Guided by two Nez Perce men, the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered present-day Washington on October 10, 1805, beached their dugout canoes, and camped at a site across the Snake River from here. In this area, the explorers met, traded with, and recorded observations about the Nez Perce, who were among the most friendly and helpful people on the journey and assisted by providing food, guides, and maps. Indian people had lived here for thousands of years and knew every practical river and overland route, as well as sources of food, water, and shelter. From here, Lewis and Clark continued down the Snake and Columbia rivers, reached their principal goal, the Pacific Ocean, at Cape Disappointment, and built Fort Clatsop as their winter quarters among the Chinook and Clatsop Indians at the mouth of the Columbia River. In the spring, the expedition passed by this place on its return to the United States.