Summer Trip 2021, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Recreation Area, Lulu, Idaho

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Recreation Area

Powell Campground

Lochsa Lodge

Located in north central Idaho Powell Campground is located in scenic Lachsa River Valley. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness lies on the opposite side of the river. The Lochsa Lodge is located within walking distance from the campground. This is the second time we visited this wildly beautiful section of Idaho. The Lodge has a convenience store and cabins for those visitors who are not campers.

The Lochsa River Valley as seen from the Lochsa Lodge

We had electric at our campsite which is available in one loop of the campground. It is wise to make your reservations well in advance as Powell is popular in the summer time. In the winter time it is snow mobile heaven where area residents come to play. The campground has flush toilets along with several fresh water sources scattered through out to campground. It is great place to use as a base to see this areas many interesting features.

 

 

Suspension walking bridge over the Lochsa River

Nearby about 10 miles west of here there are some lovely hot springs. Jerry Johnson hot springs is perhaps one of nicest in the area. After crossing a walking suspension bridge over the Lochsa river you come to a 1.2 mile trail paralleling the river. It is a beautiful hike passing a hot spring that flows right out of the rock to the river. The path is steep to this hot spring so we decided not to go there however we did see some younger folks who ventured down. Jerry Johnson hot springs are nestled also along the river with pools that visitors built to soak in. The setting is absolutely beautiful with the river and forest providing a perfect setting. The main hot springs is up the hill from the river and overlooks a lovely meadow. We really enjoyed our time soaking here walking back totally relaxed enjoying the wildflowers in bloom. 

The Lochsa River

Warm water Spring emanating from a cliff on the shore line of the Lochsa river

Jerry Johnson head spring

Barbara and our friend Diane enjoying a soak 

Walking Trail suspension bridge over the Lochsa river

Fire Weed Blooming

River side pools of warm water at Jerry Johnson hot springs

Just east of our campground is we visited a Salmon hatchery. Salmon swim up the Lochsa river about 600 miles from the Pacific from the mouth of the Columbia river. The Crooked Fork and Colt Killed Creek meet here to form the wild Lochsa river. 

The confluence of Killed Colt Creek and Crooked Creek to form the Lochsa River 

Salmon spawning shelter 

Large Salmon in the spawning center pools

Idaho is a beautiful state full of unspoiled wilderness. Our stay at Powell was an experience that delighted us as we love nature and all the beauty that surrounds it.

Summer Trip 2021, Olympic National Park, Washington State

 Olympic National Park

Mora Campground

Located inland from the Pacific Ocean is the Mora area. It is characterized by towering trees, lush undergrowth and the omnipresent roar of the Pacific Ocean in the background. The park is located on Olympic Peninsula. There are four regions in the park, the Pacific coast line, alpine areas, west-side temperate rainforest and the forests of the drier east side. 

Our campsite at Mora

Rialto Beach

The coast is amazingly rugged with large boulders and tidal pools

Star Fish are common in the tidal pools

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Make shift shelter made by campers from logs gathered from the beach

Campers love Rialto Beach, it is a very unique place that draws nature lovers

While at Mora we drove over to the Hoh rain forest which is also in the Olympic National Park. The rain forest is a special place which makes you feel small as all the plant life is lush and the forest is old growth that towers over your head to heights of over 300 feet.

Olympic National Park in far northwest Oregon is a unique place with so much beauty. I highly recommend taking in this special park if you are in Washington, it is truly spectacular. 

Summer Trip 2021, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State

Mount Rainier National Park 

Cougar Rock Campground

Mount Rainier dominates the landscape south of Seattle, Washington. Standing at 14,410 feet above sea level the glaciated peaks reach to the sky with meadows and ecosystems that are full of wildlife.

We camped out at Cougar Rock campground about 7 miles from Paradise. The old growth forest and the mountain air blessed us with a good experience during our three night stay. The restrooms were close with flush triolets. We were without electric however our solar panel provided for our power needs.

I took this picture on a clear day at the Paradise visitors center. We very blessed to have great weather during our visit. The following images I took during our visit at Paradise. It is truly paradise.

The Paradise Inn

The Lobby

Myrtle Falls

Mount Rainier

Nisqually River descending from the Nisqually Glacier

We drove into the park at the southeast entrance. The drive through the southern section of the park is full of waterfalls and meadows that are a part of this majestic mountain in the Pacific northwest. The rugged mountain landscapes can take your breath away.

Christine Falls

Ridge line of mountains to the south of Mount Rainier

Narada Falls

Nisqually Glacial River flowing from Mount Rainier

Log bridge across the Nisqually River

Box Canyon

Box Canyon Trail

Over 180 feet deep and fast flowing

We enjoyed the wild flowers along the trails we hiked. Again we were bless to be there at the right time. A unexpected pleasure that can happen from time to time during our travels.

Mount Rainier left us with a memory that we will never forget. The majestic scenery is never ending and the trails led you to vistas that can never be done justice through pictures. It is the experience of being there that fills your thoughts and gives you a sense of oneness with the wild.