Dead Indian Campground
The site of Dead Indian Campground has always been a popular camping area just as it was for the Nez Perce and the scouts that sought them that September.
“On the 10th we came to a hostile camp which had just been abandoned, at the base of the last mountain necessary to climb before reaching the buffalo plains at Heart Mountain.”
– Frank J. Parker (scout and war correspondent), September 16, 1877
A wounded, elderly Nez Perce man remained behind and was discovered by the scouts a short distance up the creek
from the campground. Although the soldiers had been instructed not to kill prisoners, one of the scouts disobeyed.
“Got there just in time to see a Nez Perce breathe his last. He had been wounded in the hip and had been left by his comrades who had evidently left here this morning… Sumner said he rode up near where he lay and the Indian threw the robe off that covered him and raised up in a setting posture. Sumner waited no longer but jerked his pistol and shot him through the chest.”
– Stanton G. Fisher (scout), September 9, 1877
For Hikers: Trail 761
Dead Indian Trail
This portion of the Nez Perce Trail begins at Dead Indian Campground and travels north, northeast for about five miles to the bottom of Clarks Fork Canyon. The first two to three miles of this trail make for an easy to moderate day hike with views into Clarks Fork Canyon after which you should return the way you came.
This is not a loop trail. Beyond the first few miles, the trail becomes much more difficult and takes a steep drop into the canyon at which point one must either return the way they came or ford the river to the Morrison Jeep Trail.
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.
