Among the Nez Perce

Fatigued and physically sick after crossing the Bitterroot Mountains, the expedition is aided by the Nez Perce. With their help, they find a location on the Clearwater River to build five dugout canoes and employ the Nez Perce method of burning out the Ponderosa pine logs.

The Nez Perce agree to take care of the expedition’s horses while they continue to the Pacific Ocean. Two Nez Perce chiefs volunteer to guide them down the Clearwater and Snake to the Columbia. The guides help scout the rapids and introduce the expedition to the various Nez Perce and Palouse bands fishing in the many rapids.

On 16 October 1805, they negotiate the last Snake River rapid and arrive at the Columbia River where many Yakamas and Wanapums are gathered. About two hundred men approach, singing and beating their drums.

September 1805

1. Sept 20, 1805 – The Nez PerceLeni HollimanDuration: 3:59
2. Sept 21, 1805 – Still SeparatedLeni HollimanDuration: 3:25
3. Sept 22, 1805 – Two Different PerspectivesLeni HollimanDuration: 3:51
4. Sept 23, 1805 – Getting Ready to LeaveLeni HollimanDuration: 2:58
5. Sept 26, 1805 – Setting Up Canoe CampLeni HollimanDuration: 2:51
6. Sept 27, 1805 – Canoe Building Begins, Sort OfLeni HollimanDuration: 2:40
7. Sept 28, 1805 – Ten Days LeftLeni HollimanDuration: 3:52
8. Sept 29, 1805 – Progress Remains SlowLeni HollimanDuration: 2:40
9. Sept 30, 1805 – The Worst is OverLeni HollimanDuration: 3:46

October 1805

1. Oct 3, 1805 – Nothing but Fish & A HorseLeni HollimanDuration: 2:45
2. Oct 4, 1805 – A Displeased IndianLeni HollimanDuration: 2:24
3. Oct 5, 1805 – A Horse BrandingLeni HollimanDuration: 2:51
4. Oct 6, 1805 – Another CacheLeni HollimanDuration: 2:39
5. Oct 7, 1805 – Down the ClearwaterLeni HollimanDuration: 2:41
6. Oct 10, 1805 – Clearwater and Snake RiversLeni HollimanDuration: 2:58
7. Oct 11, 1805 – A Sweat LodgeLeni HollimanDuration: 2:51
8. Oct 12, 1805 – A Warning of Bad RapidsLeni HollimanDuration: 2:45
9. Oct 13, 1805 – All Canoes Pass SafelyLeni HollimanDuration: 2:47
10. Oct 14, 1805 – A Canoe WreckLeni HollimanDuration: 2:52
11. Oct 17, 1805 – The Snake Meets the ColumbiaLeni HollimanDuration: 3:57

Originally aired by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial observance in 2004–2006, these 627 radio episodes parallel the expedition dates starting 14 May 1804 and ending 25 September 1806. They aired only on weekdays with four introductory vignettes and four episodes about events after the expedition. They are narrated by Hal Hansen, scripted by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson, and produced by Leni Holliman.