The Breathtaking Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop
The Lewiston Valley in north central Idaho is home to one of the most remarkable geographical features in the United States – the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop. This extraordinary escarpment, also known as the Clearwater Escarpment, descends an astounding 2,000 feet from the Palouse region to the valley below, offering a breathtaking vista and a challenging engineering feat.
Geology and Geography of the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop
The Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop is part of the larger Lewiston Hill, a massive sloping escarpment that rises immediately north of the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers. At the top of the escarpment, the elevation reaches 2,756 feet above sea level, while the valley floor sits at just 741 feet, creating the dramatic 2,015-foot drop.
This dramatic change in elevation is due to the region’s geological history. The Lewiston Hill is part of the Columbia Plateau, a vast area of basalt flows that occurred millions of years ago. The escarpment marks the edge of the plateau, where the basalt flows meet the lower-lying valleys carved by the Snake and Clearwater rivers.
The Old Spiral Highway: Conquering the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop
For many years, the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop presented a significant barrier to travel and commerce. In 1914, Nez Perce County engineer E.M. Booth surveyed a route for a highway to climb the escarpment, which would become known as the Old Spiral Highway.
Completed in 1917, the Old Spiral Highway was an engineering marvel. The 10-mile route climbed the escarpment using 64 curves, with an average grade of 4.68%. Despite its twists and turns, the Old Spiral Highway was considered one of the best-engineered mountain highways of its time.
The Old Spiral Highway served as the primary route north from Lewiston for over 60 years, connecting the valley to the agricultural region of the Palouse. It became a rite of passage for local drivers, with its steep grades and hairpin turns challenging even the most experienced motorists.
The New U.S. Route 95: A Straighter Path up the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop
In the 1960s, studies began for a replacement route to the Old Spiral Highway, as the aging road struggled to handle increasing traffic. Construction on the new U.S. Route 95 began in 1975 and was completed in 1977.
The new highway took a more direct approach to climbing the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop. Instead of the Old Spiral Highway’s 64 curves, U.S. Route 95 follows a sweeping “Z” pattern, climbing the escarpment in a series of steep switchbacks. The new route is approximately 7 miles long, compared to the Old Spiral Highway’s 10 miles.
Despite its more direct approach, the new U.S. Route 95 was still an engineering challenge. Over 4.2 million cubic yards of rock were moved during construction, and 2,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured for the three-level interchange at the bottom of the hill. The highway was also covered with 4,372 tons of asphalt paving.
The Scenic Beauty of the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop
Both the Old Spiral Highway and the new U.S. Route 95 offer stunning views of the Lewiston-Clarkston area and the surrounding landscape. As drivers climb the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop, they are treated to panoramic vistas of the Snake and Clearwater river valleys, with the cities of Lewiston and Clarkston nestled below.
The top of the escarpment also offers a unique view of the region. Just below the summit, there are corresponding initials for Lewiston (L) and Clarkston (C), painted white on the ground. From this vantage point, visitors can see the vast agricultural region of the Palouse stretching out to the north.
The Cultural Significance of the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop
The Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop has played a significant role in the history and culture of the region. The Old Spiral Highway was the subject of a popular 1950s rock and roll song, “Hot Rod Lincoln” by singer-songwriter Charlie Ryan. The lyrics of the song describe a race up the steep highway.
The Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop has also been the site of athletic events, such as the fifth stage of the 1990 Ore-Ida Women’s Challenge cycling race, which finished with a climb up the Old Spiral Highway.
Conclusion
The Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop is a testament to the power of nature and the ingenuity of human engineering. This extraordinary escarpment has shaped the geography, history, and culture of the region, offering both a formidable challenge and a breathtaking vista.
Whether you choose to drive the Old Spiral Highway or the new U.S. Route 95, the Lewiston Valley Two Thousand Foot Drop is a must-see destination for anyone visiting north central Idaho. So pack your bags, hop in your car, and get ready to experience one of the most remarkable geographical features in the United States.
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