2014 Capitol Jaunt - The Rest of the Trip

The extra joy of this little road trip to three state houses was the magnificent territory in between. I cannot think of any other three-state capital jaunt that would include such spectacular scenery.

I make that rather bold statement because the route between Helena, Montana and Salt Lake City, Utah took us through the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. I love every state house I visit but could never say the drives between Topeka, Little Rock and Oklahoma City were anywhere near as scenic. Just sayin’.

Salmon River, Idaho (15 June 2014)

Originating in the Sawtooth Mountains, the Salmon River flows northwest to merge with the Snake River and then the mighty Columbia to complete the run to the Pacific Ocean. The Salmon is known for its fly fishing and is a popular kayaking and rafting venue.

 

Salmon River, Idaho (15 June 2014)

We ran into some weather and photo stops were little more than, “Ooh! Stop the car.” Dash out for a quick couple of shots. Drive on.

The semi-arid west is interesting. There is not enough rainfall to support significant vegetation but there are streams passing through that nourish shoreline plants.

Corral at the Edge, Idaho (15 June 2014)

We followed the river much of the way to the Montana border.

It’s a pretty narrow valley in places so the homesteads butt

up against the mountains. I zoomed in to emphasize that feature.

June in Idaho (16 June 2014)

Up through the Sawtooth Mountains.

Drove through a little snow squall.

Always an experience on June 16th for an eastern flatlander.

I suspect this lush lowland historic site in a remote corner of one of our biggest states is not among the most visited. The Big Hole National Battlefield in western Montana is one of 38 parcels of land in four northwest states that comprise the Nez Perce National Historical Park. The park commemorates the history and culture of the people who lived here centuries before we arrived.

Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana (16 June 2014)

This was where the greatest battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877 was fought. The tribe, weary of the broken treaties and ever-increasing encroachment by miners and settlers, attempted to flee to Canada rather than be herded into a faraway reservation. It was after this defeat that Chief Joseph uttered the quote that outlasted him…”From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."

 

Cathedral of St. Helena, Helena, MT (17 June 2014)

Before returning to the Montana state house on June 17, we dropped in on the Catholic cathedral named for the city’s patron saint. As we have described frequently by now, I have a thing for grand church interiors. Construction on this Helena landmark began in 1908 and the church was consecrated in 1924.

Between Helena and Salt Lake City, the between-capitols scenery included two of the gems in our national park system. They will be the subject of separate posts.