Biking Lewiston, Idaho's Levee Trail

This 11 mile asphalt trail is part of the Clearwater and Snake River National Recreation Trail and is administered by the Army Corps of Engineers which constructed the levee. Parking is available at Hells Gate State Park (fee) or the adjacent free marina lot, both at the southern end of Lewiston on Snake River Avenue. Several other free parking lots for boaters and bikers can be found along Snake River Avenue, too.

Bikers are treated to vistas of the river and are spectators to all the water activities underway on both the Clearwater and Snake Rivers. Clarkston, Washington is across the Snake River here and also has a bike trail along the water.  Lewiston and Clarkston are sister cities named after Lewis and Clark who camped here in 1805 on their journey to the Pacific, and numerous rest areas along the trail provide information on the rivers and their epic journey.

Starting at the south end, you traverse the east shore of the Snake River.  At its confluence with the Clearwater River, the trail follows the south shore of the Clearwater River until Memorial Bridge which brings U.S. Route 12 over the river. The trail appears to end here, but when you see the asphalt trail turn to gravel ahead, take the asphalt ramp down, turn right into the alley between the Hahn industrial buildings, and you'll find yourself in Locomotive Park...

Take a break here if you wish, or simply look at the locomotive and caboose, then follow the park sidewalk to the road and cross the bridge. You'll see the asphalt path to your left when over the bridge.  It will take you down under the bridge and up the levee on north side of the river, and you can continue 4 miles or so to trail's end at Lower Goose Pasture. The reason for shifting to the other riverbank is soon obvious: the miles-long Clearwater Paper Company plant is on the side you just left and seen in the photo below...

Be advised the trail begins to demand some up and down here and you soon find yourself right alongside route 12 traffic (with a safety barrier between you and traffic.)

The trail offers no shade and the sun can grow quite intense on summer days, but there are several rest areas with shade, restrooms, and water as seen below...