The Clearwater River

20090523 - Lowell, ID

Poked around Orofino, then explored upstream to the Dworshak Dam. A Corps of Engineers project that created a very large reservoir. These massive structures are always impressive so I checked out the visitor center. That had a truly remarkable 3D map highlighting all the rivers of the whole Columbia River drainage system including parts of Canada, going as far South as a part of Utah. I spent almost an hour with that.

Campsites were available in the area, but few birds were showing, and it was early in the day, so I headed upstream. Eventually reached Wild Goose Campground (Forest Service) that had two open sites. This is a mile short of Lowell, ID. The Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is very high, creating wonderfully powerful rapids and flowing over grass and shrubbery at the banks. Since this is part of the Wild and Scenic River System, the high water must be the result of Spring runoff rather than some management decision upstream.

I could not pick up any birds, only hearing Western Tanagers high in the cedars or pines. A pair of Common Mergansers were hunting in the fast water on the opposite bank. Six Canada Geese flew thru, going downstream, probably just to legitimize the campground name. That's about it.