Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Fort Clatsop
Step into history at Fort Clatsop, the winter home of Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery, surrounded by lush Pacific Northwest forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Fort Clatsop
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at Fort Clatsop, the winter home of Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery, surrounded by lush Pacific Northwest forests.
"A great history side quest, definitely mandatory if you're visiting and have time for it."
🎯 Use Your NPS Pass
If you have a National Park Service pass, it covers your entry fee.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around the fort replica.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort Clatsop Replica
Main visitor area
Step back in time at this faithful replica of the Corps of Discovery's winter encampment.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Visitor Center
Engaging displays and films bring the epic Lewis and Clark expedition to life.
Interpretive Trails
Various locations within the park
Explore lush forests and learn about local plant life on well-maintained hiking paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Fuller Experience
Embrace the History and Nature
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use Your NPS Pass
If you have a National Park Service pass, it covers your entry fee.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around the fort replica.
🧒 Junior Ranger Program
A fantastic, engaging activity for kids to learn about the expedition.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 45 mins to 1.5 hours, more if you explore the riverfront.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use Your NPS Pass
If you have a National Park Service pass, it covers your entry fee.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and around the fort replica.
🧒 Junior Ranger Program
A fantastic, engaging activity for kids to learn about the expedition.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 45 mins to 1.5 hours, more if you explore the riverfront.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Well-behaved pets are welcome on the park's trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fort Clatsop as a historically significant and well-presented site, offering an engaging glimpse into the Lewis and Clark expedition's winter encampment. The replica fort and informative staff are frequently highlighted, though some wish for more interpreters during their visit. It's considered a valuable addition to any Oregon coast itinerary.
"Gates locked. Visitor center closed due to stalemate with budget.
Have an America the Beautiful pass so walked around gate. No persons on site. Toured the grounds and the "renovated and rebuilt" ( fire destroyed original) fort."
Jim Bouchard
"September 2025 - This is somewhat outside of Astoria, but you can get to it via 7th street and the back roads (prefered as you get to see more bridges and home like area). You can also get there via US-101 local highway Bus-101.
This is a National Park and run by the NPS (National Park Service) and thus you can use your pass (if you have a NPS pass) for entry. The visitor center provides a overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition and a short walk will get you to the two bulk buildings. (These burned down due to someone in the past making candles) Thus, what you will see are replicas of what once was.
There is a path to the river, and there is a path with a do not enter sign that everyone we watched entered and minutes later had to turn back.
Plan on about 45 minutes if not going to the riverfront, and 1.5 hours is doing so."
Bill McElroy
"This entire space is wrapped in history. The visitor center has some great displays, interpretive information and two different videos that play regularly to introduce even the novice to the experience of the Lewis & Clark expedition. We arrived early in the morning and were privileged to have the entire fort to ourselves to wander through. I do wish we had been there when some sort of guide or interpreter could have given some color to what we were seeing and walking through. If you are short on time the interpretive center and the fort can be explored in about a rush 90 minutes. If you have more time there are trails and more to experience."
Ross Ambrose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Clatsop is located just outside Astoria, Oregon. You can reach it via US-101 or by taking 7th Street and back roads for a more scenic route.
Bus-101 is a local bus route that can take you to the Fort Clatsop area from Astoria.
The main parking lot is conveniently located at the visitor center, providing easy access to exhibits and the fort replica.
Yes, it's well-marked and a popular destination, especially for those exploring the Oregon coast.
The park is located at 92343 Fort Clatsop Road, Astoria, OR 97103. Follow signs from US-101.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fort Clatsop is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. An entrance fee is required, but your National Park Service pass is accepted.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, there is an entrance fee. However, if you have a valid NPS pass, it will cover your admission.
Absolutely! Your America the Beautiful Pass, which is a National Parks Pass, is valid for entry into Fort Clatsop.
The primary way to save on entry is by using an existing National Park Service pass. Specific discounts are not widely advertised beyond that.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the replica Fort Clatsop, visit the visitor center with exhibits and films, and hike interpretive trails.
A typical visit takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much you explore, including the riverfront.
Park rangers often provide interpretive talks and guided hikes, especially during peak season. Check the visitor center for schedules.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! The Junior Ranger program is a hit with kids, and the historical context is engaging.
Pets are welcome on the trails, but they must be leashed and are not permitted inside buildings or the fort replica.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic replica fort, the lush forest trails, and the scenic river views. Early morning light can be beautiful.
Photography is generally allowed inside the replica fort, but be mindful of any interpretive staff or demonstrations.
As with most National Parks, drone usage is typically restricted. Check with park staff or the NPS website for specific regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with fewer crowds.
While wildlife sightings are possible, always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The replica fort is captivating for children, allowing them to imagine life in the early 19th century. The interpretive trails are also manageable for younger legs, providing opportunities for nature exploration. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger school group crowds. The visitor center's films and exhibits are also engaging for various age groups. Remember to bring snacks and water, and encourage your children to ask questions of the park rangers, who are often happy to share fascinating details about daily life at the fort.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
The visitor center's exhibits and films offer comprehensive background on the expedition's goals, challenges, and achievements. Pay close attention to the details about the interactions with Native American tribes, the scientific observations made, and the logistical hurdles overcome. The park rangers are a valuable resource for in-depth historical context. Consider researching the expedition beforehand to enhance your appreciation of the site's significance.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts
The trails are generally easy to moderate, making them accessible for a relaxed walk amidst the natural beauty of the Oregon coast region. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, and take advantage of the educational signage along the paths. While the primary focus is historical, the park's natural setting provides a beautiful backdrop and a chance to connect with the environment that the Corps of Discovery explored.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Fort Clatsop
+1The construction of the original fort was a significant undertaking, involving the labor of the entire Corps. They built two large log structures to house the 34 members of the expedition, including Sacagawea and her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Life at Fort Clatsop was challenging, characterized by damp weather, limited food supplies, and the constant need to maintain relationships with the local Clatsop people.
+1Visiting Fort Clatsop offers a unique opportunity to understand the daily realities faced by these early explorers. The interpretive programs and exhibits at the visitor center delve into their struggles, discoveries, and interactions with Native American tribes, highlighting the complex narrative of westward expansion.
Exploring the Natural Beauty
One popular trail is the Fort Clatsop Nature Trail, which offers a relatively easy walk and showcases the temperate rainforest ecosystem. Along the way, you might learn about native plants and their uses, as highlighted by park rangers. The trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, including families.
For those interested in a more immersive natural experience, the park's proximity to the coast and the Columbia River adds to its appeal. While Fort Clatsop itself is inland, the broader Lewis and Clark National Historical Park encompasses a vast area, offering opportunities to explore coastal environments and waterways that were crucial to the expedition's journey.
The Role of York and Sacagawea
Sacagawea, a Lemhi Shoshone woman, was indispensable as an interpreter and guide. Her presence with her infant son, Jean Baptiste, signaled peaceful intentions to many tribes they encountered, significantly easing diplomatic relations. Her knowledge of the terrain and local resources was invaluable, particularly as the expedition navigated unfamiliar territories.
Both York and Sacagawea's stories are integral to understanding the full scope of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Their experiences offer critical perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion, reminding us that history is shaped by many individuals, not just the most famous names.
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