Down Through The Heart of Idaho

I wanted to see what the drive from north to south, down through Idaho would hold. Starting in Hope, Idaho on the north bank of Lake Pend Oreille I drove down through Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Worley, Moscow, Lewiston, Grangeville, White Bird Pass, Riggins, New Meadows, McCall, Cascade, and into Boise. 

The landscape ran from mountains to farms on rolling hills, through Hell’s Canyon back to mountains, lakes, flatlands, spacious meadows, jagged peaks, and fields of golden hay and cattle. 

As I came upon the Lewiston grade I pulled over at the top to take a look at the town below. My eyes took in the 2,000 foot drop in elevation to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. I could only imagine when Lewis and Clark explored this land along these rivers. Or perhaps as Chief Joesph led his Nez Perce Tribe as they tried to escape the U.S. Army.

My next stop after watching the farmlands slip past was the town of Riggins, Idaho on the Salmon River. I walked along the sandy shores of the Salmon and went for a swim. I enjoyed the river’s edge alone as the tourists and whitewater rafters are all gone for the season. After drying off and slipping my Patagonia pants on that I found on sale 10 years ago for $50.00. One of my better purchases. I then pulled on my North Face t-shirt another bargain find $7.00 at a secondhand store outside of Ouray, CO. a few years back.

A quick stop at Cascade Lake for an Uptime. (a natural caffeine drink). I have recently given up sugar free Red Bull. My kids didn’t buy my workout in a can claim. My argument was; if you can do a spin class to raise your heart rate for a healthy workout? Why doesn’t it count when a drink raises your heart rate? I lost this debate. Kids one Dad zero.

The towns of McCall and Cascade are beautiful spots to stop. Small shops line Main Street. They are clean small town America at it’s best. I strolled along the street as the gold, red, and burnt orange leaves floated on the warm breeze.

Finally I arrived in Boise and the campus of Boise State University. I was here to visit two of my four children. We attended a football game on Saturday night.

The next morning I was on the road at 6am to retrace my steps. This time headed north. In contrast to Friday’s sunny and 72 degree day. Sunday enveloped me in clouds and a light rain in the 50’s.

I followed the Payette River north out of Boise. This is an absolutely astounding trek. As I was in no hurry. I explored every dirt track that led into the hills, valleys, or along rivers.

I arrived back at my tent after dark. For the first time in months I started a fire in the wood stove. As I wrote the weekend’s memories in my journal sleep overtook me.

If you ever get a chance to make the drive through the heart of Idaho in Autumn, I encourage you to take your time and explore.

Please continue to follow Bald Bigfoot’s tracks at Baldbigfoot.com