Camas Prairie train operations part 3: Along the Clearwater River

The Kamiah Local, trains 881 and 882

The first subdivision, from Lewiston to Stites, saw quite a bit of train traffic in 1967.   The Camas Prairie Railroad operated as many as seven trains east of Lewiston.  Locals operated both directions between Lewiston and Kamiah (pronounced Kam-ee-eye). 

The first subdivision is a water level route, with gentle grades, following the Clearwater River.  The line crossed the Clearwater River twice before reaching Stites, just east of Spalding and again, just west of Kamiah.

Camas Prairie train operations part 2: The Camas Prairie

The Grangeville Local, trains 857 and 858

The building of the Second Subdivision, from Spalding to Grangeville, led to the creation of the Camas Prairie Railroad. One of its most iconic features was the route through Lapwai Canyon.  This line, with its many bridges, tunnels and severe curves (the curve across Half-moon bridge was 17 degrees!), was one of the railroad’s many scenic marvels. The purpose of building the line through the rugged Lapwai and Rock Creek canyons was the tapping of the prairie’s rich and expansive grain crops.  Reaching the prairie required the railroad to climb almost 2000’ feet in 14 miles, with a ruling grade of 3%!