Fort Clatsop
National Memorial
Welcome to the Fort Clatsop National Memorial!
In Park: Visitors arrive at Fort Clatsop by personal vehicle, tour bus, or bicycle, then park and walk into the visitor center to begin their visit.
Trails, Roads: Walking trails, bordered by native plants, connect the visitor center, fort, the historic canoe landing on the Lewis and Clark River, and the lunch area. The trails in the park total about one mile.
Programs/Activities: Each day during the summer, costumed rangers at the fort offer programs about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They bring to life some activities of the explorers such as flintlock muzzle loading, candle making, and hide tanning and sewing.
Lodging and Camping Facilities: There are no lodging or camping facilities in the park. A variety of motels and camping sites are available in the area.
Food/supplies: There are a variety of restaurants and stores in the area.
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities: The Fort Clatsop Historical Association operates a bookstore in the visitor center that offers a variety of materials relating to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the park's natural and cultural resources.
Accessibility: The visitor center and most of the park is accessible. Some areas assistance may be needed. Much of the trails are covered with wood chips. A wheelchair is available for loan. Some of the audio-visual programs are captioned. The Salt Works is accessible.
Special Needs: The parking lots have RV/bus spaces. Parking near the Salt Works is very limited.
Fort Clatsop National Memorial is part of the Columbia Cascades Cluster
This site celebrates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member
Lewis and Clark Expedition. A 1955 community-built replica of the
explorers' 50'x50' Fort Clatsop is the focus of this 125-acre park. The
fort, historic canoe landing, and spring are nestled in the coastal
forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it merges with the Columbia
River Estuary. The Salt Works unit commemorates the expedition's
salt-making activities. Salt obtained from seawater was essential to the
explorers' winter at Fort Clatsop and their journey back to the United
States in 1806.
Location
Astoria, OR
(the Salt Works unit is in Seaside, OR)
Visitation
Highest in July and August; lowest December through February.
Address
Fort Clatsop National Memorial
92343 Fort Clatsop Rd
Astoria, OR 97103
Telephone
(503) 861-2471
Operating Hours, Seasons
Daily, summer: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
Daily, winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed December 25.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Winter is known for heavy cloudiness, occasional high winds, and abundant rain. Temperatures are generally mild year-round. Wear sensible shoes and be prepared for wet conditions.
Directions
Fort Clatsop is about five miles southwest of Astoria off U.S. 101. From Highway 101 turn east onto Bus 101, then follow the signs about three miles to Fort Clatsop. The Salt Works is on Lewis and Clark Way near Beach Drive in Seaside about 15 miles south of Fort Clatsop.
Transportation
To Park: Access by Interstate Highways (U.S. 101, U.S. 26, and U.S. 30); Fort Clatsop is about two miles from a regional airport; there is bus service from Portland to Astoria and Seaside, but not to Fort Clatsop.
Fees, Costs, Rates
An admission fee is charged year round. The fee is currently $2.00 per adult or $4.00 per family (this is subject to change). Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports are honored. There is no fee to visit the Salt Works site. Facilities and Opportunities
Visitor Center/Exhibits: There is a visitor center with exhibits and audio-visual programs and a nearby replica of Fort Clatsop.
Recommended Activities / Park Use
Exploring at the visitor center, fort, canoe landing, and the Salt
Works; observing coastal forest and wetland plants and wildlife along
the trails; and picnicking in the lunch area.
Reservations / Permits
Reservations for groups must be made at least four weeks prior to the
visit. Refer to the "Educational Resources and
Programs" materials for details. To apply for a Special Use
Permit, contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator at the park.
Basic Visit Recommendations
Allow one to two hours to visit the Fort Clatsop site; 15 minutes for the Salt Works site.
Special Events, Programs
Special programs are planned for August 25 and
between Christmas and New Year's Day each year. Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Columbia River Maritime Museum at 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria;
Clatsop County Historical Society Museums on 16th Street and Exchange Avenue, Astoria;
Fort Stevens State Park, Warrenton, OR.
Additional Information
Contact: Superintendent, Fort Clatsop National Memorial, 92343
Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103 or call (503) 861-2471.
Safety / Regulations
Don't allow your visit to be spoiled by an accident. Cooperate with the
rangers in the demonstration areas. Watch your step in the fort and on
the trails. Be extremely cautious when visiting the canoe landing as
the banks of the river and slough are slippery and unstable. Please
keep children away from the water and exercise common sense and caution
at all times. Hunting and mushroom collecting is
strictly prohibited.
Last Updated:Tuesday, 17-Aug-99 10:58:18
http://www.nps.gov/focl/