Sign Text for Idaho Landmark #310:
In 1806, Lewis and Clark waited six weeks for deep snow to melt on the high ridges of the Lolo Trail to the east of here.
Their route home blocked, they spent four of the six weeks (May 14-June 10) at their long camp across the river. They hunted, fished, and amused themselves showing the Nez Perce Indians “the power of magnetism, the spyglass, the compass, watch, air gun, and sundry other articles equally novel and incomprehensible to them.” Finally, with three Indian guides, they got away on their long journey back to the United States.
More about Long Camp:
Later called Camp Chopunnish and Camp Kamiah, this was the expediton’s stopping point after two months of trekking back from Fort Clatsop in Oregon! While they were stuck here, they learned how to build rain-proof lodges, steam bear meat for tenderness, and how to castrate stallions! They did not record the names of their three guides who took them over the Bitterroot Mountains.
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with the Idaho State Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Idaho State Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
W side of Highway 12
0.6 miles south of Mill Road
Kooskia, ID 83539
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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