(Where Gumbo was #496)
Gumbo was visiting a remote Ranch in eastern Idaho, situated on the Snake River in Hell’s Canyon. Congratulations to George G, the only one who recognized where Gumbo was.
The Kirkwood Historic Ranch reflects early ranching life in this remote region. Most people who visit the site do so by boat — often jet-boat tours traveling upriver from Lewiston or, as we did, floating to it downriver by raft.
(Our rafts on the Snake River at Kirkwood Ranch)
A few hardy souls reach Kirkwood Ranch by hiking the Snake River National Recreation Trail, the closest trailhead being six-miles away at Pittsburgh Landing. There’s also a primitive 4-wheel drive road/trail you can take to reach the ranch, but it is not recommended.
The Snake River was inhabited for many centuries by Native tribes, notably the Nez Pierce. Pioneers came to the area in the 19th century. The Kirkwood Ranch was established in 1855 as a cattle ranch (turns out the area is not good for cattle), and later as a sheep operation (for which it was much more suitable). At one time more than 3,000 sheep grazed here on 17,000 acres. The ranch has a 2-story ranch house, a bunkhouse, several out-buildings, pastures and hay fields.
(Hiistoric farming equipment is on display at the Kirkwood Ranch)
The ranch had several owners, including Len Jordan who later became Governor of Idaho and a U.S. Senator. The white home on the property (1925) is the Jordan ranch house. The house is still occupied year-round by volunteer hosts who help look after the site and interact with guests, sharing their love of the area with tales of its history, and old-fashionedl conversation.
The Sterling cabin bunkhouse (1952) now houses a free museum which features displays and artifacts of early ranch and Native American history.
There are several outbuildings on the site, one of which is the old Hanna Cabin which had been converted into a blacksmith shop.
The ranch sits on a year’ round creek and the water is used to keep a lush green lawn, popular with deer that frequent the area.
Five no-fee walk-in camp sites are available. Picnic tables are situated on the green lawn. There is even a flush toilet for visitors, a rarity in the area.
Our first puzzle clue showed a mailbox on the bank of a river — something I’d not seen before visiting this region. Mail is delivered by a mail boat.
It doesn’t take long to visit the ranch, and it is a nice example of an early ranch homestead. The place is hard to reach, but worth a visit if you’re in the area.
