Lewis & Clark Almost Slept Here

While traveling west, the Lewis and Clark Expedition built dugout canoes near present-day Orofino after the Nee Mee Poo, or Nez Perce, showed the explorers how to burn out the centers of Ponderosa pine logs. Three days after leaving Canoe Camp, the Corps of Discovery reached the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers on October 10, 1805. Clark recorded that they came to the starboard side below to make lunar observations, but the night was cloudy and they were disappointed. They camped on the north shore opposite this park, and on their return journey in May 1806 they again camped on the north side of the river.

Clarkston, Washington · United States