The dugout canoes are safely run down the Short Narrows of the Columbia astonishing the onlooking Indians. Below the narrows, the expedition encounters Chinookan-speaking People, and the two Nez Perce guides know it is time to return home. Several sea otters are shot, and in the evening, Cruzatte plays the fiddle.
A Wild River
by Yellowstone Public Radio[1]Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © … Continue reading
The Corps of Discovery Running the Columbia
30″ x 60″ oil on board
© 2009 by Charles Fritz. Used by permission.
Running the Short Narrows
I thought (as also our principal watermen Peter Crusat [Pierre Cruzatte]) by good Stearing we could pass down Safe, accordingly I deturmined to pass through this place notwithstanding the horrid appearance of this agitated gut Swelling, boiling & whorling in every direction (which from the top of the rock did not appear as bad as when I was in it; however we passed Safe to the astonishment of all the Inds: of the last Lodges who viewed us from the top of the rock.
—William Clark
Sinking Sea Otters
In our way down to day we saw a great many sea otters swimming in the river, and killed some, but could not get them as they sunk to the bottom.
—John Ordway
Wishram-Nez Perce Peace
The principal Chief from the nation below with Several of his men visited us, and afforded a favourable oppertunity of bringing about a Piece and good understanding between this chief and his people and the two Chiefs who accompanied us . . . . gave this Great Chief a Medal and Some other articles, of which he was much pleased . . . .
—William Clark
Above the Long Narrows
![Historic photo of the Columbia River backed-up before a narrow place](="/media/lctoday/columbia_hills_s1.jpg")
Photo by Carleton E. Watkins in 1882.
The evening camp of this day was located near the bar on the far (north) shore. Today, this area is called Columbia Hills State Park (previously Horsethief State Park).
Music and Dance
here we formed a Camp near the Village . . . . Peter Crusat played on the violin and the men danced which delighted the nativs, who Shew every civility towards us. we Smoked with those people untill late at night, when every one retired to rest.
—William Clark
Weather Diary
Day of the month Wind State of the Weather 24th W fair Note from the 22d to the 29th about the Great Falls [Celilo Falls] of the Columbia river.
—William Clark[2]Some abbreviations have been spelled out.
Notes
| ↑1 | Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © 2003 by Yellowstone Public Radio. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Some abbreviations have been spelled out. |
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
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Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.
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with cooperation and funding from the following organizations:
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
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- Yellowstone Public Radio
Unless otherwise noted, journal excerpts are from The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, edited by Gary E. Moulton, 13 vols. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983-2001).