This was a beautiful ride, following U.S. Route 12 along the Clearwater and Lochsa (which mergers with the Selway to form the Clearwater) Rivers and then up through Lolo Pass to get through the Bitterroot Mountains. It generally follows the Lewis & Clark route, which in turn followed the route that the Nez Perce had followed form many (thousands?) of years, and which in turn followed animal trails through this inhospital, mountainous area. The mountains aren't towering, but they come one after another, spread out in all directions, each with very steep sides. It was very difficult for Lewis & Clark to penetrate, and U.S. 12 itself was not put through until 1962. This route apparently falls along the northern edge of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area, 4 million acres that are largely unchanged from Lewis & Clark's days. I read that if you were to go south from Route 12 it would be more than 100 miles until you came to another paved road, and in that expanse you would only hit one dirt road.
In the photos that follow I will start with one picture of Winchester, the town that I was in before leaving for Kamiah. You won't have any trouble spotting it.
Then comes a picture of Kamiah, once a major Nez Perce settlement.
Then one of the Heart of the Monster (the mound to the right of the trees). This is sacred ground for the Nez Perce, because in their creation myth the Nez Perce were formed from the heart of a monster, which then turned into this stone mound.
Then four scenic shots, the fourth showing kayakers in the Lochsa River, which is excellent for whitewater kayaking and rafting.
Then my campsite at Wilderness Gateway, followed by my cabin at Lochsa Lodge.
A view looking back from the approach to Lolo Summit.
A nice rock formation descending into Montana.
A baby moose.
If you are ever in this area, I highly recommend a drive along U.S. 12!
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