Dwoshak ia a pretty dam place

Dworshak Dam

Dworshak Dam isn’t just another pretty dam, though one would be hard pressed to find a dam in a prettier setting.

Located in rural Idaho, Dworshak Dam stands 717 feet tall, making it the highest strait-axis concrete dam, not only in the United States, but in the whole Western Hemisphere.

Dworshak reservoir

The dam spans the North Fork of the Clearwater River just a short distance from Orofino. It is visible from U.S. Highway 12. Behind the dam is a 54-mile long reservoir that is popular with boaters and fishermen.

Operated by the Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, construction on the dam started in 1968 as a flood control project. The dam began generating power in 1973. The complex includes log handling facilities as well as a fish hatchery that is located nearby.

Rest in peace at Lenore

Lenore rest area

The Lenore Rest Area is probably one of the prettiest rest areas you’ll ever see.

Well-tended lawns. Tall stately trees providing shade for picnic tables. The sounds of the Clearwater River rushing by. All combine to give this rest area a sense of peace and serenity.

Throw in a little history and what more could you ask for?

Near the main restroom is an historic sign that says this was used as a steamboat port during the Clearwater Gold Rush of 1861. The port was caked Slaterville after Seth Slater who founded the port and community of about 50 residents. It was home to two stores, two houses and a saloon. After a steamboat crashed here, the port was replaced by a new port in Lewiston.

A few yards away, around a bend in the rest area’s road, is another marker, this one devoted to Indian housing. An Indian village once was located on this spot, where Indians lived, fished and hunted or 10,000 years.  Just below the bank is one of the best fishing holes on the Clearwater River; a road leads down to the river so today’s fishermen can try their luck.

 

The rest area is located on U.S. Highway 12 between Lewiston and Orofino, Idaho.