Vancouver) to Wintler Park 5 miles east. Find out more about wonders of that nature at https://www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/columbia-river-renaissance-trail-5-miles Vancouver Lake Regional Park, WA--190 acres, 35 developed As with most recreational areas, there is a fee "to park" in the park (you can walk or bike in for free--this park is about 6 miles from downtown). The fees here are not hefty ($3/car), but if you go often, it's worth investing the $30 for an annual pass that is good for 4 regional parks. You can pay with cash or card. This and Frenchman's Bar used to be free in the off-season, but now the fee is year round. This park has wide expanses of grass between the parking and lake, lots of room for kids to run. Make sure they don't run into the water when there's an algae outbreak. It's still a pleasant place to recreate for the day, picnic tables, grills, sand volleyball, beside what you bring for yourself. The playgrounds are far from the water, but near the group picnic shelters and one of the restrooms, so if your kids can't resist getting into what they can see so beautifully before them, you can keep out of sight of the water. Those that can enjoy the views without dipping, needn't be concerned. https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/vancouver-lake-regional-park Frenchman's Bar Regional Park--120 acres You can walk, bike, ride horses on a nice 3 mile paved trail between Vancouver Lake and Frenchman's Bar, or, you can drive 2.6 miles by car. 3 miles or less from Vancouver Lake Regional Park, is Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. It offers picnicking, trails, 8 reservable sand volleyball courts, 2 reservable group picnic shelters & 2 playgrounds, as well as fishing. Swimming is not recommended because of swift currents and a steep drop-off. No personal watercraft are allowed, but you can watch the big ships go by. https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/frenchmans-bar-regional-park Lewisville Regional Park--159 acres along the East Fork of the Lewis River, Battle Ground, WA "The park was built starting in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) recreational center project. The architecture and overall design of the park is intentionally rustic, a common idiom promoted by federal land management agencies in the early part of the 20th century. Lewisville park is the oldest in the county park system and is one of the most significant and lasting examples of the WPA in Clark County." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewisville_Park A very family and group oriented park. I recommend scoping it out to reserve the site that best fits your family or group. These few pictures can't tell the half of the treasures there. Wend your way through the park on wide, easy trails--most packed gravel, but some paved in the main area. Picnic spots for shade or sunshine, small or large family, many with faucets, grills, charcoal disposal, etc. Beach access for swimming (at your own risk--rapids rise rapidly from calmer waters), fenced tennis/basketball court, a more formal baseball diamond, but other fields could accommodate baseball, soccer, or other netted sports, with your own equipment. Horseshoes and fishing. Of course the restrooms were closed for COVID-19 when we were last there, so I couldn't show what they look like inside. Everyone was courteous and kept their distance as advised. The parking fees are nominal ($3/car, etc). You'll find cars parked just outside the entrance, as walkers/bike riders don't have to pay a parking fee. For more photos & info about the vicinity, see https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/battle-ground-lake-state-park-wa information, see https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/lewisville-regional-park Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland, WA—85 acres of lake, 6.5 acre park A pretty family park (gorgeous fall colors), with playground, covered and uncovered picnic tables, swimming beach, no-wake boating, paved path, accessible (but a little scary) fishing dock (stocked fishing), skateboard park, restrooms/porta potties, and city events, such as an annual kids fishing derby in April, Easter egg hunt, RC boat racing. See also http://www.lewisriver.com/horseshoe.html and http://www.ci.woodland.wa.us/departments/parks/city.php Marine Park and Louis Rasmussen Day Park, Port of Kalama, WA Only about a half hour north of Portland, via I-5, is Kalama, WA. In fact, I-5 goes right through it. Between the freeway and the Columbia River are train tracks and industrial development. So you might drive by, never guessing what a treasure hugs the Columbia there. You might happen to notice McMenamin's Lodge and Restaurant (tasty food, but a burger is $15; great staff). It's in a choice spot. "The Port of Kalama offers stellar riverfront recreational facilities, including walking and biking paths, playgrounds, covered picnic shelters and the tallest totem pole in the Pacific Northwest! The Port operates a 222-slip marina, and its public beaches are a southwest Washington destination for swimming, windsurfing, fishing and relaxing." There's an amphitheater as well as tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and benches facing the river and the sunset. The group picnic shelters are first come first serve, but you can call to put a group event on the calendar. https://portofkalama.com/recreation/ Lake Sacajawea Park, Longview WA—67 acres Very picturesque park with playground, packed gravel trails (ok for wheelchairs), kayaking/canoeing, really nice accessible fishing piers (warm water), picnic tables and benches, bridges, gardens, Solar System Walk, arboretum, Japanese Gardens, wildlife, city events, such as kids fishing derby, Concerts at the Lake (summer evenings), 4th of July. Nice quiet neighborhood, except the end where the hospital parking tends to overflow into the park area. The restrooms needed attention when we were there Nov 2019. See also https://www.mylongview.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Sacajawea-12 as well as https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/lake-sacajawea and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sacajawea_(Longview,_Washington)
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Some of the Wildlife they would have seen along the way Sacajawea and the Corps of Discovery (Lewis & Clark Expedition) traveled down the Columbia in 1805, and back up it in 1806. But I am combining the sites for both ways as one trip west down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean: the Washington side, and the Oregon side.  Lewis & Clark on the Columbia River--Pasco WA to White Salmon WA, Hood River OR
 Lewis & Clark cruise adventure offered by American Cruise Lines. American Cruise Lines Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Cape Disappointment State Park, WA An illustrated timeline and exhibits about the Corps of Discovery, and a few other displays pertinent to the area. Click on the photos below to enlarge them. Navigate through them by clicking arrows forward and backward. Note: Lewis & Clark didn't name Cape Disappointment, shipboard explorers before them did.  The Columbia & Snake Comapanion, A Historical Map--from John Day Dam to the Pacific  Sacajawea exhibit at the Idaho State Museum, Boise Sacajawea (Sacagawea) was literally a native of what’s now Lemhi County ID, a member of the local Shoshone tribe. Salmon (Lemhi county) ID is about an 11 hour drive from Portland, if you can drive it without stopping. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational CenterVisitor Info
Local Sites, Salmon ID http://salmonidaho.com/local-sites Salmon Chamber of Commerce6 min video (2009)11 min video (2018) When she was about 10-12 years old, Sacajawea was captured by Hidatsa raiders, and ended up near what would come to be called Washburn ND, where she became second wife to Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian trapper. When Lewis & Clark, with the Corps of Discovery, reached that area upstream from St Louis via the Missouri River, they built Fort Mandan and hired Charbonneau as another interpreter/guide. Sacajawea came with (as was expected), and became a valuable asset, the only woman of the Corps--a new teenaged mother with her baby boy a few months old. She served as interpreter, part guide, symbol of peace (no war parties would include a woman and child), negotiator, food gatherer, and generally helpful member. One of the multitudes of "ordinary" women across time and place, who bravely faced extraordinary challenges without fanfare. Sacajawea’s Life
The Corps of Discovery exhibits in Boise ID The Corps didn't ever go through Boise, but as Idaho's capitol, exhibits in the capitol bldg and the Idaho State Museum have something to show and tell about the expedition that traveled through northern Idaho, and began the state's history that followed.
Sculpture Lewis & Clark & Seaman—Frontier Park on the Missouri River--500 S Riverside Dr, St Charles MO a suburb of St. Louis The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, Camp Dubois—Hartford, Illinois
Chamberlain Lewis & Clark Welcome Center & Rest Area-- I-90 at mile post 264.4 Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center on the Missouri River, Chamberlain South Dakota. Photos courtesy Sally Jackson, June 2024 Lewis and Clark Trail brochure showing dates Corps of Discovery, Lewis & Clark Expedition--places to visit in North Dakota  Engaging poster about the Corps of Discovery experience. Corps of Discovery, Lewis & Clark Expedition--places to visit in Montana Sacagawea Rest Park—Darby Montana
Lolo Pass, Long Camp, Weippe, Canoe Camp--Idaho
Orofino ID
 Dam sites along the Corps of Discovery trail: Dworshak Dam on the Clearwater River, then along the Snake River to McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Map from the McNary Dam visitor center.
 The Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, about 15 min east of Lewiston ID focuses on the life of the Nez Perce (whom the Corps of Discovery found to be life savers and friends). There are informative slides playing that give info about Lolo Pass, Long Camp, Weippe, and Canoe Camp. Lewiston ID to/from The Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center On the north side of Hwy 12 between Lewiston and the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center is the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge (including RV camping, gas & convenience store). On the south side of Hwy 12 along the Clearwater River are some pull-outs with interpretive signs about the Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark. Where Hwy 95 temporarily intertwines with Hwy 12 on the north side of Lewiston are some great historic metal statues (The North Lewiston Gateway Project) , including Lewis & Clark and Sacajawea with the Nez Perce. You can enjoy some of the art as you travel south into Lewiston, but most of the works are not placed for picture taking. From the frontage road on the south side of the highway I could at least photograph one set.
Lewis and Clark Center (or Confluence Center), at the confluence of the Snake & Clearwater Rivers, Lewiston ID (here are a few images--it was necessary to take the photos at odd angles to reduce reflection) The way is paved, as a part of the 12-13 mi levee trail along the Snake and Clearwater rivers, but requires the power of a helper or a motor for a person in a wheelchair to manage the inclines of the accesses. On one of my trips I was blessed by a kindly person who volunteered both her time and trouble to help me, and on the other I had an electric wheelchair. The levee trail offers wondrous views of the rivers.
Nez Perce County Historical Museum, Lewiston ID (the parts that apply to Sacajawea/Lewis & Clark) This museum complex has so much to explore! And they have taken care to have great interactive exhibits for kids, helping them get a real feel for history. Visited June of 2021. Pioneer Park, Lewiston ID This park not far, up the hill on 5th from City Center. Beside a Sacajawea statue and interpretive signs, a playground and plenty of running room, picnic tables, band shell, and restrooms, event hosting, it has benches overlooking the city and hills beyond. PDF of Lewiston City parks with addresses, acreage, and amenities A few photos from my visit in June of 2021: Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston ID I had tried to get photos of the Sacajawea statue on campus when I traveled to Lewiston in June of 2021, but in March of 2022 I found a complimentary handicapped visitor parking space right across from the statue, so got out to get better photos. I'm so glad I did! I found more great statues, and the halls named after Lewis, Clark, Jefferson, beside Sacajawea Hall. As is often the case, the campus has great old architecture as well as modern. I intend to inculde more photos in a later post, but here are some especially relevant to Lewis & Clark. Kiwanis Park, Lewiston ID "One of Lewiston’s premier parks this is a beautifully designed area next to the Clearwater-Snake River National Recreational Trail. The park includes Mtn. Dew Skate Park, playground equipment, and picnic tables and shelter. There is plenty of shade for hot afternoons and it’s just a short walk to the Snake River. Kiwanis Park is a location of choice for local fun runs, and events of all sorts." This has one or more access points to the levee trail, which offers wonderful views of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, but I was very glad in 2022 to have an electric chair, as I was on my own, and to get to the crown of the levee would have been impossible without it. Kiwanis park stretches from about 3rd to 11th along the Snake River, and diagonally opposite on 11th food trucks are parked. Address, map, and links to visitor guides: Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston ID (more to see in person, of course) This was a really awesome place to visit, both indoors and out, as well as to get information. Down the road are boating/jetboating access, a campground, and day use area (all requiring fees). For info and photos of jetboating Hells Canyon, get to the bottom of Meriwether’s Bistro, located in Hells Canyon Grand Hotel--621 21st St, Lewiston ID In June of 2021 I found "cedar-planked potlatch salmon", and thought that appropriate for a core of discovery in Lewiston ID. The Hells Canyon Grand Hotel is grand. I arrived at The Meriwether's Bistro after dark, yet was able to be seated with no reservations. They had mood-setting lights in the outdoor dining space and a good band was playing. The waitress was friendly and helpful (I needed a table situated where I could plug in and recharge my phone). The "plank", served with the salmon atop, was rather small and thin. Never mind that, it was still delicious. Planked Potlatch -Planked Potlatch Salmon Bison Burger at Main St Grill, 625 Main, right downtown Lewiston ID In March of 2022 I hoped I might find some native American snacks at The Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, or somewhere. Maybe there's a place to find something like bison jerky, native nuts/berries/seeds. Next best was to find a Bison Burger at Main St Grill in Lewiston ID. Any of their burgers can be made a bison burger, so I chose the Avocado Bacon Burger (as far from native food as that is--it's just a nod in that direction), and a side salad instead of fries (for the sake of diabetes). I found a parking spot in front of the restaurant and ordered it by phone (because I could not deploy my van ramp: it would be right in the one-way street); the friendly and kind young woman delivered my food curbside. Clarkston WA  Granite Lake Park, Port of Clarkston, Visit Lewis Clark Valley office "This six-acre park is located in the Port of Clarkston. It is landscaped with plants that were native to the area 200 years ago. The park has views of the Snake River and the northern valley hills. There are picnic tables for your enjoyment and paved pathways to take a stroll. You can also access the greenbelt walking path and the dock at Roosters Waterfront Restaurant." In the same area are the Port of Clarkston and the Visit Lewis Clark Valley office. Best Western Inn at Hells Canyon, Bridge Street/Hwy 12, Clarkston WA Not exactly at Hells Canyon, but distances are relative, I suppose. The decor definitely corresponds with the Snake River and Lewis & Clark. This hotel is easy to find, enter, and exit, being right on Hwy 12 aka Bridge St. The lobby is grand, the breakfast area commodious, and they offer not only a nice buffet, but omelets prepared to order. There's a nice gas fire in the dining as well as the patio area. I was pleased to find they had almond milk as well as other choices suitable for diabetics. My room was comfortable, except that I had to fight the bathroom door to maneuver with my wheelchair. I'll save some photos for a later post. Lewis & Clark Timeline at Hells Canyon Resort, Clarkston WA From Bridge St/Hwy 12, turn north at 15th St as if going across the Hwy 128 bridge over the Snake River, but before the bridge watch carefully for the turn to the west to get to the Hells Canyon Resort. Follow Port Dr west to the entrance of the Resort. Just past the buildings, on the right by the water, is the public parking and walkway with the Lewis & Clark timeline embedded in the concrete. Really worth strolling/rolling. Photos below are probably not in order, nor complete. Lewis & Clark Historical Marker Hwy 12 at the side of Red Wolf Golf Club, and Golf Course Pond On the west side of Clarkston WA, Hwy 12, there's a pull-out with an historical marker, the golf course behind it. Just west of that is Golf Course Pond for fishing. The dock looks like it might have a little bit too much of a drop for a solo person in a wheelchair. Might be fine with a helper. West of Clarkston WA, Hwy 12 Chief Timothy Park is an island in the Columbia River 8 mi west of Clarkston WA on Hwy 12, with camping, RV facilities, flush toilets, playground, volleyball, swimming, boating, hot showers in the summer. Lewis & Clark passed through the native village there when Chief Timothy was 5 yrs old. Beyond that a ways is a large Boy Scout Lewis & Clark Trail sign. Hwy 12 leads up into the hills from there (and looking down on the terrain from Google maps could make one dizzy). Alpowa Summit Rest Area--eastbound, Hwy 12 milepost 413, 10 mi east of Pomeroy WA I haven't stopped at the westbound rest stop, I'm not sure it has the interest the eastbound has. Pomeroy WA "Historic Trail: You are now entering Garfield Co. over the historic trail traversed by the explorers Lewis and Clark on their return from the mouth of the Columbia, May 4, 1806," so says the sign on the exterior of Garfield County Museum, a block south of Hwy 12 at 708 Columbia St, Pomeroy, WA. Palouse Falls State Park--past Lyons Ferry/Hwy 261--WA About 20 mi or so west of Pomeroy WA (maybe 12-15 mi north of Dayton WA) on Hwy 12 is the intersection with Hwy 261 to Lyons Ferry State Park. Drive up Hwy 261 about 15 mi to Perry WA, where Lyons Ferry State Park is (past Starbuck WA). A monument in the state park mentions Lewis & Clark passing through on their way west in 1805. Further on is the intriguing Palouse Falls State Park. I wasn't able to get there myself, but my friend Nicole Calvert, a great hiker and photo taker, let me use some of her marvelous pictures. Thankyou, Thankyou!
Tucannon River valley WA About 10 miles north of Dayton WA on Hwy 12, there's a sign for Camp Wooten (30 mi up Tucannon River Rd). It's about 10 miles up Tucannon Rd to the Lewis & Clark campsite memorial. It's a narrowish, undulating 2-lane road, but paved and a pretty drive through the valley. No steep hills. Dayton WA Dayton is an appealing town with a lot of history, including Sacajawea and the Lewis & Clark expedition. I came through in both June of 2021 and March of 2022. I intend to publish more photos of the place in a later post.
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, WA--Hwy 12 Five miles west of Dayton WA, 4 miles east of Waitsburg, Hwy 12 splits the Lewis & Clark Trail State Park in two. One side is the day-use area, the other is the campground. These are photos from June 2021. In March of 2022 the park was still closed for the winter. Waitsburg and Walla Walla WA Waitsburg is a charming little town, and I intend to post more about it later. From Waitsburg you can continue on Hwy 12 down to Walla Walla, or head west on Hwy 124. Walla Walla has a lot of history, but more to do with the Oregon Trail/Whitman Mission/Fort Walla Walla, which I will cover in part 2 of my Oregon Trail post. In the meantime, here are a few fotos about Lewis & Clark in Waitsburg & Walla Walla. The Corps of Discovery & the Walla Walla Indians Hwy 124 traveling west from Waitsburg Prescott WA is a quiet little hamlet with interesting history, historic architecture, nice little park--I'll post more photos later. But just west of town are a couple interpretive signs relating to Lewis & Clark. Thinking about Lewis & Clark, I noticed the snow on the hills from Agrinorthwest/Eureka Farms, March of 2022. On google maps you can see big circles of irrigated farmland from the air. Ice Harbor Dam, Lake Sacajawea, South Shore Recreation Area, Charbonneau Park
Take Shoreline Dr off Monument Dr to the Indian Memorial as well as Charbonneau Park. You can also take Sun Harbor Dr off Hwy 124, it curves around to become Lakeview Dr. Turn north toward the Snake River on Charbonneau Dr, which becomes Campground Rd. It's not too far off Hwy 124.
Tri-Cities WA and Hwy 730 in WA & OR Sacajawea Historical State Park, Pasco WA This park on the point of the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers has a nice little cram packed museum dedicated to Sacajawea and the Corps of Discovery. It has a paved path with interpretive signs, picnic tables, playground, launch accesses, and more amenities. On one visit we saw a flock of turkeys crossing the road to get to the other side. The road to get there goes through the edge of an industrial area, but fear not, eventually it leads to a pleasant park/recreational area. Photos below from Apr 2021, and June 2021. Wallula, Hat Rock, Lewis & Clark Commemorative Trail, McNary Dam overlook--Hwy 730 The Columbia River is the state boundary between Oregon and Washington for most of their border. But as the Columbia bends from the north at the confluence of the Snake River with the Columbia (the Tri-Cities area of Washington), the state line continues straight to the eastern border with Idaho. Thus, following that bend south on Hwy 12 from Pasco WA and Hwy 730 at Wallula Junction, there are more Corps of Discovery sites to discover: a pull-out for Wallula WA history, Hat Rock OR, Lewis & Clark Commemorative Trail from McNary Beach, picnic pull-out overlook of McNary Dam. Wallula interpretive sign pull-out—Hwy 730 just south of the Wallula Junction with Hwy 12
“In his journal, Lewis described the Walla Wallas as ‘the most hospitable, honest, and sincere people that we have met with in our voyage . . . This village consists of 13 large mat lodges. A little before sunset the [Yakimas] arrived. They joined the Wallahwollahs and waited very patiently to see our party dance. The fiddle was played and the men amused themselves with dancing about an hour. We then requested the Indians to dance, which they very cheerfully complied with.”  The Columbia & Snake Comapanion, A Historical Map--from Hells Canyon of the Snake River, Idaho to John Day Dam OR Hat Rock State Park—9 mi east of Umatilla OR, Hwy 730 McNary Dam--east of Umatilla OR Lewis & Clark Commemorative Trail, McNary Beach Park—Beach Access Rd, off Hwy 730, east of the dam
Kennewick & Richland WA Between Hwy 240 and the Columbia River stretches a 400 acre park called "Columbia Park", with lots of picnic options either right on the river or near the other amenities, such as the intriguing "Playground of Dreams", all sorts of sports fields and facilities, Veterans' Memorial, restrooms, and trails. Pertinent to this post is the "Sacajawea Heritage Trail" looping from there over 20 miles as far as Sacajawea State Park at the confluence of the Snake & Columbia rivers in Pasco WA, and for most of the way travels both sides of the Columbia River. There are multiple ways of accessing it, but I first found the access points in Kennewick's Columbia Park. Some access points might be challenging in a wheelchair.
Part Two to come: Sacajawea Trail 2--Traveling down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean
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