Traveler's Rest
Lolo, MT
The Bitterroot Range beyond Lemhi Pass proved imprenetrable because the expedition could not canoe down the very rugged Salmon River. The guide "Old Toby" led the Expedition north over Lost Trail Pass, down the Bitteroot River to Traveler's Rest. They paused in the traditional homeland of the Salish (Flathead) Indians before the most arduous part of their journey west. This site was a timeworn Indian campsite. The Salish people shared their scanty supplies and provided the Corps with some twenty "ellegant" horses. While with the Salish they learned of the Lolo Trail going west across the Bitterroot Mountains.

They stopped again returning from the Pacific. After four days of rest and preparation, the captains rejected contemporary military strategy and split the group for further exploration...uncertain if they would meet again as planned. Here Lewis went northeast to check out the Marias River and Clark turned southeast to follow the Yellowstone River back to the Missouri River.

In 2002, archeologists uncovered evidence of the Corps' visit to the area, including a trench latrine tainted with mercury from Dr. Rush's Bilious Pills or "Thunderbolts" as the men called them, fire hearths, and lead used in the repair and manufacture of firearms. The discovery makes Travelers' Rest the only campsite with physical evidence of the expedition.

Row 1--#1-4-the field where they camped. Row 2--#1-latrine area, #2-Lolo Creek on north side of camp, #3-this tree was there in 1805-06, #4 & Row 3--#1-Lolo Peak, #2 & 3-information about the Salish Indians.