It’s brimming with historic sights that tell the stories of the Nez Perce tribe and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It’s a paradise for hunters and fishermen and women, it’s got a blossoming wine-growing scene, and it’s the gateway to all the adventures Hells Canyon has to offer. Southeast Washington’s Lewis Clark Valley is a wonderful (but often overlooked) place to visit.
The most popular tourist attraction in the area is a local favorite as well: A boat tour of the Snake River-carved Hells Canyon. North America’s deepest river gorge is certainly worth exploring by boat. Tour guide companies like Beamers Hells Canyon Tours offer day-long boat rides with stops at historic and scenic sights along with plenty of chances to spot wildlife.
Hells Canyon is 10 miles long and borders Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho. It became a part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806, with the Nez Perce tribe calling it home long before that.
The Clearwater & Snake River National Recreation Trail is another great option for seeing the natural beauty this area has to offer. Starting at Chief Looking Glass Park at the southern end of the trail in Asotin, you can bike the 15-mile trail and stop at the scenic beaches, parks and overlooks along the way.
And it’s not all about the natural beauty in the Lewis Clark Valley. Visit the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center to learn more about the history of the Valley. Check out the hands-on Asotin County Museum, pictured here, to see what life was like on the frontier for the early European settlers. And don’t miss the Snake River’s Buffalo Eddy in the Nez Perce National Historic Park to see the petroglyphs created by the tribe long before the Europeans ever arrived.
The little city of Clarkston is also one of Washington’s more underrated gems. You’ll find art galleries, gift shops, antiques and cafes in the charming and walkable downtown area. The affordable and accessible Quality Inn & Suites sits right on the Snake River and offers clean, comfortable rooms and an amazing onsite restaurant, Quay. Each stay includes free breakfasts at Quay every morning, and you’ll often find free live music in the Q Lounge. Hanging out in Clarkston and staying at the Quality Inn means enjoying a 5 star experience at 2 star prices.
This part of Washington was one of the state’s earliest wine growing regions before Prohibition put a damper on things. But now the area is reemerging as a hub for wine lovers. Check out Basalt Cellars’ tasting room in Clarkston for a chance to sample some award-winning vino. Merry Cellars’ winery in Pullman (pictured here) and Uniontown’s Wawawai Canyon Winery are also great options.
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Still unconvinced? The Lewis Clark Valley also offers year round golfing at the Gateway Golf Center and Quail Ridge Golf Course due to the area’s mild winters. There are also some beautiful hiking trails like the popular 2.2-mile Asotin Creek Trail or the more challenging 6.6-mile Red Hill Gulch Trail near Asotin.
Explore the Lewis Clark Valley and you’ll realize how underrated it really is. In fact, we happen to think the entire state of Washington is a bit underrated.
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