Nov. 11th, 1805

“5 Indians [came down] in a canoe” “we purchased of the Indians 13 red charr whch we found to be an excellent fish” (Clark)

Sketch by James G. Swan, as published in his book, “The Northwest Coast”, first printed in 1957 by Harper & Brothers

When the 5 Cathlahma Indians left, Clark noted that

“those people left us and Crossed the river (which is about 5 miles wide at this place) through the highest waves I ever Saw a Small vestles ride.”

This led him to remark, with admiration,

“Those Indians are Certain it is they are the best Canoe navigators I ever Saw.” (Clark)

Despite the gift of food, the party found its situation

“truly a disagreeable one; the great quantities of rain which has lossened the Stones on the hill Sides, and the Small Stones fall down upon us, our canoes in one place at the mercy of the waves our baggage in another and our Selves & party Scattered on drift trees of emence Sizes, & are on what dry land They can find in the Crevices of the rocks & hill Sides.” (Clark)

In Gass’ entry for the day, there is specific note of the fact that “we have no tents, or covering to defend us, except our blankets and some mats we got from the Indians which we put on poles to keep off the rain.”

Clearly, the weather was inhospitable for a group composed of people who were without any sources to replace worn clothing or wet supplies. Such an unremitting deluge could only have been disheartening for the Corps. The rain would have felt exceedingly cold to those not warmly dressed, despite the fact that the average November temperature in the area hovers around 47 degrees. In some recorded years, the temperature has dropped as low as 31 degrees during that month and it is certainly possible that the party was exposed to very chilly weather, although the significant rainfall argues against the notion that the it was cold enough to freeze.

Indian tribes of the region were most adept at catching the fish which could be found in the Columbia River. Chief among these were and are salmon and sturgeon. Today’s sturgeon season runs year-long, with the ‘keepable’ size being 42”-60”. Local charter companies provide ample opportunities for those who wish to try their hand at catching one of these large fish. A prehistoric bottom feeder, sturgeon are known to many as “monster fish.” Local fish markets and canneries offer sturgeon and many local chefs have developed creative ways to serve this full-fleshed fish.

There are 20 or more species and subspecies of sturgeon. It is estimated that this bottom-feeder has been around for 300 million years, with remains dated from that time. The record-size sturgeon catch was recorded in 1979 and was a 12 foot long fish which weighed in at 1,285 pounds.

The mouth of the Columbia River which the Expedition had come upon is home to other delectable seafoods, including Dungeness Crab, Albacore Tuna, Shrimp and Sardines.

At the time of the Expedition, salmon were plentiful in the River. Even Dismal Nitch itself could boast a stream in which salmon ran to the River. However, recent years have found the salmon season limited to July 19 through the end of October in the Pacific Ocean and August 1 through the end of October in the Columbia River, with a two fish limit. Local efforts to restore salmon populations are ongoing, including work being done by Sea Resources, a local group engaged in watershed restoration.