The Stretch of The Columbia

The Lewis & Clark Expedition
Between May 14, 1804, and September 23, 1806, the Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery, with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as co-captains, traveled more than 8,000 from the banks of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean and back, documenting the character of the new Louisiana Purchase and its people. The objective for the expedition was to discover a "practicable water-communication across the continent, for purposes of commerce." As the explorers ventured further into what is now Washington State, they became aware of a vast trade network in existence that extended westward to the mouth of the Columbia River. [Top]


Lewis & Clark in Washington State
The stretch of the Columbia through Clark County, Washington was one of the most heavily populated areas they encountered, with extensive native communities. Besides trading opportunities along the river, the open country near present-day Vancouver was considered the best spot for settlement on the western side of the continental divide. Today, modern adventurers can follow the trails along the preserved campsites, forts and historic sites in present-day Clark County, Washington. [Top]

The Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition across western America is an exploration of epic proportion that mapped our great nation. As explorers, they documented the western terrain, collected natural specimens and recorded the weather. As ambassadors, they engaged in diplomatic and commercial negotiations with the native cultures they encountered along the trail. Today, thousands of curious travelers trek and bike the Lewis and Clark Trail in its entirety or parts to experience the Expedition's bicentennial. This year, many events, exhibits and art projects throughout Washington and Oregon will celebrate and commemorate the Lewis and Clark expedition, its far-reaching discoveries and the historic events of 1803-1806! [Top]

Hike and bike where Lewis and Clark explored their way to the Pacific!
Throughout the North Oregon Coast and Vancouver, Washington are preserved historic sites that mark Lewis & Clark’s monumental journey to the Pacific, maintaining friendly relations with native tribes and preparing maps and journals that recorded their discoveries. These preserved sites, parks and hiking and biking trails embody the stories of hardship and danger, of surprising adaptation, of exploration and discovery. [Top]

Lewis & Clark at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve - The trail of Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery flowed through the Portland/Vancouver basin on the Columbia River. Their journals suggest that the former prairie and wetlands of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve was a stopping place on the trip down the river in November of 1805 and on the return trip up the river in March of 1806. [Top]

Fort Clatsop National Memorial - Located in Seaside, Oregon, Fort Clatsop National Memorial commemorates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition. The park includes the reconstructed fort, a visitor center and museum, historical exhibits, a canoe landing, a spring and a picnic area joined by 2 miles of hiking trails through the wetlands and rainforest. The fort, historic canoe landing, and spring are nestled in the forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it merges with the Columbia River Estuary. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/focl. [Top]

Seaside’s Promenade& Turnaround - Stroll Seaside’s historic ocean front Promenade for a unique tribute to the famous explorers. Reconstructed in 1920, this Seaside centerpiece features an automobile “Turnaround” - the official end of the Lewis and Clark Trail – and a bronze statue of Lewis and Clark. [Top]

Lewis and Clark Salt Works - Near the southern end of the Seaside Promenade along Lewis & Clark Way sits a replica of the salt cairn the Corps of Discovery used. Some members of the troop were sent south from Fort Clatsop to boil sea water for salt in December of 1805 and returned with three bushels of salt. This stop offers Annual Living History programs in the summer. Call 503-738-7065. [Top]

Cape Disappointment State Park - Cape Disappointment State Park is a 1,882-acre park on Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the Pacific Ocean. The Park offers 27 miles of ocean beach, a boat launch, two lighthouses, hiking trails and rich history. Enjoy beachcombing and exploring old-growth forest, lakes, freshwater and saltwater marshes, streams and tidelands. Perched on a 200-foot cliff, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center features exhibits and films that share the story of Lewis and Clark’s journey from St. Louis to the Pacific. Hikers experience stunning views of the mouth of the Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean, and the North Head and Cape Disappointment lighthouses. [Top]

Ecola State Park – Hike the path of Lewis and Clark along the north side of Tillamook Head at Ecola State Park. Experience the challenging hike over a 7-mile trail with spectacular ocean views from high cliffs. In 1806, Capt. William Clark and 12 members of the Corps of Discovery trekked over these rocky headlands through thick shrubs and trees to get to a beached whale in Ecola State Park. Hike the beach path from Seaside or walk a paved road from Cannon Beach. Winding through towering Sitka spruce, you emerge upon breathtaking views of the Pacific. [Top]

Lewis & Clark Explorer Train - Ride the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train along the Oregon side of the lower Columbia River to Astoria. The train takes you close to several historic sites visited by the famous Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery expedition and includes passage through nature reserves and over river trestles. Enjoy panoramic views, through wide picture windows, of this scenic country traversed by the Lewis & Clark Expedition on their journey to the Pacific. [Top]

The Columbia Gorge Riverboat - Learn the history of the Columbia River Gorge and the Lewis and Clark Expedition during a two-hour narrated cruise on this 147-foot sternwheeler patterned after a 19th-century steamboat. [Top]

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