16. Lost Trail

Updated: August 7, 2020

Clark crossed Lost Trail Pass in a failed attempt to follow the Salmon River to the Columbia in early September, 1805. He and his hired Shoshone guide, nicknamed Toby, scouted ahead of the rest. They discovered that what they had heard about the Salmon River was true. The twisting, deep river earned the name "The River of No Return."

They chose to take Lost Trail Pass instead of risking “The River of No Return.” Not only were they disappointed that they couldn’t travel by way of the Salmon River, but their only alternative was a steep and dangerous pass. Their guide lost the trail on the Idaho side and as they tried to retreat to Montana their horses fell several times on the steep mountain trail.

Updated: August 7, 2020