Varna near Dayton in Columbia County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Snake River Passage & Columbia Plains Crossing
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2026
1. Snake River Passage & Columbia Plains Crossing Marker
• Leave no trace - help protect the environment and the plants and animals living here.
• Respect private property - do not trespass and
•Protect archaeological and cultural resources - leave things were you find them. Report what you find.
In fall 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition raced against time, hoping to reach the Pacific Ocean before winter set in. Traveling faster than at any other time during the journey, the party often covered 30 mies or more per day on the swift water of the Snake River. Clark wished that the party could have portaged around more of the treacherous rapids, but he knew "the Season was so far advanced and time precious with us."
Sacagawea - Symbol of Peace
Clark wrote that Sacagawea's presence in this region signaled Our friendly intentions, as no woman ever accompanies a war party of Indians in this quarter."
this page online
A "good road"
On the advice of the Walla Walla people, the Lewis and Clark Expedition followed " a good road...plenty of Deer and Antilopes" that led travelers overland between the confluences of the Columbia / Walla Walla rivers and the Snake / Clearwater rives. The Expedition traveled approximately 100 miles on this route between April 30 and May 5, 1806.
The "Great Columbian Plain"
The Expedition had its finest and completely unexpectedly encounter with the semi-arid plain of the Columbia, now known as the Columbia Plateau. Clark wrote, not one stick of timber on the river."
Jefferson's Instructions
President Thomas Jefferson wrote detailed instructions to Meriwether Lewis, directing him to lead an expedition to the Pacific Ocean. He asked him to find "the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purpose of commerce.
Great quantities of a kind of prickley pares, much worst than any I have before Seen of a tapering form and attach themselves by bunches."
~ William Clark ~
October 18, 1805
"saw a mountain bearing S.W. conocol form Covered with Snow."
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2026
2. Snake River Passage & Columbia Plains Crossing Marker
May 4, 1806
The Soil is extreamly feritile"
~ Meriwether Lewis ~
Meeting with the "Bighorn Chief
On Paráha Creek, a tributary of the Tucannon River, Lewis and Clark encountered a prominent Nez Perce chief who wore the horn of a bighorn sheep under his arm. Historians believe this chief's son and grandson were also prominent leaders known as Looking Glass (elder and younger).
Erected by Washington Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1806.
Location. 46° 17.209′ N, 118° 4.403′ W. Marker is near Dayton, Washington, in Columbia County. It is in Varna. It is on U.S. 12 near Timpey Road. Theis marker is located in Lewis and Clark Trail State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dayton WA 99328, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Palouse. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the 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 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (here, next to this marker); Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Homeland (here, next to this marker); "a pleasant looking Country" (a few steps from this marker); Meriwether Lewis, Field Botanist (a few steps from this marker); On The Lewis and Clark Trail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Good things from the Garden, (approx. 3.8 miles away); The Giant on the Hill (approx. 3.8 miles away); Dodge Quarantine Cabin (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.
More about this marker. Duplicates of this maker may be found at several locations along the Lewis and Clark trail in the state of Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
