Nez Percé Trail

Historic route taken by the Nez Percé people in the late 19th century in an attempt to evade domination by White settler culture. Led by Chief Joseph, the Nez Percé sought freedom in Canada but were forced to surrender before reaching their goal. Their journey took them 2,737 km/1,700 mi from their original homeland on the borders of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, to Montana. The route is now a National Historic Trail.

In 1877, unwilling to accept vastly reduced reservation lands, a band of between 700 and 800 Nez Percé embarked on their epic journey. It led from northeastern Oregon through Idaho, into eastern Montana, and through Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park. All along the route, the Indians were pursued by US troops, and several battles took place, notably at Clearwater Creek, Fort Missoula, and Big Hole. After losing 239 people, Chief Joseph was finally forced to surrender in Montana's Bear Paw Mountains, less than 64 km/40 mi from the Canadian border.