Parks / Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
National Historical Park · OR,WA
Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage of the native people. Unfold the dramatic stories of America's most famous explorers. The park encompasses sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. Follow in the footsteps of the explorers and have an adventure in history.
Official NPS page →Entrance Fees
Fees are collected in the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center. Please present your pass to the ranger at the visitor center. Card only no cash is accepted.
The Annual Oregon Pacific Coast Passport gets one carload into the park for free. This pass is also good for the following Federal land sites along the Oregon Coast: USFS - Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Sutton Recreation Area, Cape Perpetua, Sand Lake Recreation Area, Drift Creek Falls Trail, Marys Peak Recreation Area, Hebo Lake Recreation Area, and BLM - Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Things to Do
Continue South to Find a Whale
Wrapping around Tillamook Head, between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along 9 miles of coastline and offers outstanding sightseeing and recreation opportunities combined with a storied past. Though the scenic and hiking opportunities may be the main allure, the diversity of outdoor recreation including picnicking, tidepooling, surfing and wildlife observation make Ecola State park a destination year round.
Find a Salt Camp in Seaside
To make salt, the Corps had to find rocks to build a furnace, wood to burn, ocean water to boil, fresh water to drink and game animals. Nearby rivers weren't salty enough, but a site 15 miles southwest of Fort Clatsop proved perfect. What's more, there were homes of local Clatsop and Tillamook Indians nearby, local experts who could help the Corps members.
Fort to Sea Trail
The Fort To Sea Trail starts at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center then takes you up a gentle climb to the top of Clatsop Ridge, where on a clear day you can see to the Pacific Ocean. From there, descend through deep woods and reach wooded pasture dotted with small lakes. The wooded pasture leads to gentle dunes that lead you to the Sunset Beach/Fort to Sea Trail parking lot. From there, travel the 1-mile path to the beach.
Kwis Kwis Trail
The Kwis Kwis Trail is a 3.6 miles one way trail that can be combined with the Fort to Sea to form loops. 2.7 miles - Fort to Sea west to 1st Kwis Kwis connector to Kwis Kwis to the Fort to Sea Trailhead. 5.3 miles - Fort to Sea west to 2nd Kwis Kwis connector (below Clatsop Ridge Overlook) to take Kwis Kwis to Trailhead. 6.5 miles - Fort to Sea west to Kwis Kwis Extension to Kwis Kwis to Trailhead. Kwis Kwis connectors and extensions will always be on the right.
See the Pacific at Cape Disappointment
It was at the base of Cape Disappointment that the Corps of Discovery achieved their principal mission of traveling across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. Eleven expedition members led by William Clark surveyed the area, fulfilling President Jefferson’s instructions to the expedition.
Stretch Your Legs at the Dismal Nitch Wayside
Start your Lewis & Clark journey where the Corps of Discovery did. Captain William Clark named the spot “that dismal little nitch.” For six stormy days, the group was trapped by fierce wind and high waves at the rocky shoreline. Today the spot boasts a beautiful view of the Columbia river, interpretive panels, and a short walking path.
Survey a Chinook Trade Village
Middle Village - Station Camp, has interpretive panels to inform visitors on the Chinook Indian Nation history, as well as telling the story of early contact, the Corps of Discovery, and the town of McGowan.
Visitor Centers
- Fort Clatsop Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.