.All Trips / Idaho / North America / Pacific Northwest

Idaho’s Roaring Lochsa River

00 Lochsa River

Idaho has some outstanding whitewater experiences for rafters and kayakers, but few compare with the Lochsa (pronounced lock-saw) River, especially for those looking for a string of seemingly endless rapids.   Apparently the fishing is also great, but most people come to run the river, especially in late spring when the water is at its best.  At times of peak flow, many of the rapids are class VI (at the limits of navigation), with at least 60 being graded as class III – IV (medium to difficult).   The water passing through the river at peak flow is twice that going through the Grand Canyon.
The name Lochsa is a Nez Perce word meaning “rough water”, and rafting it is not for the …

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.All Trips / Eastern Canada / North America / Ontario

The Niagara River and and its Amazing Waterfalls

00 Niagara River and Horseshoe Falls (1)

The iconic image above would be recognized by most people.  It’s Horseshoe Falls, known by some as Canadian Falls.  The amount of water dropping over this precipice in the Niagara River is staggering and, while the surrounding area is very commercial, it’s hard not to be impressed by this amazing natural spectacle. 

I had an aunt we frequently visited who lived only 10 miles from Niagara Falls. Among my first travel memories are those of seeing this waterfall — as such, Horseshoe Falls has a special place in my heart.

The Niagara River carries the output of four Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie) into Lake Ontario.  The international boundary between Canada and the United States is in the middle of the …

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“Pic of the Week”, August 29, 2014: Vista House and the Columbia River Gorge

03 Columbia River 3-2006 057 Vista House

One of the most dramatic road trips one can make in the United States is through the Columbia River Gorge.  The Columbia River, the mightest river in the American West, originates in British Columbia but near its entry to the Pacific serves as a dividing line between Washington and Oregon State.  This historic river route was traveled by the Lewis and Clark expedition over 200 years ago.  The drive along the Gorge just to the east of Portland is breathtaking!

A favorite stopping point along the way on the Oregon side is Vista House, constructed on the Crown Point Promontory.  Once called “Thor’s Heights,” Crown Point is a basalt rock formation created by volcanic lava and sculpted by the elements.   …

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“Pic of the Week”, August 22, 2014: Chicago’s River Walk

002 Chicago 2011 086 Chicago Riverwalk

One of the most scenic urban walks in America is along the Chicago River.  Just like the tall skyscrapers all around you, the river itself is one of Chicago’s iconic landmarks.  It’s hard to keep your eyes on the sidewalk ahead as you’ll will be looking up and around to enjoy the great architecture of the buildings and bridges along the way.  Or if you don’t want to walk, it’s great fun to cruise the river and relax as you enjoy the views!

The walk ends at the Navy Pier, itself a great destination!  The River Walk takes you through the heart of “The Loop” and presents lots of opportunity to stop for something to eat or drink along the way. …

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