Lolo Creek

We went back out through the town of Lolo and back up the road that leads to Lolo Pass. A couple of miles up the road is the site of Fort Fizzle. It essentially is a log and dirt breastwork that was supposed to shield a few soldiers and locals from the Nez Perce who were trying to escape US soldiers. The Indians passed the soldiers on the far side of a ridge unseen. It was considered that the battle "fizzled" and that's where it got it's name.

Fort Fizzle

Ridge where Nez Perce slipped by

Then we went farther back down to Traveler's Rest. This is the only archeologically substantiated campsite of Lewis and Clark. They paused here for several days to build up stores before attempting to cross the Bitterroot Mtns. It is a peaceful lovely place alongside Lolo Creek. Imagine their dismay when they reached the top of Lolo Pass and saw the most difficult mountains yet to be crossed.

Campsite with view of Lolo Mtn.

Lolo Creek

Heading beyond the Shimmering Mtns.

On another day we went downtown, Missoula, to their famous carousel. The animals are all hand carved and beautifully painted. It is the second fastest carousel in the nation at 7.5 mph.

Carousel for Missoula

Paint