Is there any problems to be aware of taking highway 129 south out of Lewiston, ID to highway 3 in Oregon and then down to Enterprise.
Equipment is what is in signature.
Thanks
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The route starts at Snake River level, climbs gradually to a high point at the state park, and winds back down to river level (a major tributary of the Snake). I don't think the grades are exceptional, but there are plenty of curves. I think your rig will be fine on the curves. And you can see a long ways down. The climb back up in Oregon is similar. Once you are up a plateau level, it is pretty flat all the way to enterprise.
But it's these great altitude contrasts that make the whole Hells Canyon area so scenic. US95 on the Idaho side also has to drop down to the Salmon River.
Once in Enterprise/Joseph you could take the tow vehicle to the Hells Canyon overlook, and on the paved FS road to Halfway.
* This post was
edited 01/13/12 02:50pm by paulj *
My cousin lives in Joseph and directed us to her place via the "Rattlesnake" (the entire route is called this name by the locals). I would classify this as a must do at least one time. It is one of those that you just can't describe, it has to be seen/done to be appreciated. Watch out for the farm trucks with the 40' trailers, they will be moving about twice as fast as you! There are several small short turn outs to use when you see one of those trucks approaching 5 turns back, use the next turn out and wait! Same if you see one coming from the other direction. They will appreciate your cooperation. I will be awaiting your trip report! Randy
Thanks for the replies. I have been to Joseph and to the Hells Canyon overlook and to Halfway. It is beautiful county for sure. We too have a cousin that lives in Joseph (small world). We will be doing a large family gathering at Wallowa Lake. We did this last year also only we had been visiting in central Oregon so came into Joseph from Pendleton.
So you crossed Grande Ronde River or one of its tributaries, but much farther upstream. Where 129 crosses it, it is nearly at the level of the Snake River. The drop on the Washington side is from 4000' to 1200', and back up to 4200'.
Next time I'm in the area I want to drive up stream, and climb out of the canyon at Troy. But that would be in an SUV.
paulj wrote: So you crossed Grande Ronde River or one of its tributaries, but much farther upstream. Where 129 crosses it, it is nearly at the level of the Snake River. The drop on the Washington side is from 4000' to 1200', and back up to 4200'.
Next time I'm in the area I want to drive up stream, and climb out of the canyon at Troy. But that would be in an SUV.
Wow! Haven't heard Troy mentioned in many years. I recall winding down into Troy with my Uncle in 1946...he punched a hole in his oil pan on the way down. I owned property in the Blue Mtns. until a few years back, but have never been back to Troy. Been up and down the Rattlesnake many times, tho. Understand FR 39 is reopened now, tho not sure if repaved yet. Last time I tried it, couple of years ago, couldn't get through as it had caved in from spring flooding.
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Okay, sounds like something I would be comfortable with, I have driven Grand Mesa in CO and Lizard Pass and some pretty steep grades on some secondary highways in N.CA.
Now I have another question, Highway 12 from Missoula,MT to Lewiston, ID.
Actually I am coming out of Phoenix,AZ. I will be towing a boat behind my rig and trying to get to Joseph, OR. and Wallowa Lake. I have a cousin who will meet us in Lewiston and pull the boat back to Joseph. I can legally double tow in AZ,NV,UT,MT and ID but not in Oregon. I have double towed the boat to Oregon the past two years but usually go into Malin where I have B-n-Law where I leave the boat then go back for it.
This year planning to do something different and have family in Missoula so thinking that way??
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