Posted by: sunrae138 | November 7, 2008

Tour the Oregon Capitol Building

Historic Points of Interest in Salem Oregon

Explore the Oregon Capitol in Salem, rich in history, laden with intricate pioneer artwork, surrounded by beautiful landscape and characterized by its prominent Gold Man.

The Oregon Capitol

Salem, Oregon’s capitol city, is most recognized by its “Gold Man.” The Gold Man, official called the Oregon Pioneer, stands 23 feet tall atop the Oregon Capitol building. This distinguished pioneer man weighs 8.5 tons and is covered with 11 ounces of gold leaf. He has stood overlooking the Capitol since 1938. The statue was created by Ulric Ellerhusen, to represent the “spirit of Oregon’s early settlers.”

Opened in 1938, after the first two capitols building were destroyed by fire, the Oregon Capitol is the state capitol building of the state of Oregon. Oregonians reaffirmed Salem as Oregon’s capital in 1864. The capitol building houses the Oregon Legislative Assembly, the Governor’s Office and other state official offices. Upon stepping into the building, visitors will see the murals painted around the Rotunda. These murals depict moments in Oregon history, such as a scene from the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Oregon Trail. In the center of the rotunda lies a polished, bronze replica of the Oregon State Seal. The official state emblems are included throughout the buildings’ artwork. Tours of the capitol building are available daily. Visitors can climb the steps to the top, where the Gold Man stands.

The Oregon State Capitol Grounds

The outside of the building is covered with intricate marble sculptures, featuring scenes from Oregon’s history, such as a pioneer covered wagon and Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea. A replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell sits just outside the capitol building. Other prominent works of art include the Parade of Animals and the Wall of Water.

The grounds surrounding the Capitol building include beautiful roses that are dedicated by the Salem Rose Society. The gardens also include towering Douglas fir trees, flowering dogwood, antiqued magnolia trees and many native Oregon plants and trees. For more garden tours, walk just across the street to Willamette University and the campus’ extraordinary, yet undisclosed Martha Springer Botanical Garden. The university and capitol grounds contain some of the most beautifully landscaped areas in Salem.

Willamette University lies just across State Street from the Oregon Capitol. Willamette University is considered “the first university in the west.” First named the Oregon Institute, the university was founded in 1842 by missionary Jason Lee and the Methodist foundation. Originating from pioneer heritage, the university educated some of the first Northwest leaders. Visitors to the state capitol will find the statute of Jason Lee among those contained on the Oregon Capitol grounds.

First published at Suite101.com on Sept 12, 2007.

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Posted by: sunrae138 | October 23, 2008

Visit Historic Pocatello Idaho

10 Interesting Things to See and Do Year-Round in Potato Country

From skiing to taking a dip in hot spring pools to learning about Idaho potatoes and exploring the Craters of the Moon, Idaho’s Pocatello Area provides year-round fun.

Tour the Idaho Potato Expo

Learn everything about the famous Idaho Potato, from the potato’s history in Idaho to the booming potato industry. Visitors to the Potato Expo can learn history about how the railroads were important to the thriving potato industry. Visit the Potato Museum, participating in potato trivia, and learn potato facts, history and harvesting information.

Learn About the Oregon Trail at the Fort Hall Replica

Fort Hall, first established in 1834 as a trading post, was an important stop along the Oregon Trail. Fur traders, trappers, explorers, Native Americans and pioneers all called Fort Hall a temporary home as they moved throughout the West. The Fort Hall Replica is dedicated to the former standing fort, built on its site.

Visit the Pocatello Zoo

This zoo displays native Rocky Mountain animals of the Intermountain West zone. Animals at the zoo include, red fox, golden eagle, grizzly and black bear, elk, bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, porcupine, bobcat, cougar, sandhill crane and other birds. Visitors to the Pocatello Zoo can participate in educational programs about wildlife conservation.

Enjoy a Dip at the Lava Hot Springs

Visit Lava Hot Springs, consisting of four large hot pools made from natural underground mineral springs, which then flow into the Portneuf River. There springs contain no sulfur so they are odor free. The water temperature ranges from 102-112 degrees F. Lava Hot Springs also has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, high diving tower and 2 waterslides. The springs are open year-round. Enjoy a dip in the hot pools during the cold winter nights, engulfed in steam.

View Wildlife at Portneuf Wildlife Management Area

This area consists of 3,100 acres set aside for mule deer winter habitat. Visitors will enjoy viewing big game like mule deer, elk and moose in a natural habitat, or catch a glimpse of sharptailed grouse or other upland bird species. The area is also open to regulated hunting, hiking and Nordic skiing.

Explore the Craters of the Moon National Monument

Established in 1924 by President Coolidge, this “weird” park includes 1,100 square miles of volcanic lava flows. Hike over volcanic rock on the Broken Top Loop or North Crater Flow Trail or venture into one of the many lava tube caves. Make sure to check out the Craters of the Moon National Monument during your visit!

Tour the Downtown Historic District

Discover Potacello’s railroad heritage, exploring how the railway made it “The Gateway City.” Becoming the north-south junction point on the railway through the mountains, made Pocatello a booming frontier town. Take a walking tour of Old Town Pocatello.

Cheer on Idaho State University Athletics

Spectators can cheer on the Idaho State Bengals in sports such as football, basketball, cross country, tennis, golf, track and field or soccer. Join fans at the BengalFest, the football pre-game tailgate party for fans of all ages.

Tour the Idaho Museum of Natural History

Discover Idaho’s natural history and culture through exhibits in life science, paleontology, anthropology and the natural world of Idaho. Children can visit the Discovery Room, unearthing dinosaur fossils and playing with science.

Have Winter Fun at Pebble Creek Ski Area or Pocatello Area Nordic Ski Trails

Skiers of all ability will enjoy the vertical slopes of Pebble Creek Ski Area. Open from December to April, the area includes 54 runs and terrain for all ski and snowboard levels. Visitors get a great winter workout while Nordic skiing through the forests around Pocatello.

The copyright of the article Visit Historic Pocatello Idaho in Idaho Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Visit Historic Pocatello Idaho in print or online must be granted by the author in writing. First published at Suite101.com on Oct. 11, 2007.

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Posted by: sunrae138 | September 24, 2008

Oregon Coast Autumn Travel

Exploring Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Lighthouse

As the warmest weather of the year arrives visitors have the opportunity to explore Newport’s natural areas and historic landmarks while experiencing fewer crowds.

 

Autumn at the Oregon Coast means the best weather of the year, with warm sunny days and less wind, during the “Second Summer.” Visitors who are lucky enough to come to the Newport during the first part of autumn are sure to find adventure and fun with these sites to explore.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Newport, Oregon

Just north of Newport, Oregon lies Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The word “outstanding” describes how the land juts out into the ocean, forming a small peninsula. This area can also be described as “outstanding” because it offers a wonderful diversity of natural phenomena and human-built construction in one location. Visitors can explore tidepools, watch seabirds, seals and whales, hike around the head or climb to the top of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, all in one location. This 135 year-old historic landmark, reaches heights of almost 100 feet. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top, viewing the ocean and shoreline for miles down the beach to Cape Perpetua or to Cape Foulweather in the north, on a clear day.

Explore Tidepools and Spot Whales

The area below the lighthouse and around Yaquina Head is considered one of Oregon’s “protected natural areas” meaning the plants and animals are prohibited from being removed or destroyed by visitors to the area. Visitors can explore tidepools at Cobble Beach, accessible to all visitors with a smooth paved path weaving its way through the tidepool area. Sea urchins, sea lemons, sea stars, anemones, barnacles, snails, crabs and small fish can be seen when viewing the tidepools. Visitors can also take the path around the natural area, stopping to view seals and sea lions at Seal Island. Harbor seals spend time on Seal Island, sunning themselves and resting. Seabirds can be seen at Colony Rock. During the annual whale migration along the Oregon Coast, gray whales are spotting traveling south in the winter and north in the spring. Watch for blows from the whales, towering from the water into the air. Yaquina Head is an excellent spot for whale watching.

Take a Stroll Along the Beach

Just down from Yaquina Head lies Agate Beach. Although its name is misleading, as agates no longer make up the beach, a long stretch of sandy beach welcomes beach strollers. Oregon surfers make their way to beaches like Agate Beach, ready to take in the warm sunrays and tackle waves. The beaches in the Newport area are familiar territory for surfing and beachcombers alike. Beachcombers can search for shells and perhaps find a rare agate or other stone. Agates are a type of quartz, ranging in color from white or yellow to red. When searching for agates, look for shiny stones that appear to look like pieces of glass. Agates are most often found on rocky beaches, among other stones and rocks.

The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is open from dawn until dusk, and requires a park fee. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is open from 10-4, for self-guided tours.
Originally published Sept. 5, 2007 at Suite101.com.

The copyright of the article Oregon Coast Autumn Travel in Oregon Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Oregon Coast Autumn Travel in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Posted by: sunrae138 | September 6, 2008

Northwest Autumn Festivals


Discover the Art, Film, Literary Works, Music, and Food of the Area

Celebrate what makes the Northwest unique with music, art, food, films, books and fun. Enjoy these Northwest Festivals before the rain and snow set in.

Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, Washington

Visit “Washington’s Bavarian Village” nestled in the Cascade Mountains, located east of Seattle near Wenatchee. This traditional German family festival runs for three weekends in October. Over its 9 year history, Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest has enjoyed an increasing number of visitors, and new entertainment acts from around the world. Enjoy food and fun, while learning about German history and culture. Festival goers enjoy authentic German food, from brats and sausage to delicious pastries. Paulner, a fine beer served in Germany at Munich’s Oktoberfest, will be the new attraction at this year’s festival. Other festivities include music, dance performances, a parade and children’s activities.

Fall Festival in Corvallis, Oregon

Celebrate the 35th annual Fall Festival in Corvallis, enjoying a wonderful mix of music, art and history. Musical performances include bands such as “Amadan” playing their “Stout Irish Music.” Other music genres in the line-up include blues, jazz, funk, country, Cuban and good old rock n’ roll. Be sure to check out the Street Dance. However, the main attraction of the festival is its major showcase of local art. Media includes fine arts, ceramics, glass, textiles, photography, paintings, jewelry and more. Kids activities include the Joke Jam, poetry contest, Art Discovery Zone, magic and puppet shows and other workshops designed with children in mind. Adults can also take part in educational activities with art demonstrations and workshops. This family-friendly celebration runs during the third week in September in Corvallis, Oregon.

Idaho International Film Festival in Boise, Idaho

Award-winning films and filmmakers come to Boise during the last week in September, to take part in the Idaho International Film Festival. Watch films at several venues located in downtown Boise, as it is turned into a “Film Festival Village.” Film types include documentaries, short films, narratives and other types. Enjoy post movie discussions, workshops and children’s activities, like KidFlicks.

Montana Festival of the Book in Missoula, Montana

Join regional writers as they showcase their work during this literary festival. The festival includes readings, panels, workshops and signings by award-winning authors. This literary celebration is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. This year’s literary contest is called “Happy Tales” where contestants turn sad story endings into those with happy endings. The festival runs during mid-September.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Showcasing cowboy poetry and western art, this festival presents the artwork of local Wyoming artists. The Cowboy Jubliee Music and Poetry Roundup is one of the main events in downtown Jackson Hole. Visitors will enjoy the art gallery walk, where over 30 local art galleries open their doors to the public. Visitors can also take part in the art auction, workshops and the Historic Ranch Tour. This fall festival runs during the second week in September.

Originally published at Suite101.com on Aug 29, 2007

The copyright of the article Northwest Autumn Festivals in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Northwest Autumn Festivals in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Posted by: sunrae138 | August 29, 2008

Low Cost Central Oregon Coast Attractions


It’s easy to explore the Oregon Coast while traveling on a budget with these fun and interesting sites and events, much of which are free or low cost.

Traveling to the Oregon Coast can be an exciting adventure, visiting the beach and exploring the area. Enjoy low cost or even free entertainment and amusement included with these Oregon Coast attractions and activities.

Watch Glass Blowing at one of the many glass studios along the Oregon Coast. Newport alone boasts more than three of the finest glass blowing studios on the coast. Watch artists turn glass into brilliant works of art. Examine the technique used to heat and reheat, and expand the glass. Watch as glass pieces turn from yellow, to orange to purple and finish with amazing color and detail. For a moderate price, guests can even create their own glass art. Contact the glass studio for to reserve your seat.

Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Originally developed as a marine laboratory for Oregon State University, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is now a place of learning and research for the public. At the center, visitors can learn about coastal and marine habitats, exploring them hands on. Tide pools and coastal habitats are displayed, letting visitors touch sea urchins and sea stars. Visitors are able to watch the feedings of the resident octopus and wolf eels, daily. The Henning Auditorium plays over 100 natural science videos where guests can learn about anything from the Earth’s tides to gray whale migration along the Oregon Coast. The Science Center is a popular place for tours and field trips for school aged children. People of any age can learn and research with marine science exhibits, which examine at the microscopic level or let visitors see issues from a global view.

Explore tide pools during Tide Pool Discovery Days with the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. During summer months, naturalists from the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center help visitors to identify tide pool creatures and discuss the tide pool environment. The events are held at the beach across the highway from the visitor center, just a few miles south of Yachats. The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is also open daily for visitors with free admission, holding weekly events and discussion topics. Visitors can learn about the native forests, coastal animals and Native American history and culture. View whales from the center’s deck that overlooks the ocean, at the base of Cape Perpetua.

Watch kites fly at one of the Lincoln City Kite Festivals. The annual summer and fall festival are held on the beach in Lincoln City. The festivals include kite flying competitions, displays, Japanese-style kite battles, demonstrations on kite building and flying lessons. If you enjoy kite flying, try attending the Indoor Kite Festival in the spring. For a minimal admission, guests are amazed as they watch kites fly indoors, without wind or fans. Kite flying professionals from all over the world accomplish intricate performances at the festival.

Originally published by Suite101.com on August 15, 2007. The copyright of the article Central Oregon Coast Attractions in Oregon Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Central Oregon Coast Attractions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Posted by: sunrae138 | August 17, 2008

Excellent Audio Tour of Olympic Peninsula

Olympic Peninsula Loop Audio Tour From Northwest Heritage Resources

Filled with historical facts, interviews with local experts, traditional music clips, and cultural anecdotes, this Heritage Corridor Tour from Northwest Heritage Resources should not be missed. Whether your first visit to the Olympic National Forest area or even if you are a Washington native, this tour is a must. Learn about logging history, Native American culture and heritage, wooden boat building, geoduck and oyster harvesting, agriculture, and natural history of the Olympic Peninsula. Learn about the people and experiences that make up this beautiful region of the Pacific Northwest.

With thorough information, real experiences and stories, easy to follow directions and valuable contact information, this audio tour is an excellent travel resource. Be sure to order one of the seven audio tours available from Northwest Heritage Resources before your next trip in Washington state.

Read the reviews of this audio tour: Driving Tour of the Olympic Peninsula Loop and Review of Olympic Peninsula Loop Tour Guide.

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Posted by: sunrae138 | August 5, 2008

The Silverton Oregon Garden

Explore a Garden Oasis Located Near Silver Creek Falls

Through educational programs and guided tours, explore how the Oregon Garden showcases native Oregon plants and flowers with spectacular beauty and design.

The Oregon Garden

Take a tour of the Oregon Garden, located near historic Silverton, Oregon. The garden is the masterpiece of decades of ideas and planning by the Oregon Association of Nurserymen. Ideas for the garden began forming in the 1940s, and then finally became real in the mid-1990s, as the city purchased land designated for the planned botanical garden. The garden is now the destination for weddings, concerts and other events throughout the year. Make sure to visit the Oregon Garden website for information on “What’s in Bloom” before your visit.

The Oregon Garden is a magnificent place, encompassing more than 20 specialty gardens. The gardens range from water features, forest themes, gardens for children and home design and gardens used for conservation education. View garden art and water fountains throughout the gardens.

A-Mazing Water Garden

This water garden includes over one acre of ornamental aquatic plants, tropical flowers and carnivorous plants. The 80 foot water wall is a prominent feature of this garden. Visitors can walk through the maze of ponds, viewing water plants and water dwelling animals. Koi, bull frog, herons and mallard ducks call this garden home.

Wetlands

Created by a partnership with the City of Silverton, the wetland area of the Oregon Garden presents a wonderful demonstration of wetland and water conservation. The city’s treated water flows through the wetland areas and is then used to irrigate the entire garden. The wetlands create a “natural filtration system for recycled water” and have become part of the education program taught at the garden. The SPROut Program, Sustainable Plant Research and Outreach, focuses study and research on environmental sustainability.

Rose Garden

The rose garden displays some of Oregon’s most beautiful roses. With over 40 varieties to look at, visitors are sure to find their favorite shade of red or sweet fragrance. The rose garden combines rose plants with companion plants, showing visitors what can be done at home in their own garden. Visitors can also walk through the Home Demonstration Garden, to see new ideas for home gardens. Local nurseries maintain the displays, with ever-changing ideas on landscaping presentation.

Signature Oak Tree and Oak Grove

Perhaps the most impressive area of the garden, is the 25-acre native oak grove. The grove contains the Signature Oak, a 400 year old “Heritage Tree.” This area, and Rediscovery Forest are used to present much of the garden’s educational programs for children. Children can also tour and take part in the Garden for Kids.

While in the Silverton area, make sure to visit Silver Falls State Park. The park is the largest state park in Oregon, providing 8,700 acres of area to explore. Hike on the Canyon Trail, view 10 waterfalls, ranging from 27 to 178 feet in height. Large grass meadows and picnic benches are available throughout the park, creating gathering areas for barbeque parties and family fun. The brisk creek following through the park creates a cool place during hot summer weather. The park is located about 15 miles southeast of the Oregon Garden.

Originally published by Aurae Beidler at Suite101.com Aug. 2, 2007

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Posted by: sunrae138 | July 31, 2008

Alaskan Summer Travel

Discover the Beautiful Scenery, Wildlife and Culture of Anchorage

Visit Alaska during the summer, viewing Mt. McKinley, glaciers and wildlife, by air, while hiking, or riding by train, enjoying the extended daylight.

 

Anchorage, located in South Central Alaska, is called the ideal “base camp” for Alaskan adventures and vacations. Visitors can enjoy day trips to various locations, such as Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, along the Cook Inlet or Prince William Sound, or travel to Spencer Glacier, among many other Alaskan adventures.

Alaskan Railroad Day Trips

Take a day trip called Denali in a Day upon the Alaskan Railroad. Ride in one of the double-decked dome cars from Anchorage to Talkeetna. As the train winds its way through the forests and mountains of the reserve, listen to tour guides give information and history of the area. Once at the park, visitors can hike around the park trails, or see the area from above on a flight around Mt. McKinley. The flight tours glaciers and the Alaska Range. Another option, is to take the “Talkeetna Queen”, a jet boat adventure on the Talkeetna River. Spot moose along the riverbanks, as Mt. McKinley looms above.

Visitors can also take a day trip onboard the Alaskan Railroad to Spencer Glacier. The Glacier Discovery Train takes passengers from Anchorage to the glacier. From there, take a float tour among icebergs at Spencer Lake and down the Placer River. Experience the massive glacier up close. Make sure to wear warm clothing.

Attractions in Anchorage

Anchorage is situated as a place to stay while exploring all of South Central Alaska. Make sure to take advantage of the many delightful attractions the city has to offer. Visit the Alaska Wildberry Park, where visitors can see the giant Rock Man or meet a reindeer. Tour the chocolate factory and chocolate fall fountain. Watch the Iditarod Experience Sled Dog Show, as mushers show guests how sled dogs are raised and trained. The show demonstrates the Iditarod events and history. Anchorage is also home to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where visitors learn of native Alaskan traditions. Visitors to the center can imagine life in a native Alaskan village, as five permanent villages are exhibited.

Summer temperatures in Anchorage are mild, ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. Outdoor activities in Anchorage are abundantly participated in, such as trail hiking. Anchorage’s trail system includes 128 miles of paved paths and 300 unpaved hiking trails. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, follows the Cook Inlet coast from Anchorage to Kincaid Park. While hiking make sure to look for wildlife. As nearly 1,600 moose live in the city, visitors are almost guaranteed to see one. At Potter Marsh, view Canada geese and migrating trumpeter swan. Other wildlife include Dall sheep, black and brown bear, grizzlies, lynx, fox, coyote, beluga whales, eagles and wolves, not to mentions many species of birds.

Anchorage features an abundance of natural beauty, city attractions and amazing wildlife viewing.

Originally published by Suite101.com on July 25, 2007

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Posted by: sunrae138 | July 21, 2008

Visit Grand Teton National Park Near Jackson

A Magnificent Wyoming Adventure Filled with Diverse Activities

Visit Wyoming’s other National Park, a land filled with steep, snow-covered peaks, clear glacial lakes and an expansive sagebrush habitat where pronghorn and bison roam.

 

Located in northwest Wyoming, at the park, enjoy the spectacular views of the Grand Teton Mountain Range, with 12 peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation. This short and compact mountain range located within the Rocky Mountains, rises vertically, 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole.

Grand Teton National Park History

Grand Teton National Park first began in 1929, when the U.S. Congress set aside the area of the Teton Range and the lakes at the base of the mountains. Then, in the next few years, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. after his visit to see the magnificent mountains, purchased and donated over 35,000 acres to the park. In fall of 1950, the two lands united to form the “new” Grand Teton National Park. The park now includes over 310,000 acres, with over 200 miles of trails. The John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, is an 82-mile parkway connecting Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park.

Activities for Visitors

While visiting Grand Teton National Park, enjoy the numerous activities available including, hiking, climbing, camping, boating, kayaking and animal viewing.

Wildlife Viewing

Catch a glimpse of one or more of the park’s 60 species of mammal or 300 species of birds, including moose, elk, deer, bison, bears, pelicans, great blue herons, ducks and so many more. When viewing wildlife, make sure to maintain your distance. Remember not to feed the animals. Do not approach or chase the animals. Also, watch for animals on the roads within the park’s boundaries.

Discover Diverse Habitats

Explore the park’s diverse habitat types. The Alpine habitat is located above 10,000 feet. It contains few plants, but is home to marmots, pikas and bighorn sheep. Much of this area is covered in snow. Most of the park is occupied by the Sagebrush habitat. Here bison and pronghorns roam freely. Coyotes can occasionally be sited hunting in the open. Between the Alpine and Sagebrush habitats, lies the Forests habitat. These forests are home to elk, mule deer, martens, black bears, and snowshoe hares. The last area to explore is the Rivers, Lakes and Ponds habitat found throughout Grand Teton National Park. Visit Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake, where moose, river otters and muskrats inhabit these areas.

Hiking and Climbing in the Park

Hike through the park on over 200 miles of trails. There are many day hikes accessible to the park’s visitors. The Teton Crest Trail, runs from the south park boundary to Paintbrush Canyon. At each trailhead within the park, grab a booklet describing the trail’s features. When hiking in backcountry, makes sure to pack a survival kit, including waterproof matches, extra food and clothing, maps and a first aid kit.

For those more adventurous visitors, the park is home to very accessible and diverse mountain climbing opportunities, from rock, snow, ice and mixed terrain. Most peaks can be climbed in one day, with conventional mountaineering equipment. Climbing rangers are employed from June until September, with climbing information. If climbing in the early season, an ice axe is an extremely important piece of equipment to bring along.

Activities for Children

Kids can take part in the Young Naturalist training, becoming a member of the Junior Ranger Program, which is offered daily during summer months. Join the rangers for short hikes, where you can learn about the park’s geology, identify wildflowers, view wildlife, or boat across Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake. Participants can also learn about North American art and culture. The new Grand Teton Discover and Visitors Center opens in August 2007, with 22,000 square feet of exhibits about the places, people, preservation and mountaineering at the park. The center will also boast life-size wildlife sculptures and 3D park maps.

Originally published by Suite101.com on July 17, 2007

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Posted by: sunrae138 | July 21, 2008

Idaho Adventure: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Explore the Wild Snake River, Viewing Wildlife and Learning History

Travel to Hells Canyon, the “deepest river-carved gorge in North America” enjoying spectacular views, outdoor activities and historical artifacts, just south of Lewiston.

 

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Located just south of Lewiston, Idaho, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, established in 1975, is a place of adventure and intrigue. As Idaho’s Seven Devils Mountain Range rises to over 9,000 feet, the contrasting canyon, drops to 800 feet at the river level. Lewiston is considered the “gateway to Hells Canyon.” Visitors to the area can enjoy a diversity of activities including backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing and many more.

Snake River

Hells Canyon creates the natural boundary between the states of Oregon and Idaho, as the Snake River carves its way through the canyon. 67.5 miles of the Snake River are designated as National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, preserving the river’s free-flowing integrity. The section of the river between the Hells Canyon Dam north to Upper Pittsburg Landing has been selected as “wild” because of its inaccessibility except by trail and “primitive shorelines.” Pittsburg Campground is one of the only developed campgrounds along this part of the Snake River. This part of the river can be floated or explored by powerboat. Floating the river can take up to several days yet can be an exciting way to explore the depths of the canyon. Visitors also participate in whitewater rafting on the Snake River. The degrees of the river vary from Class II to Class IV.

Wildlife Within the Canyon

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is inhabited by a variety of big game, fish and waterfowl. Bear, cougars, bobcat, deer, and elk can be found throughout the canyon. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats climb precariously along the cliffs of the canyon. River otter and Canada geese take advantage of the waters of the Snake River. Peregrine falcon and chukar fly above, watching the sites along the riverbanks. Fish, such as Steelhead, Chinook and Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow trout, bass and catfish, swim beneath the water’s surface. The Giant White Sturgeon is protected in these waters, designated catch and release only. Watch out for rattlesnakes and poison ivy along the riverbanks.

Historical Endeavors

The history of Hells Canyon dates back to prehistoric times. Museums in the area contain historic and prehistoric artifacts from the surround areas. Proof of early canyon inhabitants can be found within the canyon, as ancient petroglyphs can be seen along the river cliffs. Nez Perce Indian history and the Lewis and Clark expedition are among the most prevalent historical subjects in the Hells Canyon area. Remains of settlers’ homes can be see in and around the canyon. Visit the Kirkwood Historic Ranch and Cache Creek Ranch, to explore what life in the canyon was like during the 1930s.

Originally published by Suite101.com on July 17, 2007

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