Commemorate Lewis and Clark expedition
September 1805, hiking the Lolo Trail in Idaho

Lolo Trail Commemorative Hike September 14-19

Hiking to Spirit Revival Ridge 9-19-03

Trek across the Bitterroots in the foot steps that Lewis and Clark blazed 200 years ago. This unique Lewis and Clark Adventure will retrace the original route over the Lolo Trail. Read the complete itinerary below. This is a once in a lifetime trip for true Lewis & Clark enthusiasts & hikers!

Guest Speakers on the Trip include

Stephanie Ambrose-Tubbs, Author Lewis & Clark Companion Harry Fritz, Professor of History at the University of Montana Ritchie Doyle, Historical Interpretor, Musician, Artist, Actor Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Travlers Rest Chapter

L&C Journal "The country as usial except the Glades which is open boggey, water Clare and Sandey" William Clark, September 13, 1805 - Glade Creek Camp "we cross Glad Creek above its mouth at a place where the Flathead Indians have made a weir to catch salmon and have but lately left the place. I could see no fish, and the grass entirely eaten out by the horses, we proceed on two miles and encamped opposite a small island at the mouth of a small branch on the right side of the river, which is at this place 80 yards wide, swift and stony." William Clark, September 14th 1805 - Colt Killed Creek Camp near present day Powell Ranger Station, ¼ mile from the Lochsa Lodge.

Wayne points to the headwaters of Howard Creek 9-17-02

Sept 15th--Hike Wendover Ridge to Snowbank Camp--
Then… "We assended a high Mountain Some places So Steep and rockey that Some of our horses fell backwards and roled 20 or 30 feet among the rocks, but did not kill them." John Ordway, September 15, 1805 "with the greatest excertion we Could only make 12 miles up this mountain and encamped on the top of the mountain near a Bank of old Snow about 3 feet deep lying on the Northern Side of the mountain…we melted the Snow to drink, and Cook our horse flesh to eat." William Clark, September 15, 1805 - Snowbank Camp
Now… 8 miles and 3500 ft elevation gain. Begins at the Lochsa River and follows the backbone of Wendover Ridge with little or no switchbacks, mostly maintained trail and easily identifiable. Steady Uphill.

Sept 16th--Snowbank camp to Lonesome Cove Camp
Then…"The knobs, steep hillsides, and fallen timber continue today and a thickly timbered country of eight different kinds of pine, which are so covered with snow that in passing through them we are continually covered with snow. I have been wet and as cold in every part as I ever was in my life…" William Clark, September 16, 1805
Now… 13 miles of varied terrain, thick woods, rocky steep climbs and descents, ending at Indian Post Office, the highest point in elevation on the trip. This section parallels the old Forest Service Road 500, but we follow the lay of the land more than the road.

Sept 17th--Lonesome cove camp to Howard Camp-Sinque Hole Camp-Smoking Place
Then…Snowfall impedes their progress…"The Snow melted so that the water stood in the trail over our moccasins in some places. Very slippery and bad traveling for our horses. We ascend very high and rocky mountains; some bald places on the top of mountains, high rocks standing up and high precipices. " Joseph Whitehouse, September 17, 1805
Now… 14 miles of thickly wooded terrain that drops down from the ridgeline crossing at least 3 creeks. This section is not maintained, difficult to identify and the original trail system has gaps due to lack of use.

Sept 18th--Sinque Hole Camp to Dry Camp
Then… Clark takes 6 hunters ahead of the group to find game. They are cold and hungry. "The want of provisions, together with the difficulty of passing the mountains, dampened the spirits of the party, which induced us to resort to some plan of reviving their spirits…we passed over a country similar to the one of yesterday…" William Clark, September 18, 1805
Now…10 miles of trail that stays to the ridgeline with expansive views north and south. Again parallels the FS Road 500, passing by Greensward Camp, used on the eastward journey.

Sept 19th--Dry Camp to Sherman Peak, transport back to Lochsa Lodge
Then… The day before Clark sees the Camas Prairie from Sherman Peak or Spirit Revival Ridge. "Set out this morning a little after sun rise and continued our rout…for 6 miles when the ridge terminated and we to our inexpressible joy discovered a large tract of Prairie country lying to the S. W…." Meriwether Lewis, September 19, 1805
Now…19 mile hike on a maintained trail to the boulders on Sherman Peak for a view of the Camas Prairie. Transportation back to the Lochsa Lodge via Hwy 12.

Itinerary and guest speakers subject to change

****Portions of the route are not maintained trails.
Sections of the trip will be advanced hiking. We will be navigating our own path over down trees through huckleberry bushes, much like Lewis & Clark by reading topo maps, compasses and taking the path of least resistance to the next camp location. This trip will be vehicle supported for camp supplies and riding options.

*****Good physical condition but no technical skills are needed and the willingness to accept whatever the trail may bring. There is always the option of walking FS Road 500 and riding in the support truck for a break.

*****Weather is a factor in the level of difficulty, distance covered, etc…Because we are traveling through thick brush be prepared for wet & cold conditions. Winter conditions are a possibility too. See recommended gear list below.

5-day Commemorative Trip Price: $1115 per person + ID State tax (5%)

It can snow on the Commemorative Trek. Be prepared for winter camping conditions and/or sunshine & warm