
Lewis and Clark Salt Works
A historical marker and replica site in Seaside, Oregon, detailing the Lewis and Clark Expedition's vital salt production efforts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quick historical insight

Lewis and Clark Salt Works
Best Time
Quick historical insight

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historical marker and replica site in Seaside, Oregon, detailing the Lewis and Clark Expedition's vital salt production efforts.
"A nice little piece of learning history on the Oregon coast."

🚶♂️ Walk from the Promenade
Easily accessible from Seaside's main beach walk. Parking is also available nearby.
📜 Read the Plaques
The informational signs offer great context about the expedition's salt production.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Salt Cairn
Lewis and Clark Way
A marker commemorating the arduous salt-making efforts of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Informational Plaques
Near the Salt Cairn
Detailed historical accounts of the expedition's salt production and its importance.

Pacific Ocean Views
Adjacent to the site
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Oregon coast right next to this historical landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Historical Stop
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Walk from the Promenade
Easily accessible from Seaside's main beach walk. Parking is also available nearby.
📜 Read the Plaques
The informational signs offer great context about the expedition's salt production.
What is the best route from downtown to the coast for a day trip?
⏳ Short Visit
This is a quick stop, perfect for history enthusiasts following the Lewis and Clark trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Walk from the Promenade
Easily accessible from Seaside's main beach walk. Parking is also available nearby.
📜 Read the Plaques
The informational signs offer great context about the expedition's salt production.
⏳ Short Visit
This is a quick stop, perfect for history enthusiasts following the Lewis and Clark trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Lewis and Clark Salt Works to be a nice, quick historical stop, particularly for those following the expedition's trail. While it's a replica and not an extensive museum, the informational plaques offer valuable context about the importance of salt production for the explorers. Its convenient location near the Seaside Promenade makes it an easy addition to a coastal visit.
"I mean yes it is a replica based where 1 person said their father said it was 75+ years before.
Is this place for someone who isn’t interested in history? No, move along.
Is this place a nice little piece of learning history? Yes."
Matthew Naylor-Legault
"Quick stop to get a feel for the location of the saltworks over the dunes and then to the beach of the Pacific. Park on the opposite side of the street, there is even a designated handicap spot. Beautiful setting and recreation with several informational plaques. this is a must stop if you are following the Lewis and Clark expedition points near Fort Clatsop."
Penny Anderson
"Nice place to.reflect on the history of our country. Interesting take on how people survived many years ago."
Mr O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lewis and Clark Salt Works is conveniently located near the Seaside Promenade. You can easily walk there from most hotels in the downtown area, typically just a few blocks north along the promenade. If driving, there is parking available across the street from the site.
Yes, parking is available across the street from the salt works site. There's even a designated handicap spot for easier access.
While there isn't direct public transport to the exact site, Seaside has local trolleys and bus services that can get you close to the Promenade area, from where it's a short walk. Check local Seaside transit schedules for routes.
The Lewis and Clark Salt Works is located in Seaside, Oregon, which is about a 10-mile drive southwest of Fort Clatsop. It's a common stop for those tracing the expedition's path.
For a day trip to the coast from downtown, consider driving towards Astoria and then working your way south along the coast. The Lewis and Clark Salt Works in Seaside is a good historical point to include on such a route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lewis and Clark Salt Works is an outdoor historical marker and replica site, and there is no admission fee. It's free to visit and explore.
As an outdoor historical site, the Lewis and Clark Salt Works is accessible at any time. There are no set operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Lewis and Clark Salt Works. It's a public historical landmark.
Yes, the Lewis and Clark Salt Works is accessible year-round. The historical context of the expedition's salt production in winter makes it an interesting visit during colder months.
This is a replica and marker of the approximate location where salt was extracted. The original site's exact location is based on historical accounts and local testimony.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes at the Lewis and Clark Salt Works. It's a quick stop to read the plaques and take in the historical significance.
You'll find a replica salt cairn and several informational plaques detailing the Lewis and Clark Expedition's efforts to produce salt from seawater. The site is located near the Pacific Ocean.
Yes, it can be an educational stop for children, especially if they are learning about American history or the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The outdoor setting is also pleasant.
Restrooms are not directly at the Salt Works site itself, but public restrooms are typically available along the Seaside Promenade nearby.
Absolutely! You can take photos of the salt cairn, the informational plaques, and the surrounding coastal scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the salt cairn with the ocean in the background, or focus on the detailed historical plaques. The coastal light can be beautiful, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, the proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it a decent spot for coastal landscape photography, especially if you can incorporate the historical elements into your shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and offering a softer glow.
No, there are no specific restrictions on photography at this public historical site.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and restrictions, especially in coastal areas. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Seaside city website before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and engaging by focusing on the story of the 'salt makers.' You can make it a game to find the different informational plaques or imagine the expedition members boiling water. It's a low-key activity that complements a day at the beach in Seaside.
📚 History Buffs
Consider visiting in conjunction with Fort Clatsop and other related sites to gain a comprehensive understanding of the expedition's time on the Pacific coast. Reading primary source accounts or historical analyses beforehand can significantly enrich your appreciation of this historical marker.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Combine it with a stroll along the Seaside Promenade, a visit to the beach, or lunch at a local restaurant. Its accessibility and minimal time commitment make it perfect for fitting into a busy day of sightseeing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Salt Production
The process was arduous and time-consuming. Five men were typically assigned to the task, using large kettles to boil down seawater. This required a constant supply of fuel (wood) and fresh water. The salt produced was described as 'excellent, fine, strong & white,' a welcome addition to their diet of fish and game. The Lewis and Clark Salt Works site in Seaside marks one of these crucial historical locations where this essential task was undertaken.
While the current site is a replica, it serves as a tangible reminder of the ingenuity and perseverance of the Corps of Discovery. The informational plaques provide detailed accounts of the daily operations, the challenges faced, and the quantity of salt produced, offering visitors a deeper appreciation for this often-overlooked aspect of the expedition's journey.
Visiting as Part of the Lewis and Clark Trail
When planning your route, consider how this site fits into the broader narrative of the expedition. The journey from Fort Clatsop to the coast to find salt water was a critical undertaking. Understanding this context enhances the experience of visiting the Salt Works. Many travelers find it rewarding to read up on the expedition's history before their visit to fully appreciate the significance of these locations.
Local resources and historical societies often provide maps and guides for the Lewis and Clark Trail, which can help you navigate between various sites. The Salt Works, being easily accessible from Seaside's main attractions, makes for a convenient and informative stop for anyone interested in American exploration history.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit