“...tremendious Mountains entirely Cover with Snow...”

The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed this site in late September, 1805. On their return journey in June 1806, they camped on the open hillside. The party has been traveling on top of several feet of snow in most areas so the grassy feed found here in the spring was a welcome change.
Seventy years later, the Lolo Trail was the route used by the Nimiipuu to cross the Bitterroot Mountains in an effort to escape the U.S. Army. The military, lead by General Oliver O. Howard camped on this steep hillside on August 3, 1877. One soldier noted, "According as the tents were pitched, or beds made in them, we slept almost erect or standing on our heads."


Capt. William Clark, June 26, 1806

"... we assended and decended Several Steep lofty hights but keeping on the divide ridge of the Chopunnish & Kooskooske river we passed no Stream of water. late in the evening much to the Satisfaction of ourselves and the Comfort of the horses we arrived at the desired Spot and Encamped on the Steep Side of a Mountain Convenient to a good Spring.
here we found an abundance of fine grass for our horses. this Situation was the Side of an untimbered mountain with a fair Southern aspect had been disolved about 10 days, the grass was young and tender of course and had much the appearance of the Green Swoard...."

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Smoking Place
Nimiipuum Wetes
My Name is K'useynisskit
Nímíípuu and Selish
The Lolo Trail
Howard Camp
"to our inexpressable joy"
Selway - Bitterroot Wilderness
Indian Post Office
Gass Creek

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