Ross’ Hole

Ross’ Hole

Information

Always open
(208) 942-3113
Ross' Hole offers free admission
lat: 45.8463093 long: -113.957857

Ross’ Hole was later named for Alexander Ross, a fur trader with the Hudson Bay Company who camped there on March 12, 1824. The site is currently experienced as a wayside stop along US Highway 93, next to the Sula Country Store. A roadside pull-off is lined by an array of interpretive signage that detail the story of Lewis and Clark’s visit, later exploration and development, and the settlement of Sula. Despite prominent modern intrusions in the foreground, this vantage point allows expansive views of Ross’ Hole and conveys the timeless quality of the natural landscape.

On September 4, 1805 the expedition had crossed near modern-day Lost Trail Pass and descended into an open valley, now called Ross’ Hole, where Clark estimated there to be 400 Salish Indians with 500 horses encamped. The Salish, called “Flathead” by members of the expedition, gave them a warm welcome. Ord­way wrote,

when our officers went to their lodges they gave them each a white robe of dressed skins, and spread them over their Shoulders and put their arms around our necks instead of Shakeing hands as that is their way they appeared glad to See us. they Smoaked with us, then gave us a pleanty Such as they had to eat…

Lewis and Clark spent the next day communicating with chiefs (complicated by the task of translat­ing across several languages), exchanging gifts, bartering goods, and purchasing horses. Rested and refitted, on the afternoon of September 6 the Corps of Discovery continued north along the Bitterroot valley.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

The Lewis and Clark Descent Trail of September 4th, 1805
The Lewis and Clark Descent Trail of September 4th, 1805

Ross Hole Historical Marker, Sula, MT, USA
Distance: 1.51 Away

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes LC Features

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Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort
Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort

Lost Trail Hot Springs, Lost Trail Hotsprings Road, Sula, MT, USA
Distance: 6.59 Away

RV and Camping Lodging Walks and Hikes

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Gibbons Pass Interpretive Site
Gibbons Pass Interpretive Site

Bitterroot-Big Hole Rd, Sula, MT 59871, USA
Distance: 7.15 Away

LC Features Tribal Experiences

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West Fork Mountain Crafts / Gallery
West Fork Mountain Crafts / Gallery

West Fork Mountain Crafts, Sawmill Ln, Conner, MT, USA
Distance: 10.14 Away

Galleries and Venues Shopping

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Mountain Spirit Inn
Mountain Spirit Inn

Mountain Spirit Inn, South Main Street, Darby, MT, USA
Distance: 15.86 Away

Lodging

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Sacajawea Bronze Statue in Darby Pocket Park
Sacajawea Bronze Statue in Darby Pocket Park

111 N Main St, Darby, MT 59829, USA
Distance: 16.08 Away

LC Features

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Painted Rocks State Park
Painted Rocks State Park

Painted Rocks State Park, West Fork Road, Darby, MT, USA
Distance: 20.18 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Big Hole National Battlefield
Big Hole National Battlefield

Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana 43, Wisdom, MT, USA
Distance: 20.25 Away

Tribal Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Walks and Hikes

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The Wild Game Inn
The Wild Game Inn

The Wild Game Inn, Overwhich Road, Darby, MT, USA
Distance: 20.29 Away

Guided Tours Outdoor Experiences Lodging

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ABC Acres
ABC Acres

364 McCarthy Loop, Hamilton, MT, USA
Distance: 24.98 Away

Guided Tours Outdoor Experiences Farms Lodging

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Withy Gate Lodgings
Withy Gate Lodgings

703 S 3rd St, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
Distance: 28.87 Away

Food and Drinks Lodging

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Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op: Keepin’ It Real!
Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op: Keepin’ It Real!

Hamilton Farmers Market Co-op, MT, Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT, USA
Distance: 29.12 Away

Food and Drinks Shopping

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