SUNDAY DRIVE DOWN THE RIVER OF NO RETURN

For our Sunday drive this week we went south to North Fork, ID and made a right turn and drove to Shoup, ID and beyond.  This road follows the Salmon River and is a beautiful drive.  I was on it as a youngster but can't remember very much about it.  Captain William Clark tried to go this way on Lewis and Clark's quest to get to the west coast.  After going so far, they realized it was impassable and in no way could they return east on this route.  Lots of folks float this river now but it is pretty hazardous.

We got to see a number of elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.  The views were great also.  We drove up a forest service road to the north and had lunch up there on a ridge line all the while watching a forecast storm coming up from the south.  It did not rain on us there but on the way home on Lost Trail pass it did start to rain. 

Entering North Fork, Idaho.

Driving west out of North Fork.

The Salmon River looking pretty mellow.

The road was in very good shape.

The sign across the road from the Shoup Store.

The river starts to get a little rougher and it just gets worse.

Some Bighorn sheep along the road.

Drove up a logging road to get a better view and have lunch.

Lots of wildflowers.

Lunch spot.  You can see a storm coming.

A bald eagle on the top of the electric pole on our lane when coming home.