August 24, 1805

We inquired of a Shoshoni man what route the Nose Pierced Indians took. He told us that the route which they took was hard and difficult. The terrain was rough and thickly covered with timber. He said that there were only berries to eat because game did not reside in that area. Despite his advice, we decided to follow this route. We experienced firsthand the hunger and exhaustion of this trail. 

August 31, 1805

We start our journey through the Bitterroot Mountains today. The Shoshoni supplied us with a few horses and a mule.

September 4, 1805

Today we met the Flathead Indians. Their camp had 33 lodges, 80 men with 400 people total, and 500 horses. They were very friend and let them camp with them. They received their name from lower columbian tribes who deformed the heads of their infants to make them pointed. Because the Columbian heads were so pointed, this tribe got the name of flatheads.

September 9-12, 1805

Today we decided to rest and let our men gain back their energy. As we rested we observed the plants, animals, and nature that surrounded us.

September 13, 1805

As we traveled through Clearwater National Forest, we encountered water boiling from the rocks. The water was so clear and beautiful. Needing to restock our water supply, we filled our canteens and were surprised by the wonderful taste.

September 14, 1805

As we traveled down the mountainside, many of our horses slipped and rolled down the mountains. This caused varied injuries from small cuts and scratches to very severe injuries such as broken bones and head injuries.

September 16, 1805

As we continued our journey through the Bitterroot Mountains, we hiked through the hardest and most tiresome stretch of mountain we have yet to encounter. Fallen debris has made this course exhausting for both our men and animals. A heavy snowfall has come upon us and has left our men wet and freezing. We made it to Colt Killed Creek where we killed a colt for our men to eat.