Historical Context - The Original Lewis and Clark Quest

Our journey follows in the wake of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806), commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and establish a route to the Pacific. The Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, traveled westward by river and land, mapping the terrain, documenting new species, and establishing relations with Indigenous nations. Their journey through the Snake and Columbia Rivers was one of the most treacherous sections, marked by fierce rapids, unpredictable weather, and the necessity of Indigenous guidance.

The rivers we travel today are vastly different from those of 1805—dams, cities, and industry have reshaped the waterways. Yet, their currents still carry the echoes of that original journey. By traveling at the speed of the river, we hope to better understand the landscapes, hardships, and triumphs that defined one of the most important explorations in American history.