Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail is a national historic trail run by the National Park Service in 16 states.

In the park service’s words

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Bike the Katy Trail (0 to 7 Days): Katy Trail State Park runs 240 miles across the state of Missouri between Clinton and Machens. Known as the country's longest continuous rail-trail, it attracts cyclists, walkers, equestrians, nature lovers, and history buffs seeking adventure along the Missouri River.
• Hanford: Bike and Walk the Sacagawea Heritage Trail (1 to 4 Hours): This recreational trail along the Columbia River is a perfect way to explore the Tri-Cities on foot and bike. Interpretive signs along the route share information about local history including Lewis and Clark’s experience in the Mid-Columbia region. You can also take in panoramic views of the Columbia River, which was
• Experience History Come Alive at Fort Clatsop (1 to 3 Hours): Visit the replica fort and visitor center to learn more about the Lewis & Clark expedition and local native culture. If you visit during our Summer or Winter programs you may even get to talk to rangers in costumes and try your hand at 19th century tasks. Experience this incredible story in a tangible way when you lay
• Water Trails: Lewis and Clark’s legendary expedition would not have been possible had they not been able to navigate some of North America’s longest rivers. Today, the officially designated water trails of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail are an exciting and iconic way for you to explore the region much as Lewis and Clark
• Fort Clatsop Audio Tour (20 to 60 Minutes): Embark on a voyage of discovery as you learn about the historical homelands of the Clatsop people, and the winter that Lewis and Clark spent in the area. This self-guided audio tour will take you to the must-see sights around Fort Clatsop, beginning at the visitor center and ending back in the parking lot.
• Stargaze at Spirit Mound: stargaze
• South Slough Trail (1 to 3 Hours): The South Slough Trail is a three mile loop that can be accessed from the Fort to Sea Trailhead or from near the North Netul Landing that features twist and turns and steep changes in elevation among large trees and a boardwalk over the Colewort Creek restoration area.
• Clay Pit Pond Trail (15 to 60 Minutes): The Clay Pit Pond is a half mile loop primitive trail with access at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center picnic area. It is a great trail for those looking for a short but dynamic hike. The trail features a vernal pond surrounded by skunk cabbage and sedges. There are steep steps and lots of trees growing close to the trai

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center is located on the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska.

Lodging

• Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Tourism Earth Lodge Village: The three affiliated tribes of the Upper Missouri River Valley, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara, perfected the construction of their earth lodge homes over hundreds of years of life on the harsh Northern Plains. Masters of agriculture, the tribes settled near the fertile banks of the river and built
• Multnomah Falls and Lodge: Oregon’s tallest waterfall (620 ft.) is just 30 minutes east of Portland and 30 minutes west of Hood River. Offering scenic splendor and a gateway to the Gorge’s Waterfall Corridor, the waterfall is the most visited outdoor attraction in the Pacific Northwest due to its constant flow and proximity t

Getting there

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center is located on the first floor of the National Park Service Interior Region 3,4,5 Office. We are right on the Missouri River next to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Omaha, NE.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center: Daily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Weather

In winter, watch for ice on trails and sidewalks. In summer, make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen on hot days. Keep in mind the trail covers 16 states, use www.weather.gov to look up the specific area you plan to visit.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Gateway Arch, about 354 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.