Welcome the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial "Back" to Idaho

(Editor's note: In this release the U.S. Forest Service give information about additional events not mentioned in an earlier release.)

Two-hundred years ago Captains Lewis and Clark with the Corps of Discovery first entered Idaho at Salmon only to be turned back by the ominous river and treacherous mountains which they could not cross.

After journeying north from Salmon they again entered Idaho via what is now the Lolo Trail and arrived at Lolo Pass making their camp at Glade Creek. On Sept. 14 at noon (Pacific Time) the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration will be welcomed "Back" into Idaho at Lolo Pass. The public is invited to the commemoration ceremony and encouraged to spend much of September visiting other events as the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps and the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial events travel westward across the state.

Lolo Pass
On the afternoon of Sept. 12, Lewis and Clark will once again arrive at Lolo Pass via the Lolo Trail. At Lolo Pass the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps, a group of dedicated volunteers retracing the steps of Captains Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery members will set up an 1805 interpretive encampment for the general public to enjoy. On Sept. 13 and 14 the Lolo Pass encampment (located on U.S. Highway 12 on the Idaho-Montana border) will be open to the public. During these days Lolo Pass Visitor Center staff will host period and Nez Perce interpretive programs, and the public is invited to visit with the corps, experience their encampment and meet "Captain Clark" who is portrayed by Payton (Bud) Clark the great, great, great grandson of Captain William Clark. The encampment includes interpretive displays and programs on period dress, firearms, survey and expedition equipment. Ceremonial flag raisings and retiring of the colors are planned each day at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Lolo Pass is also hosting a Lewis and Clark Commemorative Postal Service event on Sept. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Pacific Time) daily. During these two days Lolo Pass will be turned into a mini-post office where mail can be stamped with "Lolo Pass Station" before being sent anywhere around the world. Commemorative, pictorial envelopes featuring John Clymer's 'Lewis and Clark in the Bitterroots' will be available to collectors and the public. On Sept. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. (Pacific Time), the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial will be formally welcomed back into Idaho. Events during this hour include the "Passing of the Espontoon" between the Montana and Idaho National Guard units. This event symbolizes the military support of the 1805 expedition. Veterans will be honored and are encouraged to attend this event.

At 8 a.m. (Pacific Time) on the morning of Sept. 15, the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroots Corps will assemble at Wendover Ridge Trailhead (U.S. Highway 12; Milepost 158, 16 miles west of Lolo Pass) to begin preparations for their arduous crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains. Visitors are invited to watch as the corps and packstring load Clark's desk, saddle mounts and begin the ascent of the ridgeline trail. At 9:30 AM (Pacific Time), the Forest Service packstring, followed by the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps will begin the Wendover Ridge ascent.

Kamiah
Following the Wendover Ridge Ascent on Sept. 15, the public is encouraged to travel west along U.S. Highway 12 to Kamiah where they can experience the traveling extravaganza of the Corps of Discovery II. Beginning Sept. 16 Kamiah's Riverside Park will be transformed into a traveling extravaganza of exhibits and entertainment. The event will last 10 days hosting thousands of visitors including 4,000 school students from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays. The event is open all day long from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. An outstanding schedule of events has been planned with many live stage performances. During these days the public can also attend the Lewis and Clark Living History Heritage Fair at Kamiah. Information and a schedule of events is available at www.northcentralidaho.info.

Weippe
After spending "5 sleeps" crossing the Lolo Trail, the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps will end their journey across the Lolo Trail by emerging from the Bitterroot Mountains onto the Weippe prairie. At 1 p.m. (Pacific Time) Sept. 20, the public is invited to travel to Weippe to view the re-enactment as Captain Clark crosses the prairie and meets the Nez Perce. From Sept. 20-23, Weippe Elementary School is home to the Discovery Expedition's 1805 encampment. These three activity-filled days encompass the September Strides: Clark Meets the Nez Perce event. For more information contact the Weippe Discovery Center or go to www.weippe.com.

Orofino
The Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps will journey from Weippe to Orofino on Sept. 24. From Sept. 24 to Oct. 7 the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps will host their 1805 encampment along the Clearwater River in the Canoe Camp area (Pink House Hole Recreation Area, U.S. Highway 12, mile post 41). Here the public will once again be invited to experience their interpretive encampment and watch as they prepare for their boat journey downriver to Clarkston, WA.

For more information, contact: Kimberly Nelson; Public Affairs Officer (208) 476-4541.