TOUR 3  
Clarkston to the Wallowas
  

F rom the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers at Clarkston , Highways 129 and 3 lead to the snow-capped peaks of Oregon's Wallowa Mountains and to gem-like Wallowa Lake. Clarkston is Washington State's gateway to Hells Canyon, where the Snake River rushes through North America's deepest gorge. A whitewater adventure on the raging Snake is a great way to experience Hells Canyon. Jetboat rides are offered by several outfitters. The low elevation of Clarkston makes it a perfect spot for year-round golf, fishing or horseback riding. In the summer, you can enjoy swimming and boating at Swallows Nest and Beachview Parks. Early each July, the river resounds with 'Thunder on the Snake," the western regional hydroplane races. 

Asotin, six miles south of Clarkston, was a Nez Perce winter camp long before the coming of the white man. Don't miss the ancient Indian writings, or petroglyphs, south of town on the rocks at Buffalo Eddy. The history of Asotin's pioneers is well preserved in the new Asotin County Museum. South on Highway 129 is Field Springs State Park where, for many centuries, the Nez Perce dug roots on their annual trek from the Wallowas to Idaho. A short hike from the park's campground on the high Puffer Butte Trail will take you to spectacular views of the Wallowas. Next, the highway descends into the deep canyon on the Grande Ronde River, known for whitewater floating, fishing and camping. From here, the road climbs steadily to Joseph Canyon Overlook, balanced on the edge of two-thousand-foot Joseph Creek Canyon. 

The town of Enterprise stands at the edge of the high Wallowas, where majestic mountains tower a mile above the valley floor. The Wallowas are often referred to as the Switzerland of America because the rugged character of the mountains is so reminiscent of the Alps. Trout-filled lakes, trophy elk and secluded campsites await you in the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness. For an exciting alternative to backpacking, have you ever considered llama trekking? Sure footed and well-tempered llamas from outfitters in Enterprise are trained to carry the load while you hike in comfort through the alpine scenery. Hells Canyon Mule Days are proclaimed in Enterprise each September to honor the long-eared critters that opened the west for prospectors and explorers. Professional outfitters from throughout the west test their patience with the stubborn animals in the mule parade, mule races and speed mule shoeing. 

Joseph, a town named after Chief Joseph, is a vacation destination in itself, with a full range of lake and high wilderness activities. There is plenty of fun for kids of all ages. The old west comes back to life each July with Chief Joseph Days, three days of rodeo action, parades and old-fashioned fun. The sounds of Bavarian music and dance fill the air in September as the Switzerland of America celebrates its annual Alpenfest. The colorful history of Wallowa County is recounted in Joseph's historic 1888 First Bank Building, now a museum. Among the highlights are bullet holes from an actual bank robbery in the days of the wild west. Just south of Joseph, a deep glacier moraine is the cradle for pristine Wallowa Lake, stretching four miles from the base of the mountains. Fishing is open year-round for Kokanee, as well as for Dolly Varden, rainbow and Mackinaw trout. Wallowa Lake is also the home of a legendary monster whose reputation goes back to the days of the Indians. Now affectionately known as Big Wally. The monster is reportedly sighted a couple times each year. Swimming beaches, a marina, a modern campground and picturesque picnic sites are all a part of Wallowa Lake State Park. Trails lead from the park to waterfalls and alpine meadows in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Horses are available for rent from nearby stables. Spectacular vistas of Wallowa Lake and the surrounding landscape amaze passengers on the Wallowa Lake Tramway. The fifteen-minute ride rises five-thousand feet from the valley floor to the top of Mt. Howard. A day-lodge at the summit offers snacks and you'll find alpine trails extending in all directions. For downhill skiers, the Ferguson Ridge Ski Area offers lots of dry powder snow. Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers have an almost limitless playground to explore. 

You can experience one of the best views of Hells Canyon by taking a day long side trip to Hat Point via the Imnaha Road. The road also leads to the Nee-Mee-Poo Trail where you can follow in the footsteps of Chief Joseph and his people on their last trip from the Wallowas in 1877. West of Joseph is the Lostine Canyon Road which traces the retreat of an ancient glacier into a deep gorge flanked by the Eagle Cap Wilderness. 

The small town of Lostine is the place to find antiques each Fourth of July at  their unique Flea Market. Further west, the towns of Wallowa and Minam are popular launch sites for whitewater trips down the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. Nearby Minam State Park is a great place to swim, fish or camp along the banks of the Wallowa. 

If you'd like more information about points of interest along this route, visit the chambers of commerce in Clarkston, Enterprise and Joseph or the Forest Service offices in Joseph and Enterprise. 

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