Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is a collection of state and federal lands near the mouth of the Columbia River. The park contains sites on the Northern Oregon Coast and the Southwest Washington Coast. The largest cities in the area are Seaside, Astoria, and Long Beach.
Understand
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was an American expedition to cross the Louisiana Purchase to the Pacific coast soon after the purchase was made. The expedition lasted from 1803 to 1806, and overwintered at Fort Clatsop in 1805 before making the return journey to the East.
Many of the sites are related to the journey of the expedition, but Fort Stevens and Fort Columbia exhibit the area's World War II history, and Cape Disappointment and Ecola State Parks are great showcases of the natural beauty of the coastal regions.
Get in
Park sites are situated around the mouth of the Columbia River. If you are already on the coast, following U.S. Route 101 is the most direct way in.
Anyone coming from elsewhere will most likely want to use U.S. Route 26 to start their visit from the south at Ecola State Park, or U.S. Route 30 to start in centrally located Astoria. If you are coming from Seattle and the Puget Sound Area, cross the Columbia River in Longview to get to U.S. Route 30.
Get around
The easiest, and for most travellers the only way to get between sites is by car. Experienced cyclists may enjoy biking along U.S. Route 101 to the various destinations.
Park sites
Listed from north to south. See the See and Do section for more details.
- 🌍 Cape Disappointment State Park.
- 🌍 Fort Columbia State Park.
- 🌍 Station Camp.
- 🌍 Dismal Nitch.
- 🌍 Fort Clatsop, 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd (6 miles S of Astoria off U.S. 101 Alternate), ☏ +1 503 861-2471 ext 214, fax: +1 503-861-2585. The site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered between 1805 and 1806. It features a museum and visitor center, historical exhibits, and hiking trails through wetlands. During the summer enjoy living history demonstrations. Peak season (mid-June to Labor Day): $5 adults (16+), $2 children (15 and under); off-peak: $3 adults, children free; see website for details.
- 🌍 Fort Stevens State Park.
- 🌍 Sunset Beach State Recreation Area.
- 🌍 Salt Works.
- 🌍 Ecola State Park.
Sleep
Lodging
Lodging can be found in nearby Seaside, Astoria, and Long Beach. Check those city articles for details.
Camping
Camping is available at Ecola State Park, Fort Stevens State Park and Cape Disappointment State Park. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer.
Go next
- Explore the cities of Seaside, Astoria, and Long Beach, as well as the Long Beach Peninsula.
- Tour southbound on U.S. Route 101 down the Northern Oregon Coast.
- Head northbound on U.S. Router 101 toward the Olympic Peninsula.