Clarkston, Washington | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Clarkston, WA

Tucked away in southeastern Washington at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Clarkston is a quiet riverside city with a laid-back vibe. It’s part of the Lewis-Clark Valley (bordering Lewiston, Idaho) and is perfect for travel nurses who love nature, community charm, and affordable living. From river walks to wine tasting, this small town packs in more than meets the eye.

💰 Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: Clarkston scores around 86, well below the U.S. average.🔗 BestPlaces

• Average Rent: About $800–$1,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment.🔗 Zillow

• Utilities: Roughly $140/month, depending on season and usage.

🌤️ Weather by Month

Clarkston has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold, occasionally snowy winters.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	38°F	27°F	❄️ Cold with light snow possible
February	46°F	30°F	🌤 Chilly but sunnier
March	57°F	37°F	🌷 Spring blooms begin
April	65°F	42°F	🌼 Warmer and breezy
May	74°F	50°F	☀️ Sunny and pleasant
June	83°F	57°F	🌞 Dry and warm
July	92°F	63°F	☀️ Hot and sunny, perfect for water
August	91°F	62°F	🌤 Still hot and dry
September	80°F	54°F	🍂 Cooling down, great for hiking
October	65°F	43°F	🎃 Crisp air and fall colors
November	49°F	34°F	🌬 Cool with increasing clouds
December	39°F	28°F	❄️ Cold and festive

🛏️ Furnished Housing Options

🛋 1-Bedroom Options

• Furnished Apartment Near Hospital – Walking distance to Tri-State Memorial🔗 Furnished Finder

• Studio Rental in Quiet Area – Budget-friendly and fully furnished🔗 Furnished Finder

• Airbnb Monthly Rentals – Search for entire places with discounts for long stays🔗 Airbnb Search

🛏 2-Bedroom Options

• 2BR in Lewiston, ID (5 min away) – Close to the state line and shopping🔗 Furnished Finder

• Zillow Listings for Clarkston Area🔗 Zillow Search

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

• Quality Inn & Suites – ClarkstonKitchenettes, river views, and pet-friendly🔗 View Hotel

• FairBridge Inn & Suites – LewistonJust across the river with extended stay options🔗 View Hotel

• Inn America – LewistonClean and simple, traveler budget-friendly🔗 View Hotel

🚐 RV Parks

• Hells Gate State Park (Lewiston) – Full hookups and riverfront access🔗 View Park

• Granite Lake RV Resort – Clarkston – Full amenities and scenic views🔗 View Park

• Bells Bay Campground – More rustic, but peaceful and scenic🔗 Campendium Info

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Clarkston

• Explore the Snake River – Kayaking, paddleboarding, and riverside trails

• Wine Tasting – Try Basalt Cellars or Clearwater Canyon Cellars nearby

• Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tours – Adventure through North America’s deepest river gorge

• Greenbelt Trail – Great for jogging or biking along the river

• Downtown Lewiston Events – Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and arts walks

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Pullman, WA (~45 min): Lively college town, great food and events

• Moscow, ID (~40 min): Artsy small city with unique boutiques and local coffee shops

• Spokane, WA (~2 hrs): Big-city feel with shopping, shows, and riverfront parks

• Wallowa Lake, OR (~2.5 hrs): A stunning alpine lake getaway with hiking and scenery

🕒 Summary

Clarkston is a quiet riverside retreat perfect for nature-loving nurses. With low cost of living, quick access to Idaho, and plenty of outdoor fun, it’s an ideal contract location for someone seeking balance, beauty, and affordability.

✅ Easy access to healthcare facilities (Tri-State Memorial, St. Joseph)

✅ Lower housing costs than most of Washington

✅ Scenic river valley with outdoor adventure

✅ Short drive to neighboring college towns

Want small-town peace with big scenery? Clarkston is calling. 🌄🩺🍷

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.