I had a talk with Chief’s Joseph, White Bird and Looking
Glass, who proposed if allowed to pass unmolested, to march peaceably through the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana.
– Captain Rawn, 7th Infantry

To block the Nez Perce from entering the Bitterroot Valley, Captain Rawn, 30 enlisted men and four officers from nearby Fort Missoula entrenched themselves behind log breastworks in a small opening along the Lolo Creek drainage adjacent to the Lolo Trail. About 150 settlers joined the soldiers. The 750 Nez Perce, with more than 1,000 horses, were camped about five miles to the west. At a meeting between Nez Perce chiefs and army officers, the Nez Perce made four things very clear: (1) They had no intention of molesting settlers or property. (2) They wanted to travel in peace. (3) They would not surrender their horses, arms and ammunition. (4) They were not ready to return to the hostile environment in Idaho.

Soon after the meeting, many settler volunteers returned home. Some reports say they were convinced that the Nez Perce wanted a peaceful trip through the valley.

 Others, “at the sight of so many Indians … deserted.”
– Corporal Loynes, 7th Infantry

Captain Rawn had clear orders. He said the Nez Perce
could not pass. However, the barricade failed when the
Nez Perce, with their horses and possessions, climbed a
steep ravine behind the ridge to the north and bypassed the
soldiers. The previously unnamed barricade became the
ridiculed “Fort Fizzle.”

Picnic Area at Fort Fizzle

This relaxing picnic site along U.S. Highway 12 offers interpretive signs explaining the history of Fort Fizzle and invites you to be a part of a replica 19th-century military entrenchment. Trailers are not recommended. The walkways to tables and restrooms are surfaced and accessible to wheelchairs. A path from the picnic area leads to nearby Lolo Creek.

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, potentially longer depending on weather and availlable maintenance staff.

No drinking water. Accessible vault toilets.

For more information, contact the Missoula Ranger District, 406 329-3814 or 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10266 

Credits and Sources:

NPNHT Auto Tour Route 3 Brochure