When news of the Salmon River killings reached Fort Lapwai, ninety cavalry men were dispatched to find the Nez Perce. After a 41-hour march they arrived at White Bird Hill and attempted to surprise the Nez Perce with anearly morning attack. 

At 2 a.m. we were rousted out of what little sleep we could catch in the saddle. We were near entering the White Bird Canyon to make a surprise attack on the Indians at daybreak. But let me state right here, we were to have the surprise of our lives.

– Sgt. John P. Schoor, 1st Cavalry 

Four days earlier, after the council at olo Lake broke up, Chiefs Josepg, White Bird and oohoolhoolzote agreed that they needed a safer area to gather their people. o this end, the moved their camp to Chief White Bird's village on the Samlon River. the location of the village at the base of the river canyon made it easier to defend.

The morning of the attack, the Nez Perce were well aware of the approaching Cavalry. Through a combination of good planning and guerilla tactics, the Nez Perce were able to route the tires and inexperiences Cavalry, killing 34 soldiers. Three Nez Perce warriors were slightly wounded. 

Hiking Opportunity: White Bird Battlefield

There is an abundance of wildlife along the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. All wild animals need to be treated with caution and respect. If you are planning to hike, check with the nearest land management agency for information on local wildlife. Know how to be safe in wild country.

From the White Bird Overlook, continue south on U.S. Highway 95 S for 3.5 miles and turn left toward White Bird Road. In 0.4 miles turn right onto River Road and continue for 2 miles to the White Bird Battlefield trailhead.
Note: The round trip is about 3 miles with six stops along the trail. The trailhead is at 1,700 feet and climbs an additional 460 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. Bring plenty of water. There are no bathrooms at this site.

Today, the battlefield provides an opportunity for those who wish to experience the area up close. Visitors can hike a 3 mile trail through the battlefield with interpretive signs detailing the battle along the route.

A grave honoring one of the soldiers killed in this battle lies about 1 mile north, past the battlefield trailhead along River Road.

“The Soldier was an old gray-headed sergeant,... He was killed in as fair a duel as ever was fought... They were probably 15 paces apart; the sergeant would fire and fall back a few steps, the Indian would fire and advance. Each combatant must have fired four or five shots before the sergeant was hit and fell.”
– Frank Fenn, Mt. Idaho Volunteer