Travel Lemhi and Lolo Passes, and see the new Sacajawea center, Weippe Prairie, and Nez Perce National Historical Park.
Written bySunsetSeptember 3, 2004
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WEIPPE PRAIRIE
The Weippe Discovery Center (208/435-4058) has murals of theexpedition; the Nez Perce meeting site lies 1 1/2 miles south.
In Orofino, Idaho, paddle with Clearwater River Co. (from $45; 208/276-3199).
In Spalding, Idaho, Nez Perce National Historical Park (208/843-261) tells thetribe’s story.
LOLO PASS
In Lolo, Montana, Travelers’ Rest State Park (406/273-4253) preserves a Corpscampground. From there, follow U.S. 12 toward Lolo Pass, where the Lolo Pass Visitor Center (208/942-3113) offers trailexhibits. Or explore on horseback with Triple OOutfitters (208/464-2349).
LEMHI PASS
In Dillon, Montana, get directions from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (420 Barrett St.;406/683-3900) to 7,373-foot-high Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark. On the west side ofthe pass, Salmon, Idaho’s new Sacajawea center (60 State 28; 208/756-1188) tells the storyof the expedition’s heroine.
MISSOURI HEADWATERS
Missouri Headwaters State Park (406/994-4042) is serenelyevocative; nearby Three Forks (406/ 285-4753) has the historic Sacajawea Hotel, the Headwaters Heritage Museum (406/285-4778), and the Three Forks Area Festival of Discovery (Jul 23-24; contactmuseum).
TRAVEL PLANNER
The listings below follow the Lewis and Clark trail throughWestern Montana and Idaho.
Horse Prairie Ranch. Working cattle ranch with guestaccommodations, smack on trail. From $1,270 per person forfour-night stay, including meals and activities; open Jun-Sep. 3300Bachelor Mountain Rd., 30 miles south of Dillon; www.ranchlife.com or (888)726-2454.
MISSOULA, MT
Doubletree Hotel Missoula Edgewater. Large modern motel onthe Clark Fork River; its Finn & Porter Restaurant is good. 171rooms from $99. 100 Madison St.; www.missoulaedgewater.doubletree.comor (406) 728-3100.
LOLO HOT SPRINGS, MT
Lolo Hot Springs RV Park and Campground. 40 tent sites(May-Oct) from $15, 70 RV sites (May-Oct) from $24, 4 cabins(year-round) from $75. 38500 W. U.S. 12; www.lolohotsprings.comor (877) 541-5117.
SALMON, ID
Greyhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast. 7 rooms from $65. 1115 U.S.93 S.; www.greyhouseinn.com or(800) 348-8097.
Shady Nook Restaurant. Small town elegance: good steaks inattractive setting. $$. U.S. 95 North; (208) 756-4182.
WEIPPE, ID
Retreat at Someday Ranch. Bed-and-breakfast accommodationsoperated by Ed and Marge Kuchynka, extremely knowledgeable Lewisand Clark buffs. 3 tepees from $35, 1 cabin from $60; Apr-Nov. 2021Musselshell Rd.; (208) 435-4362.
LEWISTON, ID
Hells Gate State Park. 29 tent sites from $12, 64 RV sitesfrom $18. 4382 Hells Gate Rd.; www.idahoparks.org or(208) 799-5015.
Red Lion Hotel. From $72. 621 21st St.; www.redlionlewiston.comor (800) 232-6730.
Jonathan’s Salmon House. Good steaks, seafood, and winelist. $$$. 1516 Main St.; (208) 746-3438