Whitcomb, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Through the Sandy Plains
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 13, 2026
1. Through the Sandy Plains Marker
"my legs and feet give me much pain"
On the return trip through this area in late April 1806, Lewis and Clark traded some of their party's canoes for horses. Some of the explores rode on horseback, but most trudged through the sandy, rock terrain on foot.
While the horses carried their baggage and equipment, Lewis noted, "the party complain of the sourness of their feet and legs ... no doubt caused by walking over the rough stones and deep sands ..." The captains showed concern for the party during this fatiguing march. Clark directed Hugh Hall to ride one of the horses, noting "he had fallen behind out of my sight." Patrick Gass wrote, "The men in general complain of their feet being sore; and the officers have to go on foot to permit some of them to ride."
Leadership and Teamwork
The Lewis and Clark Expedition succeeded in part due to the leadership of the co-captains and the teamwork between the members of the party. American Indian tribes also contributed to the Expedition's success by providing information, guidance, food, shelter, horses, and supplies. Lewis and Clark carefully watched over members
this page online
"we traded for two horses ...the Nags Capt. L-s and myself intended riding ourselves; having now a Sufficiency to transport with ease all our baggage and the packs of the men."
William Clark
April 22, 1806
"we now made the following regulations as to our future order of march ...Capt. C & myself should devide the men who were disencumbered by horses and march alternately each day the one in front and the other in the rear ...we proceeded on through an open plain country ..."
Meriwether Lewis
Walking a Mile in Their Moccasins.
Military members of the Expedition began their journey in leather shoes and boots. As they traveled west, their footwear wore out and was exchanged for American Indian-style moccasins. The explorers made over 300 pairs of moccasins during the 1805-1806 winter at Fort Clatsop. Later, these sandy, rocky plains took a toll on the party's moccasins and feet.
Erected by Washington Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 13, 2026
2. Through the Sandy Plains Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1806.
Location. 45° 51.169′ N, 119° 51.301′ W. Marker is in Whitcomb in , Washington. It is on Crow Butte State Park Road near Lewis & Clark Highway (Washington Highway 14). The marker is located at Crow Butte State Park. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Land Full of Life (here, next to this marker); Ancient Times (within shouting distance of this marker); A Changing River (within shouting distance of this marker); In the Time of Contact (within shouting distance of this marker).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
