When Lewis and Clark finally made the strenuous trip over the Lolo Trail in Idaho and found their way to the Clearwater River, they encountered the Nez Perce Indians. It was at a place they called Canoe Camp that they prepared for the next leg of their journey. They left their horses in care of the Nez Perce chief Twisted Hair, to hold for their return. Then they set about the task of building five canoes out of huge Ponderosa Pine trees. With these hollowed out logs about thirty feet long and weighing upwards of five-hundred pounds, they traveled to the Snake River, then to the Columbia River, and out to the sea.
Today we have seen this fine Historical Park, and learned the story of the Nez Perce. We can only imagine the difficulties that the Corps of Discovery experienced, but we can appreciate the help that the Nez Perce people gave them. When Lewis and Clark returned upriver the following spring, their horses were in excellent condition, and several of the mares had colts, so their herd had increased.
