Follow as we travel to area RV Parks

One of our 2011 “Bucket List” – wishes was to further explore Idaho with our DL Journey, Winnebago. With the encouragement of our Wagonhammer RV Park hosts we became Idaho Tourists with our www.rvidaho.org and www.TrailerLifeDirectory.com as our guides to new ventures.

Our first day was the exploration of Hwy 12, Lola Pass and the Northwest Scenic Byway which meanders along the Lochsa and Clearwater rivers.  Stop 1 was  at the Lochsa Lodge.   We enjoyed a fine lunch at the beautiful hand-scribed log main lodge.  The trail is both scenic and historic.  What impressed me most was the multi species of  cone bearing trees, more than I have ever seen in one area.  The aroma o f the pine and the rushing waters made for a very peaceful cruise.  Our RV destination for the day was Lewiston/Clarkson  to visit our friends the Krueger’s who are also our Salmon Idaho neighbors. We checked into Granite Lake Premier RV Resort a sister Good Sam Park.  We were treated to a delicacy of the area “steak bits” and the trimmings at the Krueger home, enjoying good chatter and fellowship with their friends Bob and Gail.  Sunday was a day of exploration of the area with Phylis and Ron as our local guides.   We headed Orofino way to the picturesque Dworshak Dam.  We had a picnic lunch overlooking the large recreational lake then proceeded through rural agricultural areas to Moscow a university town then ventured over into Pullman, Washinton then back to Moscow for dinner at The Sangria Grill.

Moscow to Lewiston was again a very lucrative agricultural area which was of great interest to Ab bringing back fond memories of our farming days in Ontario, Canada.  On return to Lewiston we stopped at a scenic outlook which gave us a bird’s eye view of the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers.  We also observed the barges at the Port of Lewiston.  Lewiston has the lowest elevation of Idaho at 738 feet above sea level.  We learned so much about the area as The Krueger’s, long time residents of the area, shared all of their experiences and knowledge.   Thanks !!!!!

Day 3 of our Idaho Exploration led us to Riggins where we returned to a loop of our Salmon River, one of the few free flowing waterways in America.  White Bird summit gave us an arial view of the valley with McCall known as the heartland being our evening RV destination.

We checked in at  McCall RV Resort which was again a highly rated Good Sam Park.  Our day of arrival was July 4th so we were in for a spectacular fireworks display overlooking Payette Lake following a tasty Steak dinner at The Mill.  It was wonderful to see a gathering of every age group celebrating our patriotic country. Our hosts also planned a 4th of July Party at Wagonhammer RV Park in North Fork Idaho, which was reported by all as a good time.  Thank – You Hosts !!!!

Day 4 we viewed the mighty Payette River in its fierce flowing glory as we headed toward Stanley our final destination. Highway 21 was quite the grade but a beautiful winding thruway with the thought  “We are not in a hurry but enjoying God’s Ever ending Nature”.  We checked in at Valley Creek Motel and RV  Park with a friendly greeting by the owners.  I had visited Redfish Lake previously with my Salmon girlfriends so I wanted Abner to see this beautiful lake and quaint lodge overlooking The Sawtooth Range so we headed in that direction.  We enjoyed a great meal overlooking the lake then headed back into Stanley and visited the local shops knowing we would return to the local bakery in the morning for breakfast before our return to Salmon.

Day 5 – homeward bound  The drive along the Salmon River Hwy 75 is always spectacular with Clayton, the mining town a highlight of well maintained local interest. We are back to our scenic Hwy 93  following The Mighty Salmon River and the many rock formations along the way.  All roads lead home and we we were back at our beloved Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground by  mid afternoon to be greeted by our camp hosts.   We thank our hosts James and Marianne and Joe and Deena for  their ever caring of the grounds, the shop and most important our valued guests.

Idaho www.visitidaho.org is home to hundreds of miles of trails and more white water than any other state in the lower 48.   Our understanding of the incredible river systems flowing through our state with the many “FORKS” is now much more understandable.  “We have viewed in the last few days only a small part of the  PRISTINE BEAUTY  Of  Idaho and we look forward to further explorations.