The Lewis and Clark Expedition with the assistance of the Nez Perce established a camp near the confluence of the North Fork and the main Clearwater River on Sept. 26, 1805 for the purpose of building canoes to continue their journey to the Pacific Ocean. Canoe Camp is one of the few camps named by the explorers.

Many of the men were not well from eating roots and other foods they were not used to having.

The next day, all the men that were able to work commenced building five canoes that would carry them down the Clearwater to the Snake the Columbia River and eventually to Fort Clatsup on the Pacific Ocean. Trees were cut nearby and first hollowed by fire and then with axes in a method the Nez Perce taught the explorers.

The canoes were completed late on Oct. 6, 1805.

Today, Canoe Camp is a National Historic Park where travelers can learn about the Nez Perce, Lewis and Clark and take a few minutes to contemplate the part this place played in the history not only of the area, but the nation.

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