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Not too much further downstream is where Belt Creek flows into the Missouri River. That's where L&C portaged out of around the Great Falls of the Missouri River in 1805. The 18-mile overland route took the Corps of Discovery 31 days to complete and was described by William Clark as "the most perilous and difficult part of their voyage"
William Clark surveyed the route, which began by ascending Belt Creek before proceeding overland to a camp near the White Bear Islands, south of the modern city of Great Falls, Montana.
Equipment transport: The largest boat, a heavy pirogue, was left behind. To move the remaining canoes and immense quantity of supplies, the men constructed crude wagons from cottonwood trees. Their first attempts failed, requiring repairs with more resilient willow wood.
Weather: The expedition was pummeled by hailstorms and experienced oppressive summer heat.
Painful footing: Needles from prickly pear cactus and other sharp ground features tormented the crew's feet.
Illness and injury: Extreme physical exertion and the harsh conditions led to heatstroke and other injuries among the men.
William Clark surveyed the route, which began by ascending Belt Creek before proceeding overland to a camp near the White Bear Islands, south of the modern city of Great Falls, Montana.
Equipment transport: The largest boat, a heavy pirogue, was left behind. To move the remaining canoes and immense quantity of supplies, the men constructed crude wagons from cottonwood trees. Their first attempts failed, requiring repairs with more resilient willow wood.
Weather: The expedition was pummeled by hailstorms and experienced oppressive summer heat.
Painful footing: Needles from prickly pear cactus and other sharp ground features tormented the crew's feet.
Illness and injury: Extreme physical exertion and the harsh conditions led to heatstroke and other injuries among the men.