Lolo National Forest,
Montana,
Clearwater National Forest, Idaho.
On September 11, 1805, the Corps of Discovery left Traveler’s Rest
and began one of the most difficult and demanding legs of their
journey--the 120 mile trek across the Bitterroot Mountains on the
Lolo Trail. This Indian trail was used for centuries by the Salish,
Nez Perce and other tribes to cross this formidable mountain range
for trade and hunting. After 11 grueling days, they encountered
the Nez Perce on the Weippe Prairie who helped them recover and
prepare for the remainder of their trip to the Pacific Ocean.
72 years later, this same trail was used by Chief Joseph and nearly
750 Nez Perce to flee General Howard’s army in pursuit of freedom
during the Nez Perce War of 1877.
Today
Until US Highway 12 was completed in 1962, the east-west ridge
the Lolo Trail followed through the Bitterroot Mountains was the
only way to travel from the valleys of western Montana to the camas
prairies of eastern Oregon and Washington. Traces of ancient Indian
trail, old gold mining era pack trails, Forest Service fire lookout
trails, and a 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps road (The Lolo
Motorway or 500 Road) all wind along this same ridgeline.
This corridor of interwoven trails was designated a National Historic
Landmark in 1960. The routes followed by Lewis and Clark in 1805-1806
and by Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce in 1877 were further designated
as National Historic Trails in 1978 and 1986 respectively.
How to explore the Lolo Trail National Historic
Landmark depends on how much time you have, the type of vehicle
you drive and the kind of experience you want. In general,
easy to reach developed interpretive sites can be found along the
Montana and eastern Idaho segments of The Lolo Trail from US Highway
12. Exploring the Lolo Trail From the Lolo Motorway requires more
preparation, time, a vehicle suitable for backcountry roads and
perhaps a Bicentennial Trip Permit.
Location
The actual location of the historic trail route is parallel and
north of US Highway 12 between Lolo, Montana and Weippe, Idaho.
Facilities
There are a variety of trail opportunities and numerous recreation
and interpretive facilities within the corridor in both Montana
and Idaho.
For more information:
National Historic Landmarks visit: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nhl
National Historic Trails: http://www.nps.gov/trails
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail: http://www.nps.gov/lecl
Nez Perce National Historic Trail: http://www.fs.fed.us/npnht
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