Missoula, Montana to Lewiston, Idaho
(200 miles)

Follow one of the most grueling and awe-inspiring sections of the Corps of Discovery’s journey — across the Bitterroot Mountains into the homeland of the Nez Perce.
 

In September 1805, Lewis and Clark departed Travelers’ Rest with their Shoshone guide, Old Toby, heading west over the Bitterroot Mountains along a treacherous trail once used by bison and Native tribes. Today’s route along U.S. Highway 12 closely parallels the Historic Lolo Trail, a rugged gravel road that still echoes the hardship and determination of the original expedition.

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POINTS OF INTEREST

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📍👉Travelers' Rest September 11, 1805 Field Notes​

• The Corps left Travelers’ Rest with Old Toby guiding them along the Nez Perce trail known as K’useyneisskit.

• Crossing the Bitterroot Mountains proved to be one of the most physically demanding segments of their journey, marked by hunger, cold, and exhaustion.

• 📍👉Today, U.S. Highway 12 offers travelers access to scenic overlooks and interpretive signs that highlight key expedition sites.

• ⚠️ Note: The Historic Lolo Trail remains a rough gravel road not suitable for all vehicle
   

📍Kamiah, Idaho – Heart of the Monster - Creation Story

• Located in the Nez Perce National Historical Park, this unique rock formation symbolizes the heart of a monster from a key Nez Perce creation legend.

• The site is both spiritually significant and a prehistoric tribal crossing of the Clearwater River.
   

📍Orofino, Idaho – Canoe Camp

• After surviving the Lolo Trail, the Corps arrived at this riverside site starved and exhausted.

• The Nez Perce welcomed them with salmon and camas root, but the rich food proved too much for their weakened systems, making many—including Lewis and Clark—fall ill.

• With the Nez Perce’s assistance, the Corps carved five dugout canoes from cottonwood trees in just 12 sweltering days.

• These canoes would carry them all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

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📍Spalding, Idaho – Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center

• • On September 20, 1805, Lewis and Clark first encountered the Nez Perce Tribe.

  • According to oral tradition, the Nez Perce debated killing the strangers but were persuaded by a woman who had once been captured in Canada and had been treated kindly by white men.

  • The Spalding area is home to the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center, museum, and park headquarters along with several historic sites.

• 📍Lewiston, Idaho – Lewis and Clark Discovery Center

  • Situated on the banks of the Snake River, the center features:

    • Interactive indoor exhibits

    • A two-acre outdoor interpretive plaza with sculptures by artist Rip Caswell

    • A beautiful stream and reflective setting

• 📍Clarkston, Washington – Alpowai Interpretive Center at Chief Timothy State Park

  • Located at the site of the historic Alpowai Nez Perce encampment, where the tribe once lived and fished at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers.

  • The park honors Chief Timothy and the legacy of the Nez Perce people who aided the Corps during a critical time in their journey.

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