Lewis & Clark Expedition Trail in Montana, Idaho and Washington

Lewis & Clark in Idaho

Explore the Lewis & Clark Expedition Trail in Montana, Idaho, & Washington

In 1805 President Thomas Jefferson gave Meriwether Lewis and William Clark the responsibility of finding a navigable route to the Pacific Ocean. After crossing the Continental Divide the explorers encountered mountainous terrain that had only, to that point, been traversed by the Indians.

The Indians had traveled these mountain areas into what is now Oregon for many generations prior to the coming of the 'white man'. They traveled these areas to hunt buffalo, fish for salmon and trade with other Indian tribes.

William Clark first encountered the Nii Mii Pu (pronounced Nee-mee-poo) or Nez Perce Indians at what is now Weippe, Idaho after becoming lost. The native people fed the lost travelers and cared for them. The Nez Perce Reservation occupies much of this region today.

Highway 12 from Missoula, Montana to Lewiston, Idaho follows much the same route Lewis and Clark followed. The area is as primitive and the landscape much the same as it was in 1805 when Lewis and Clark traveled it. Modern day explorers have paved roads to travel, however portions of Highway 12 are steep, curvy and narrow. Travelers should exercise caution as they explore this magnificent portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail. The beauty is well worth the experience. Click here for current road conditions.

Visitors traveling this portion of the trail will want to spend a few days in the area, taking time to experience some of the other beauties and attractions available here. LewisAndClarkIdaho.com makes it easy for visitors to plan their voyage along Highway 12 by providing information about Historical Sites and Points of Interest, places to eat and sleep along the way, as well as recreational activities and Treasures that can be found.

The convenient online map will assist you in planning your trip every step of the way. Just follow the map and click on an area to find the Points of Interest, lodging, restaurants, and activities in that area. You will also find places to have your Official Idaho Corps of Discovery Passport stamped.

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