Ross' Hole

It was named after fur trader Alexander Ross, leader of a Hudson's Bay Company trapping brigade, who camped there in 1824.

According to the Encyclopedia of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, "Hole" was a term used by trappers for a broad, flat valley surrounded by mountains.

[2] It is known as the subject of a famous painting, "Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians at Ross' Hole," which hangs in the Montana House of Representatives Chamber.

In the southwestern corner of Ross' Hole at the junction of Camp Creek and the east fork of the Bitterroot River, en route from the Lemhi Valley to the Lolo Trail, on September 4, 1805, the westbound Lewis and Clark expedition encountered a village of Flathead Indians and spent 2 days with them.

The huge 12 by 26 foot painting hangs behind the Speaker's desk in the Montana State Capitol.