Bannock Pass to Leadore
Back Into Idaho
*Adventurous Travel: roads not recommended for motor homes or vehicles towing trailers; usually passable from July to October*
Exactly which route the Nez Perce followed as they left Montana and entered Idaho is unclear. Possibilities include Deadman Pass or a trail leading to the Lemhi Valley through Jakes Canyon. The most probable, however, is the route over Bannock Pass.
Coming down from Bannock Pass, you follow Railroad Canyon down to Leadore, Idaho. Look around the hills for signs of the mining industry that brought settlement to this area. You are brie y on lands administered by the Salmon- Challis National Forest.
On August 13, 1877, an advance party of Nez Perce set up camp outside the town of Junction (now present-day Leadore), Idaho.
"The Nez Perce came in here at 10 a.m., about 60 in number with Looking Glass and White Bird. We had a talk with them; they seem to be friendly disposed toward the citizens. They say for us to go home and an end our business. They say Joseph will be here today with 100 men.”
– Jacob Yearian
A small group of Lemhi Shoshone Indians acted as emissaries between Chiefs Looking Glass and White Bird and the townspeople. The Nez Perce chiefs intended no harm and only wished to pass by in peace. They hoped to convince Chief Tendoy of the Lemhi Shoshone and hispeople to accompany them on their journey to the buffalogrounds. Chief Tendoy’s only reply was a request that they leave as quickly as possible.
