The Almost Intrepid Adventures of LibraryAnn: Lewis and Clark Overland--Part 2

Lolo Pass from the Visitors Center

While Lolo Pass, in the Bitterroot Mountains, is lower than Lemhi Pass at about 5300 feet, it was the more treacherous. For L&C, that is. We had paved road, a nice visitors center and friendly rangers to answer questions. We approched Lolo Pass from the Traveler's Rest State Park, the site where the Corps of Discovery set up camp before crossing the pass.

At the Traveler's Rest Interpretive Center, we saw replica tipis used by the Indians and replica tents used by the Corps. Clearly the Indians had the advantage. Before leaving on this trip, Jessie sent me an article she'd found

Plains Indian tipi

about how the L&C campsites were identified by archeologists. Apparently mercury was a common medicine and their latrines were full of it. Such was the case at Traveler's Rest. Since it took them a while to identify the exact spot, lots of history had happened since the Corps camped there. It was interesting to see the area protected by the state park jammed up against local development.

A few miles up the road was the visitors center for Lolo Pass. We could have driven a mile down a dirt road to get to the actual campsite but the lovely ranger station, hot coffee, fun gifts and helpful ranger sidetracked us. This clearly was the much more visitor-centered

US Military tents

experience than Lemhi, if not quite so true to the Corps' experience.

The Bitterroot Mountains were much steeper and more heavily wooded and yet now more developed than Lemhi. We saw these wonderful rock formations near a hot springs that had been a resort in times past. We passed this charming public school, small ranches and housing developments.

Lolo Pass Visitors Center

So here we leave Lewis and Clark to complete their mission as we head south and east to complete ours. From here on out, we leave the past and enjoy the present--pure vacation!

Next report from Cody, WY. We pass through the Absaroka Mountains.