On April 27, 1806, while encamped at Chief Yellepit’s Village across from the mouth of the Walla Walla River, the captains received welcome information. There was a “good road” between there and the Clearwater River at present Clarkston, Washington. Lewis explains: “the indians informed us that there was a good road which passed from the columbia opposite to this village to the entrance of the Kooskooske on the S. side of Lewis’s river; they also informed us, that there were a plenty of deer and Antelopes on the road, with good water and grass. we knew that a road in […]
On July 3, 1806, after nearly three years of exploration, the Corps of Discovery divided to cover more ground. Clark led his detachment south along the Bitterroot River, crossing Gibbonâs Pass on July 6 before reaching Camp Fortunate on July 8, where they retrieved cached supplies, including long-missed tobacco. By July 13, at the Three Forks of the Missouri, Clark sent Sgt. Ordway downriver to rendezvous with Lewis while he led the rest toward the Yellowstone. Read more in our Digital Travel Magazine and on our Educational Website – Discovering Lewis and Clark Check the Lewis and Clark Trail Experience Events page […]
Follow in the footsteps of William Clarkâs 1806 return journey as he led his detachment down the Yellowstone River, with hopes to reunite with Lewis at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Begin in Billings, where you can visit Pompeys Pillar National Monument, home to the only remaining physical evidence of the expeditionâClarkâs signature, carved into stone over two centuries ago. Continue east to Glendive, where the dramatic badlands of Makoshika State Park offer breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into prehistoric history with its rich fossil beds. Experience a trifecta of history at three must-visit sites: Fort Union […]
Traveling up the Blackfoot River and crossing the Great Divide at what is known today as Lewis and Clark Pass, Lewis seemed ebullient. Over 200 years later, each wonder described in his journals unfolds mile-by-mile as the traveler drives Montana State Highway 200 east from Missoula. The Nez Perce guides accompanying Lewis refused to follow this “Road to the Buffalo” as it was used by their enemies, the Blackfoot. An optional side trip up Alice Creek takes you to the Lewis and Clark Pass trailhead, and you can hike to the same divide that Lewis summited by horseback on July […]