Lewis And Clark Interpretive Center

One of the best historical sites on the Scenic Oregon Coast is the Lewis and Clark visitor center at Fort Clatsop.

I love to explore this site because it holds so much history. The expedition's journals do not give a precise layout of the fort, and the two floorplans drawn by Sergeant John Ordway and Captain William Clark differ.

Clark's floorplan is the accepted version due to his rank and role in the construction work.

Their Indian guide Sacagawea and the black slave York also lived in the fort.

The fort was the winter encampment from December 1805 to March 1806 and consisted of seven rooms. The log fort was named after the local Indian tribe, the Clatsop.

They spent much of their time trading with the native Indians, collecting information on new trees, plants, wildlife and fish they discovered there.

You can see a replica of the Indian longhouse at Fort Stevens. It is very interesting to go inside the longhouse and see how the Indians survived.

History In The Making

I really enjoy visiting Fort Clatsop. This is where Lewis and Clark made their winter encampment. As you visit the Fort you can just imagine what it was like back in the 1800's.

fort clatsop Can you imagine living on a diet of spoiled elk meat? That is why salt was so important to the encampment. Their salt had run out by the time they arrived at the Pacific Coast.

Five men were dispatched from Fort Clatsop with large kettles to boil seawater and extract salt.

The salt making camp was established 15 miles southwest of the fort. They chose the location for the high saline content of the seawater and its proximity to local Indians and the availability of fresh water, game and firewood.

Lewis and Clark Visitor Center
Location 92343 Fort Clatsop Road, Astoria, Oregon 97103

Visitor Hours: Mid-June - Labor Day 9:00am - 6:00pm
After Labor Day - Mid-June 9:00am - 5:00pm

Fort Clatsop Kitchen

In October of 2005, a fire destroyed the original replica built in 1955. It took nearly a year but the fort has been rebuilt and it looks just like the old one.

The picture below is just one of the rooms inside the fort. This one is their kitchen.

Hiking Trails At Fort Clatsop

There are also many hiking trails at the fort to explore.

There are trailheads for the Fort To Sea Trail and Netul River Trail as well as restrooms and a picnic area.

So grab your hiking shoes and explore the area around the fort.

You won’t be sorry because of the beautiful views and scenery.

Remember, Let The Waves Tickle Your Toes.

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