Fort Clatsop
National Memorial

Welcome to the Fort Clatsop National Memorial!
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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is part of the Columbia Cascades Cluster


Last Updated:Tuesday, 17-Aug-99 10:58:18
http://www.nps.gov/focl/