The route the Lewis and Clark expedition took in 1804-1806 has been marked by the National Park Serve in an effort to preserve this part of American history. The The explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805 and built Fort Clatsop on the Oregon coast to provide shelter during the winter before the group made its way back east. Oregon is home to several significant sites along this trail and offers numerous chances to hike and explore this area.
History
William Clark and Meriwether Lewis led a group of explorers called the Corps of Discovery westward from St. Louis in May of 1804. The group was charged with exploring the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. The trail the group took to reach the Pacific Ocean snaked between what is now the northern border of Oregon and the southern part of Washington. Today there are number of hiking trails through the Oregon portion of that historic path. After spending the winter along the Oregon coast, the group returned east, arriving back in St. Louis in September of 1806 after a round trip of more than 7,000 miles.
Identification
The National Park Service worked to preserve the path taken by Lewis and Clark and has marked certified sites along the way. There are over 100 of these sites along the trail owned by public and private organizations. To be a certified site, the location must be open to the public and contain noteworthy information regarding the Lewis and Clark Expedition. These sites are designated by a triangular sign, so watch for these as you travel through the trail region in Oregon. Many of these certified sites offer the chance to explore hiking trails.
Official Sites of Oregon
Oregon is home to the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and is home to Fort Clatsop, where the party spent the winter until the snow melted in the mountains, enabling them to make the return trip. The park encompasses parts of northern Oregon and southern Washington along the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River. This park offers hiking trails with guided and self-guided tours available.
Trail Activities in Oregon
The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers guided tours for group sizes between 10 and 90. This tour includes a movie about Fort Clatsop, a tour of the fort, trail explorations and exhibits at the visitors center. The park offers several ranger guided activities such as the Fort to Sea Trail Guided Hike. This hike is 6.5 miles and takes you from Fort Clatsop to the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodations
The stretch of the Lewis and Clark Trail that runs through Oregon is about 244 miles, stretching from The Dalles and ending in Seaside, Oregon. After a long day of hiking through its rugged terrain, you may want to find a place to relax and unwind. Numerous campsites, such as those in the Mt. Hood National Forest, or more standard hotels can be found along the trail.
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