Salmon-Challis
National Forest
While Lewis portaged Lemhi Pass, Clark explored the Salmon River
Canyon. The Indians told Clark the river was un-passable, but he
was determined to see for himself. August 24, 1805, Patrick Gass
wrote, "At 1 o'clock Captain Clarke and his party returned,
after having been down the river about 12 miles…The water
is so rapid and the bed of the river is so rocky, that going by
water appeared impracticable; and the mountains so amazingly high,
steep and rocky, that it seemed impossible to go along the river
by land." On August 30th, the expedition instead headed
for what is now Lost Trail Pass to the Bitterroot Valley.
Today
Take a drive down the Salmon River Canyon and see for yourself
why the Indians told Clark the water route would be impossible,
and why the expedition's overland route to reach Lost Trail Pass
was so difficult and dangerous. From the town of North Fork, 21
miles north of Salmon, Idaho, on U.S. Highway 93, Forest Road 30
will take you on a side trip to where Clark turned around. Then
travel up the Squaw Creek road, Forest Road #039, to the vicinity
of Clark's August 23, 1805, campsite (unmarked location) or down
to the interpretive site at Pine Creek Rapids, several miles farther
down river from Spring Creek.
Along much of the 25 miles to Lost Trail Pass, the trail is Highway
93. However, one off highway section can be hiked or ridden by horseback
between Wagonhammer Creek and Trail Gulch, near present day North
Fork.
Location
North of Salmon, Idaho accessed from Highway 93.
Facilities
While in the area, be sure to visit the Sacajawea
Interpretive Center in Salmon, Idaho.
Wagonhammer
Springs Picnic Area
1 mi S North Fork /Hwy 93 |
Accessible Restroom, Picnic tables,
Trailhead
6-mile Section L&C Trail (trail not well marked)
No overnight camping, No water |
Deadwater
Picnic Area
3.6 mi west of NFork Rngr St on FR 30 |
Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Boat
Launch
No Overnight Camping, No Water |
Trail Gulch
Trailhead
1 mi N North Fork/Hwy 93 |
Unpaved Parking Area
Trailhead for 6-mile section L&C Trail |
Spring Creek
Campground
16.9 mi W of North Fork Ranger Station of FR 30 |
5 Camping Sites, Accessible Restrooms,
Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables, Potable water
Fishing, Swimming |
Twin Creeks
Campground
6 mi north of Gibbonsville, ID
on Hwy 93 |
40 Camping Sites, Accessible Restrooms,
Picnic Tables, Potable water, Fishing and Hiking Opportunities
|
Use Requirements or Restrictions:
Outfitters and Guides
Hiking and Horseback Tours: A Special
Use Permit AND a State of Idaho Outfitter/Guide License is requiredfor
guided visits on National Forest lands including tours between Wagonhammer
Creek and Trail Gulch. Visit www.ioga.org
for information on local outfitters already permitted. |
