Trek to the Lower Portage Camp
PictureThe road overland into the Lower CAmp
        The Lower Portage Camp marks the start of the Expedition's portage around the five falls of the Missouri River.  The camp is on private property and permission is required for access.
          The Portage Route Chapter made a trip to the campsite with the request/permission of the landowners.  Enjoy the story of the trip in photos.
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View of the portage creek canyon from the Staging Area. This is the coulee the canoes were pulled up to reach the level prairies.
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Along the Missouri River. This Boy Scout marker shows the Scout Camping area.
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Looking downriver from the Lower Portage Camp
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The Portage Chapter crew examine the Lower Camp archaeological dig site
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View of the Missouri River breaks above the Lower Camp
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Rapids at the mouth of Portage Creek. These are the rapids that some of the men brought canoes through during the 1806 return portage that greatly surprised Sgt Ordway. Even today floaters must be very careful where and how to direct their rafts over this rapid.
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This rapid halted the Expedition. Clark realized they could not get their boats any farther up the Missouri River. During the spring melt the high water unrestricted by dams makes the rapids much more daunting.
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Capt Lewis giving his normal detailed directions that were easily understood.