This is Dug Bar on the Snake River, 196 miles above the confluence with the Columbia River, a part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. In 1877 Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce people crossed the Snake River here during the spring flood. Forced from his home in the Wallowa Mountains and pursued by the U.S.Army, Chief Joseph led his people here, where he knew the river could be crossed safely by taking advantage of eddies along both banks. Women, children, elders, cattle and horses all made the crossing.
The U.S. Army suffered losses of many men, horses and supplies when they crossed the Snake River further upstream in pursuit of the Nez Perce.
