Winding down to the Grand Ronde River in southern Asotin County, Rattlesnake Grade is on the way to Joseph, Ore., where the 50th annual Chief Joseph Days celebration will be held this weekend. This canyon's beauty and isolation makes a nice drive for families watching for wildlife or fond of rugged scenery. There are few human residents.
This spiral highway descends 10 curvy miles which may delight children but not the driver or those prone to car sickness from Rattlesnake Summit to the banks of the Grand Ronde River. The road is narrow and winding with more than 100 curves in less than 10 miles.
Spectacular views of the river valley and canyon walls often include grazing cattle, as well as deer, mountain sheep, bear, elk and wildflowers in May and June.
How to get there: From Asotin, follow Highway 129 up the Asotin Grade toward Anatone. Three miles past Anatone the highway climbs to Rattlesnake Summit, elevation 3,965. On your left, before you start down the grade, will be Fields Spring State Park, a nice place for a picnic or hike.
Tips: Boggan's Oasis at the Grand Ronde River is a full-service restaurant, and offers a great milkshake. The Washington Fish and Game Department maintains a river access here for anglers and rafters. There are pit toilets and a primitive boat launch, but no drinking water. If you go, take cold drinks along. It can get hot in the canyon.
