- Not to be confused with Lewis and Clark Trail, the route across the western U.S. traveled by the expedition.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is a collection of state and U.S. federal lands near the mouth of the Columbia River, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition overwintered in 1805-06. The park contains sites on the Northern Oregon Coast near Astoria and Seaside, and the Southwest Washington Coast near Ilwaco and Long Beach.
Understand
[edit]Soon after making the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the United States launched an expedition, lead by Lewis and Clark, to cross the newly-acquired territory and reach the Pacific Coast. Lewis in Clark set off in 1804, and by November 1805, they reached the mouth of the Columbia River. They quickly built Fort Clatsop, and overwintered there 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
[edit]Astoria is both the largest and most central city for accessing the park. All the sites are within a 45 minute drive of there.
U.S. Highway 101 (US-101) follows the coast, thus going near most of the sites.
From Portland, U.S. Highway 26 (US-26) meets the coast at Seaside and Ecola State Park.
From Seattle and most other cities in Washington state, take Interstate 5 to WA-433 at Longview. Cross the Columbia River and continue west on U.S. Highway 30 (US-30).
Fees and permits
[edit]The park is a collection of sites administered by three distinct entities, with separate fee and permit requirements.
- The National Park Service collects entrance fees for Fort Clatsop. A Standard Pass is $10 for the day. The America the Beautiful Pass (also known as the Interagency Pass) is accepted.
- Oregon State Parks collects parking fees for Fort Stevens and Ecola State Park. The Annual Oregon Coast Passport is $35, and covers all park sites (state and federal) on the Oregon side.
- Washington State Parks requires a Discover Pass for all private vehicles entering a state park. The pass costs $11.50 for one day, or $50 for one year from the purchase date (Jan 2026). Dealers, such as sporting goods stores, and online sales add a surcharge. There's no additional fees for out-of-state vehicles entering the parks, but there is a non-resident surcharge for camping.
Get around
[edit]
The only easy way to get between sites is by car. Few (if any) of the sites are served by public transportation.
Experienced cyclists may enjoy biking along US-101 to the various destinations.
See and do
[edit]Washington
[edit]
Oregon
[edit]- 5 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.
- 6 Fort Stevens State Park.
- 7 Sunset Beach State Recreation Area.
- 8 Salt Works.
- 9 Ecola State Park.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]Lodging can be found in nearby Seaside, Astoria, and Long Beach. Check those city articles for details.
Camping
[edit]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
[edit]- Explore Astoria
- Explore Long Beach and the rest of the Long Beach Peninsula.
- Tour southbound on U.S. Route 101 through Seaside and further down the Northern Oregon Coast.
- Head northbound on U.S. Route 101 toward the Olympic Peninsula.