The Lewis and Clark Expedition—the Corps of Discovery—played a pivotal role in shaping American history, and Western Montana is home to some of the most significant landmarks from their journey. In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to explore newly acquired western territory. More than 200 years later, visitors to Glacier Country can still walk in their footsteps—visiting archaeologically confirmed campsites, interpretive exhibits and places where they met and traded with Tribal Nations. Retracing their route offers more than a history lesson; it’s a chance to connect with the landscapes, cultures and stories that defined this chapter of the American West.
PACKER MEADOW, LOLO PASS
East of the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Packer Meadow is the site where the Corps of Discovery camped on September 13, 1805. It’s accessible by vehicle and offers scenic hiking trails and interpretive signage highlighting the historic stop.
TRAVELERS’ REST, LOLO
Located just outside Missoula, Travelers’ Rest State Park marks the only archaeologically verified campsite of the entire Lewis and Clark Trail. The expedition stopped here in both 1805 and 1806, and the site was historically used as a crossroads by the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Nez Perce tribes. Today, visitors can explore a visitor center featuring expedition replicas, Salish cultural exhibits, American Indian handicrafts, and a reconstructed frontier Main Street, then walk the interpretive trail around the historic campsite.
RAVALLI COUNTY MUSEUM, HAMILTON
Learn more about Lewis and Clark’s passage through the Bitterroot Valley at the Ravalli County Museum, where exhibits detail their encounters with the Salish people and the region’s historical significance during the expedition.
ROSS’ HOLE, SULA
On September 4, 1805, the Corps was welcomed by nearly 400 Salish people into the valley now called Ross’ Hole. The group spent the day trading, exchanging gifts and sharing information with local tribal leaders. The site sits along U.S. Highway 93 next to the Sula Country Store and includes interpretive signage telling the story of this important interaction.
GIBBONS PASS, NEAR SULA
In July 1806, William Clark split from Meriwether Lewis to explore the Yellowstone River. His route took him across the Continental Divide via Gibbons Pass, an ancient tribal road that Sacagawea helped navigate. Visitors can access the pass via Forest Road 106 near the Sula Ranger Station and find interpretive signs along the way.
CAMP DISAPPOINTMENT, BLACKFEET RESERVATION
As the northernmost camp of the expedition, Camp Disappointment was established by Meriwether Lewis in 1806 while attempting to determine the extent of the Marias River. His journey was cut short by bad weather and low provisions. The site—now a National Historic Landmark—is located on the Blackfeet Reservation and is open to the public.
TWO MEDICINE FIGHT SITE, BLACKFEET RESERVATION
This site marks the only violent encounter between the Corps of Discovery and a Tribal Nation—the Blackfeet. The Two Medicine Fight Site represents a pivotal and sobering moment in the expedition’s history. It is located on private property within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and visitors must obtain permission for access.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
June 16, 2025
Related: About, American Indian, Arts and Culture, Bitterroot Valley, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Blackfeet Nation, Cut Bank, Family Fun, Go, Hamilton, Lewis and Clark, Lolo, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Sula, Vacation
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