Where:
Lewis and Clark's trail through southwest part of modern-day Montana followed the Jefferson River, then the Beaverhead River, before proceeding overland north into the Bitterroot Valley. The highways that roughly follow this route include State Highway 41, passing through Dillon, and US Highway 93, passing through Sula.
What Lewis & Clark Experienced:
Southwest Montana was a region where the Lewis and Clark Expedition searched and wandered, and where several pivotal 1805 meetings and events occurred. At this point, they had spent more than a fortnight traveling parallel to the mountains, rather than towards them. Although it was late July, the snow on the looming peaks was a constant reminder that they needed to get over the mountains as soon as possible. The Corps' need to find the Shoshone, trade for horses, and cross the mountains became an urgent concern.
On August 3, 1805 they reached Beaverhead Rock. Sacagawea's recognition of this major landmark was both encouraging and frustrating. Lewis took an advance party ahead in search of the Shoshone. They followed a trail up Lemhi Pass, reaching the Continental Divide on August 9, 1805. Expecting to see a downward slope and a great river in the distance, Lewis instead saw mountains, and more mountains. It was at this point that they realized that the Northwest Passage, in the form of an easy connection between the Missouri and the Columbia Rivers, did not exist.
On August 11 Lewis's group saw a lone Shoshone man on horseback, but inadvertently scared him off. They eventually reached a Shoshone settlement and began forming a relationship with Chief Cameahwait and the tribe. They convinced the chief and a group of his men to return with them to find Clark and the rest of the party. The Corps reunited on August 17, establishing camp by the Beaverhead River for several days. It was quickly revealed that Chief Cameahwait was, in fact, Sacagawea's brother. They call this site "Camp Fortunate."
They were successful in trading for the horses they needed to carry their gear through the mountains. An elderly Shoshone agreed to guide, estimating it would take 10 days to reach a river that could eventually take them to the ocean. Caching their canoes and some supplies, the Corps and their guide departed on August 31, passing for a while into modern-day Idaho. After their guide lost the trail, they struggled, running out of rations as they wandered, crossing back into Montana near Lost Trail Pass, then making their way up the Bitterroot Valley towards modern-day Missoula.
Since Lewis & Clark:
The Southwest corner of Montana remains sparsely populated, with many small agriculture-based communities in the Beaverhead and Bitterroot Valleys. The Jefferson and Beaverhead Rivers have been dammed, creating reservoirs that include Clark Canyon Lake.
What You Can See & Do:
Beaverhead Rock State Park
This significant rock formation is now the site of a day-use state park with limited facilities. Photography and wildlife watching are popular park activities.
Lemhi Pass National Historic Monument
You can reach this remote site, located on the Idaho-Montana border within Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, via gravel backroads. Once there, you'll see the same view of mountain ranges and snow-covered peaks that surprised Lewis and his advance party.
Clark's Lookout State Park
This landmark site, which Clark climbed to get a view of the Beaverhead Valley on August 13, 1805, has been preserved as a historic monument. Hiking trails, interpretive signs, and a hilltop marker now commemorate that visit. Clark's Lookout State Park is located along the Beaverhead River off of Highway 91, just north of Dillon.
Dillon
The small town of Dillon has an "Old West" feel and is a great place to stop for a meal and a walk around the downtown shops and park. The Beaverhead County Museum is home to a Lewis and Clark diorama. Nearby is Dillon's historic railroad depot, now the site of a visitor information center, where you can get information about attractions and activities throughout Montana.
Clark Canyon Reservoir (Camp Fortunate Overlook)
The camping place along the Beaverhead River where Lewis reunited with Clark and the rest of the Corps of Discovery was given the name "Camp Fortunate". It was fortunate because, not only was Lewis accompanied by the long-sought horse people, but because the Shoshone chief turned out to be Sacagawea's brother. The actual site is now under the lake. An overlook with interpretive panels is located on the north shore of the lake, off of State Highway 324. Recreation activities on Clark Canyon Reservoir are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and include camping, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and hunting.
Lost Trail Pass Interpretive Site and Visitor Center
Lost Trail Pass is the modern route through the area of the Bitterroot Mountains where the Lewis and Clark Expedition lost the trail, causing the party to wander for several days, facing snow and hunger. Located at the Idaho-Montana border, Lost Pass is 13 miles south of the town of Sula on US Highway 93. Interpretive panels at the Lost Trail Pass Visitor Center (open in the summer) tell the story of that ordeal.
