Lost and Starving in the Bitterroot Mountains

The crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains along the Lolo Trail was the most physically grueling ordeal of the entire expedition. Deep snow, steep terrain, fallen timber, and diminishing food supplies pushed the Corps to the brink of disaster.

“I have been wet and as cold in every part as I ever was in my life. Indeed I was at one time fearfull my feet would freeze in the thin Mockersons which I wore.”

The expedition was reduced to eating candles, portable soup (a concentrated meat broth), and eventually slaughtering some of their pack horses. Game was virtually nonexistent in the high mountains. Several men became too sick and exhausted to travel. This 11-day ordeal through the Bitterroots was the closest the expedition came to complete failure.