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Nez Perce Trail

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1877

The summer and fall of 1877 were punctuated by a series of bloody battles and clashes between a band of Nez Perce, who had refused to accept a federal government reservation treaty, and the US Army, bent on forcing them back to their Oregon reservation. The chase covered 1,300 miles, crossing Yellowstone National Park and northwest Wyoming. The Nez Perce were under the leadership of Chiefs Looking Glass, Lean Elk and Joseph at various times during the running battle. Chief Joseph finally surrendered saying that the Nez Perce "...would fight no more forever."

Informative signs in Yellowstone National Park and on Dead Indian Hill mark the Nez Perce Trail. State Highway 296 has been officially designated the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway.