Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Oregon

The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is a park that spans both Oregon and Washington and commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s journey to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, took place from 1804 to 1806 and was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and map the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.

Key features of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park include:

1. Fort Clatsop: Located near Astoria, Oregon, Fort Clatsop is a reconstructed fort that served as the winter encampment for the Lewis and Clark Expedition from December 1805 to March 1806. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about the challenges the expedition faced during their stay.
2. Fort to Sea Trail: This trail follows a route that the expedition took to reach the Pacific Ocean. It extends from Fort Clatsop to Sunset Beach, providing hikers with a scenic journey through diverse landscapes.
3. Visitor Centers: The park has multiple visitor centers, including the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center in Oregon and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington. These centers offer exhibits, educational programs, and information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
4. Salt Works: The park features a replica of the salt-making facility used by the expedition to extract salt from seawater during their winter at Fort Clatsop.
5. Clark’s Dismal Nitch: This is a site along the Columbia River where the expedition endured challenging conditions, including stormy weather and difficult terrain. The park preserves this historical location.

The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park provides a glimpse into the hardships and discoveries of one of the most significant exploration journeys in American history. Visitors can learn about the Corps of Discovery’s interactions with Native American tribes, the local flora and fauna, and the geographical features of the Pacific Northwest.

As always, it’s advisable to check for the latest information and updates before planning a visit to the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.