Contents
Materials
available for Review |
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Reviews |
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| Author |
Mary Aegerter and Steve F.
Russell |
| Title |
Hike
Lewis and Clark’s Idaho |
| Publication |
Moscow, ID: University of
Idaho Press, 2002 |
| ISBN |
0-89301-257-2 |
| Reviewed By |
Kathy Fatkin, Medical Library
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Idaho Falls
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As
we approach the bicentennial anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition
and the Corps of Discovery, this small book fills a special niche for people
who are interested not only in hiking but history. The 44 hikes described
provide the adventurer with an opportunity to discover a piece of
Idaho not much changed from the early trails of the Nez Perce. You can
view first hand a few of the scenes described by Lewis and Clark in their
journals.
The book begins with a brief history of the system
of trails that cross the area from Lolo, Montana to Lewiston, Idaho, along
with a description of the area’s geology. The user’s guide helps
the hiker select the type of trail based not only on the level of exertion,
but also the trail’s historical significance and scenic value. Each
hike is described by the ease of the terrain including elevation gain and
best months to attempt the hike, along with a map reference, a place to
obtain further information (generally the Forest Service) and description
of trail head and any connecting trails. The description of each hike includes
a history of the area, and a note as to why it was included in the book.
The description of Colgate Licks (hike #6) tells a
very vivid story of how the camp cook George Colgate in an 1893 hunting
expedition became gravely ill and was left behind, despite extreme measures
to save his life. Along with the human history, the hike description
includes a drawing of various hoof prints to help the hiker identify the
moose, elk and deer prints that might be encountered at the mineral lick
that made hunting so successful at this spot near the Lochsa River.
Other hikes detail the types of trees, plants and significant viewpoints.
The multiple appendixes include additional hikes to
consider when you are in the area. Safe hiking includes advanced
planning, so additional information on trail maps, preparation, supplies
and etiquette are included in the appendix. Resources including websites
and addresses for ranger stations, along with a bibliography and information
about the two authors are at the end of the book.
This guide will make a good addition to the recreation
collection of many libraries and the Idaho collection in others.
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