Lewis and Clark Historical Park Spans Across Multiple Jurisdictions, Encompassing National and State Areas of Significant Historical Importance
Discover the rich history and natural beauty of the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park, spanning multiple locations along the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington.
The official website for the park is [http://www.nps.gov/lewi/](http://www.nps.gov/lewi/), providing valuable information for visitors.
Key locations within the park include Fort Clatsop, near Astoria, Oregon, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805-1806. Fort Clatsop can be easily accessed via the Astoria Regional Airport (AST), located about 10 miles southeast of Astoria. For those heading to Fort Stevens, another crucial site within the park, Astoria Regional Airport (AST) is the closest, approximately 15 miles southeast of Hammond.
Visitors to the park can purchase a ticket for $10 per person and enjoy a variety of activities such as Historic Site Visits, Hiking and Nature Trails, Picnicking and Camping, and Wildlife Viewing. Interpretive Programs led by rangers offer insights into the history and ecology of the region, while Picnicking and Camping opportunities are available at some sites within the park.
For a truly immersive experience, consider combining road travel on designated scenic byways, cycling or walking on trails, and potentially joining a river cruise. The Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway in Nebraska is a highly recommended route, offering opportunities to explore historical sites, enjoy hiking, and experience local wildlife and history with flexible timing.
Some areas along the trail have paved trails ideal for cycling and walking, such as the River's Edge Trail in Great Falls, Montana. For a unique perspective, river cruises aboard luxury ships like the American Cruise Lines' Harmony allow travelers to follow parts of the Lewis and Clark route along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Utilizing visitor centers and interpretive centers along the trail is also beneficial, as these centers provide educational materials, maps, and sometimes guided tours that enhance the exploration of multiple sites within the park network.
Other notable locations within the park include Fort Columbia in Washington State, which played a role in coastal defense, and Fort Stevens, a former military defense installation in Oregon. However, information about the closest airports to Fort Columbia was not provided.
Regardless of your travel plans, the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park offers a wealth of opportunities to engage with the historical, natural, and cultural aspects of the trail comprehensively. So, pack your bags, check the local weather forecasts, and prepare for an unforgettable journey! For more information, contact the park at 1 503-861-2471.
- The Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park has a comprehensive official website at [www.nps.gov/lewi/] for visitors to gather information.
- Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered in 1805-1806, is located near Astoria, Oregon, and can be accessed easily via the Astoria Regional Airport (AST).
- Astoria Regional Airport (AST) is also the closest airport for travelers heading to Fort Stevens, another key location within the park.
- A $10 ticket grants access to various park activities, including historic site visits, hiking, nature trails, picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Interpretive programs by rangers offer insights into the park's history and ecology, while picnicking and camping opportunities exist at certain sites within the park.
- A mix of road travel on scenic byways, cycling, walking, and river cruises can create an immersive travel experience along the Lewis and Clark trail.
- The Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway in Nebraska is particularly recommended, offering historical exploration, hiking, and wildlife viewing with a flexible schedule.
- Trail areas such as the River's Edge Trail in Great Falls, Montana, feature paved trails for cycling and walking.
- River cruises on luxury ships like American Cruise Lines' Harmony let travelers follow the Lewis and Clark route along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
- Utilizing visitor and interpretive centers along the trail helps enhance the exploration of multiple sites within the park network.
- Fort Columbia, which played a role in coastal defense, and Fort Stevens, a former military defense installation, are also notable park locations.
- The local weather forecast should be checked before planning a trip to the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park.
- To learn more about the park, contact the park administration directly at 1-503-861-2471.
