Join Lewis and Clark across Idaho

Want to meet "Lewis and Clark"? They are once again crossing back into Idaho to journey over the Bitterroot Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

However, unlike their 1805 trip, this journey is filled with events to commemorate their passage 200 years ago. The Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps are a group of dedicated volunteers retracing the steps of Captains Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery members. Starting Sept. 11 they will leave Traveler's Rest State Park in Lolo, MT to begin their re-enactment of the crossing of the Bitterroots or what we now know as the Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark.

Lolo Pass Events
On Sept. 13 and 14 Lolo Pass (located on U.S. Highway 12 on the Idaho-Montana border) will be transformed into an 1805 military encampment. During these days Lolo Pass Visitor Center Staff will host period and Nez Perce interpretive programs. 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. Their 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. PST.

The public is also invited to participate in a Lewis and Clark Commemorative Postal Service event at Lolo Pass on Sept. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST. 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 12 to 1 p.m. PST, 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.

Wendover Ridge Ascent
At 8 a.m. PST on the morning of Sept. 15, the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroots Corps will assemble at Wendover Ridge Trailhead (Highway 12; Milepost 158, 16 miles west of Lolo Pass) to begin preparations for their arduous crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains. The Forest Service 9 Mile Packstring will be on-site to pack the corps provisions up the steep ridgeline trail. From 8 to 9:30 a.m. PST, professional interpreters will be at the trailhead providing programs on historic packing techniques and insight into what Lewis and Clark may have been thinking as they ventured into these rugged 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 a.m. PST, the Forest Service packstring, followed by the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroot Corps will begin the Wendover Ridge ascent.

Between Sept.16 and 19 the Discovery Expedition: Bitterroots Corps, will spend "5 sleeps" crossing the permitted section of the Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark. At 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 the public is once again encouraged to see the corps as they re-enact the meeting of Captain Clark and the Nez Perce at Weippe, ID.

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