I designed this itinerary wanting to showcase the different aspects of the American West. I aimed to highlight the natural beauties experienced through various outdoor adventures between Idaho and Montana. You'll also delve deep into the culture of Native Americans in the territories of the Nez Perce and Coeur D'Alene. I didn't overlook a theme dear to me either: music, particularly grunge music, which finds its pinnacle expression in Seattle. Those who lived through the '90s know exactly what I mean.
Day 1 - 2: Seattle
Seattle is a modern, vibrant city, brimming with events and attractions for all tastes. The array of experiences is so vast that every traveler finds their niche in this borderland between the States and Canada. A city where major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call home, where Kurt Cobain stirred emotions with his band Nirvana, a place teeming with clubs, restaurants, and breweries. Seattle also embodies culture, the culture narrated in the streets lived by its inhabitants and which doesn't overlook the most ancient and intricate culture: that of the natives.
Accommodation: Green Tortoise Hostel or similar
Day 3: Seattle - Walla Walla
We bid farewell to Seattle and the towering mountains that frame it to head towards the wine region of Walla Walla. Here, some of the best wines in the state are produced, along with strawberries, asparagus, and the famous sweet onions of the area. If you happen to visit in June, you can witness the spectacular lavender bloom, painting the fields purple. But throughout the year, there's no shortage of outdoor activities suitable for any type of traveler.
Accommodation: The Finch or similar
Day 4 - 5: Walla Walla - Nez Perce Reservation
We leave the city to venture to the far north of Idaho. Here, you'll have a truly meaningful experience in contact with the population of the native Nimiipuu (Nez Perce).
"We Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) are noted for our hospitality. Meet and be inspired by the traditional knowledge of the Nez Perce people. Listen to our songs, stories, and legends as you experience Nez Perce culture. Discover the truths of our past and visit the places where our ancestors walked. Understand the deep history and culture of Nimiipuu at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers, explore the Lewis-Clark Discovery Center, the Nez Perce National Historical Park, the petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy, and more! Lodging and transportation are included in the cost of the 3-day journey with the Nez Perce."
During these days, you'll enjoy:
- 3-hour heartbeat of the people tour | 2-hour boat tour
- Celebration and honor tour of 3 hours | Experience a Nez Perce welcome | Capture monumental photos
- Aboard your Jet Boat with Nez Perce guides at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers
- Visit Nez Perce Petroglyphs | Encounter fauna and birds | Explore the two sacred rivers
- Visit historical sites or events (at cost) Including the Lewis Clark Discovery Center
- Participate and interact with Nez Perce during cultural demonstrations through songs, dances, drums, or stories
Day 6: Nez Perce Reservation - Wallace
Also known as the world capital of silver due to the significant deposits discovered in the second half of the 1800s. This small town has fewer than 800 inhabitants and is located in northern Idaho, in a region called the panhandle (literally frying pan handle) due to its shape and position relative to the rest of the region. Here, our adventure is tinged with green, showcasing the outdoor adventure that characterizes the itinerary. Undoubtedly, not to be missed is the bike path on the Route of the Hiawatha amid tunnels, towering bridges, and pristine nature. A route suitable for all with a shuttle service for the return, saving you a lot of time.
Accommodation: Wallace Inn or similar
Day 7 - 8: Wallace - Lake Pend Oreille
We leave Wallace to head towards Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho and also the deepest. Carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, the lake is framed by the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains. This area is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing are just some of the activities you can enjoy. The fauna of this area is truly impressive: you can spot elk, deer, magnificent ospreys, and bald eagles.
Accommodation: Days Inn Ponderay or similar
Day 9: Lake Pend Oreille - Spokane
Today, we head south, leaving behind the Panhandle in Idaho to enter the state of Washington. Spokane is a stop that holds many surprises: in the heart of the city, from Riverfront Park, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the largest urban waterfall in the United States. It's worth visiting the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of St. John The Divine and the Northwest Museum of Arts, which houses a large collection of artifacts from the natives of the Northwest Plateau area. But to better understand native culture, we recommend taking advantage of Spokane's proximity to the Coeur d'Alene Reservation, where the Schitsu'umsh tribe has protected these lands since time immemorial.
Accommodation: The Davenport or similar
Day 10: Spokane - Seattle
We return to Seattle, to savor a bit more of the lively atmosphere of this grand city and enjoy the splendid views of Mount Washington on one side and Puget Sound on the other.
Accommodation: Green Tortoise Hostel or similar
Day 11: Seattle
We bid farewell to Seattle and this journey filled with nature and culture to venture towards the next destination.
© Itinerary conceived, created, and experienced by Paolo Aloe (The Crocodile)
