In one portion of the territory there was a mountainous region inhabited by the Crow Indians.

As they were the deadly foe of the Blackfeet tribe, they were disposed to cultivate friendly relations with the whites, and to enter into an alliance with them.
Quite a large band of the Crow Indians joined the trappers, and conducted them to one of their most sheltered valleys.

Here they reared their huts and lodges.

The mountain ridges broke the force of the cold north wind.
They had water and fuel in abundance.

Game was not scarce and they had also an ample supply of dried meat in store.