AHSAHKA, Idaho – Visitors can find fun outdoors at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir during the fall season, courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Dworshak Dam Visitor Center.
On Friday, Sept. 23, Ranger Connie Grant-Howell will lead a natural history exploration hike at 12:30 p.m. Visitors should meet at Dworshak Dam Visitor Center to hike approximately 1 mile (roundtrip) down Viewpoint Road and through a section of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine forest. Trail difficulty is easy to moderate, with a short hill. The hike progresses at a leisurely pace, taking time along the way to learn about the environment and history of the area. “Children have a great time exploring unique elements of nature encountered along the trail,” said Grant-Howell. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellant, sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, hats and cameras. The hike is scheduled to end at the visitor center in time for the 2 p.m. showing of “Charlie the Lonesome Cougar,” a nature-themed movie.
On Friday, Oct. 7, Ranger Rich Mucci will offer a family-oriented activity, “Wildlife Bingo!” Join Mucci at the visitor center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to share wildlife stories while participating in this fun, traditional game. Both “Wildlife Bingo!” sessions will take place before the nature-themed wildlife movie, to be announced at a later date.
On Friday, Oct. 14, Ranger Connie Grant-Howell will show a series of “Bobber the Water Safety Dog” cartoons produced by the Corps of Engineers, starting at 12:30 p.m. in the visitor center theater. After the cartoons, Grant-Howell will offer a child-oriented activity in which kids can rescue “Bobber” from a sinking boat. This activity will be follow by the regularly scheduled 2 p.m. nature-themed movie.
To get to the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center, drive five miles west of Orofino, Idaho, on state Highway 7; turn right onto Viewpoint Road and follow visitor center signs for about two miles; the visitor center is adjacent to the north dam abutment, located at North Fork Clearwater River Mile 2 on the north riverbank. For more information regarding programs, facilities access or recreation, call the visitor center at 208-476-1255. Or, you can stop by the center, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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