Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Oregon and Washington.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• 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
• 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.
• Stretch Your Legs at the Dismal Nitch Wayside (5 to 30 Minutes): 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 sh
• 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.
• Kwis Kwis Trail (1 to 5 Hours): 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 Trailhe
• 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
• Netul River Trail (20 to 60 Minutes): Take an easy approximately 1 mile stroll along the beautiful Netul River Trail. Watch for water birds, eagles and sometimes otters! Along the way you can learn about the history of logging and commerce along the Lewis and Clark River.
• Fort to Sea Trail (3 to 6 Hours): 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

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $10 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Winter Hours: Begin the day after Labor Day Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting there

The main site of Fort Clatsop is located south of Astoria just over Youngs Bay, east of the town of Warrenton, and approximately 14 miles north of Seaside. Our satellite sites include: Netul Landing, located 1.25 miles south of the main Fort Clatsop site. Middle Village, located on the 101 left off the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Dismal Nitch, located on the 401 right off the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The Salt Works, located off the Lewis and Clark Way in Seaside, Oregon. Keep an eye out for brown signs.

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

• Fort Clatsop Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Visitor Center is open during normal operating hours for the main park site.

Weather

We see an average of 70 inches of rain a year and we are the foggiest location in the Lower 48 states. Summer months are usually nice with days ranging from 55-70 degrees. Winters are wet and mild, usually 40-55 degrees. During the 106 days the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered at Fort Clatsop in 1806 it rained all but 12 days and they saw the sun 6 times. While we are usually not so dreary make sure to prepare for rain or shine.

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 Mount Rainier, about 114 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.