Brown-headed cowbird

Travelers' Rest Eastbound

On June 29, 1806 the Corps returned to Montana and took a well-deserved soak in the Lolo Hot Springs and later regrouped at nearby Travelers' Rest to plan the next phase of the journey. From here the expedition split into two smaller parties. Lewis and nine men returned up the Missouri on July 3, 1806 to further explore the Marias:

"All arrangements being now completed for carrying into effect the several schemes we had planned for execution on our return, we saddled our horses and set out. I took leave of my worthy friend and companion, Captain Clark, and the party that accompanied him. I could not avoid feeling much concern on this occasion, although I hoped this separation was only momentary."

Lewis noted the balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera spp.trichocarpa) near Traveler's Rest. The wood was considered ideal for tipi fires because it did not crackle and it made clean smoke.

Clark took the rest of the men and the Charbonneau family to chart the Yellowstone River. The entire Corps was to reunite at the mouth of the Yellowstone for the return trip to St. Louis.

The long-billed curlew was sighted often by the Corps and can still be seen along lake beaches and grainfields.

The following are a few of the stops in the journey:

• White Cliffs
• Marias River
• Great Falls
• Headwaters of the Missouri
• Beaverhead Rock
• Travelers' Rest Westbound
• The Rocky Mountains
• Travelers' Rest Eastbound
• Return Across Montana
• The Voyage's End