Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806 was one of the most significant exploration events in the history of the United States. It established U.S. claims and led the way for future settlement of the West. It also provided abundant scientific information about the animals, plants and geography of this great land.

Leaving St. Louis on May 14, 1804, the expedition followed the Missouri River system for over a thousand miles and finally crossed the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass on August 12, 1805. At this point the waters flowed westward, and they realized they were in the Columbia River system. Hoping to find a water route to the Pacific, the expedition attempted to follow the Salmon River but found this route impossible. Having been advised by local Indians of a land trail to the west, they proceeded north over Lost Trail Pass and into the Bitterroot Valley. On September 9 they camped near the present town of Lolo, Montana, at a site they named "Traveller's Rest."

From this point, the expedition turned westward and followed the Lolo Trail, an historic Indian trade and hunting route across the Bitterroot Mountains to the Clearwater River. They returned by this route in 1806. The Lolo Trail is now a National Historic Landmark that crosses the Clearwater and Lolo National Forests.

From Lolo, Montana, to a few miles west of Lolo Pass, the trail closely follows U.S. Highway 12. It then follows the high mountain ridges north of the highway for over 80 miles, eventually descending to the Weippe Prairie near Weippe, Idaho.

In the 1930s the Lolo Motorway (Forest Road 500) was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on or adjacent to much of the original trail.  Although the motorway displaced some trail sections, it now provides access to points where one may see and hike remnants of the original trail.

For aids in Lewis and Clark trip planning see Lewis Clark NW