Fort Clatsop, Oregon

2. Fort Clatsop Memorial

First time visitors, or those that have not visited for a year are encouraged to start at the Visitor Center. The ranger at the front desk will orient you to the site.

One way to conduct your tour is to start with movie in the theater, then explore the exhibits with a focus on the Lewis and Clark Experience and lower Columbia Indians. Then walk from the Visitor Center 100 yards to the fort. Explore the rooms of the fort then walk out the back gate to view the spring the expedition members likely used as their winter water source. From the fort, walk out the front gate and in 250 yards arrive at the Historic Canoe Landing where you can step into a Ponderosa pine dugout canoe (on land) similar to the ones the soldiers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition made on the Clearwater River (Idaho). Another path takes you uphill to the picnic area or Visitor Center.

If you are unfamiliar with the site, you might start your visit at Netul Landing. Read the panels there, then walk the one mile trail north to the Historic Canoe Landing. From there, walk up the hill to the fort, then the view of the spring. From the fort, walk 100 yards west to the Visitor Center to enjoy the movie and exhibits.