Community, Collectibles, Connections

The patchwork of wheatfields in the Palouse region are networked by many small towns, each with their unique history and charm. We visited Colfax, central to points of interest in the area such as Steptoe Butte, and the college town of Pullman, which is home to Washington State University. We also discovered Pomeroy, a town of approximately 1,500 people.

Once home to the native people of the Palouse and Nez Perce tribes, the area was visited by Lewis and Clark expedition on their journey west. In 1864, the land was purchased by rancher Joseph Pomeroy. Joseph and his wife established a stage coach station that served settlers traveling west. The town grew up around the station, with farms and ranches, incorporating in 1866, and eventually became the county seat. The farms in the area grow wheat, barley and grass-seed, and raise cattle and sheep.. We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the heritage of this town, where "Strong Minds, Strong Farms" seemed to embody the foundation of these communities, grounded in hard work, spirituality and patriotism.

We came across a local business that was prime territory for an episode of "American Pickers", chock full of Americana collectibles from by-gone eras.

The area is dotted with enduring farmhouses, barns and a grain elevator among other businesses that support this rural community.

From Pomeroy, we traveled up the highway about 35 miles to Lyons Ferry State Park, located at the confluence of the Palouse and the Snake rivers. At one time, this was the site of the Lyons Ferry, which operated from the mid-1860s until 1968, when the bridge was built and the ferry service was discontinued. It was the longest continuous operation of a cable ferry west of the Rockies.

The Lyons Ferry Bridge was originally built in 1927, and spanned the Columbia River at Vantage, WA, as part of Hwy 26, 100 miles west of Lyons Ferry. It was dismantled and stored when the Vantage bridge was replaced due to changes in the river there requiring a larger structure. It was reconstructed in 1968 at Lyons Ferry.

Crossing the Snake River Canyon, at this same location, is the Joso Bridge, a railroad bridge built by Union Pacific between 1910 and 1914. It is the longest and highest railroad bridge in the Union Pacific system, with 55 spans and extending 3,920 feet. It rises 190 feet above the water and is still active today, carrying coal and grain along the route from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA. When we visited, the train coming through was so long it covered the entire bridge and extended into the canyon!

The ferry crossing has been converted to a beautiful grassy park, with picnic tables and shade trees and visitors can enjoy swimming and boating. Even though the waters seem calm, there is a Life Vest station here to remind folks to be water safe.

We ended our visit to the region with the magnificent Palouse Falls State Park where the Palouse River plunges 198 feet to the basin below. The river then flows on, winding its way through a gorge of basalt rock to its southern end where it joins the Snake River.

Exploring is thirsty work! We paused for a much need drink of water, and a rest in the shade before returning to camp!

Next stop is Missoula, Montana..on our way to Yellowstone!