Nestled in the beautiful coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, is the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which holds great historical significance in the history of the United States. It was here that the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark completed their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean and established a winter camp in 1805-1806. Today, the park is a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s take a look at what makes this park so special, along with an in depth guide to hiking the Fort to Sea Trail!
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History of the Park
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park was established in 1958 to commemorate the great explorers who braved the unknown and paved the way west. The park encompasses 3,423 acres of land and water, and includes Fort Clatsop, the winter home of Lewis and Clark and their team during their stay in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can learn about the historic journey and the challenges the expedition faced through interactive exhibits, the park film at the Visitor Center, and ranger-led talks.
Best Time to Visit and Hike the Fort to Sea Trail
If you’re planning on visiting the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and hiking the Fort to Sea Trail, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best time to go. The temperatures in the summer months can reach up to the mid 70s, making it a great time to explore the park’s various trails and outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and prefer cooler weather, winter can be a great option as well. The climate during this season is typically mild and rainy, with average temperatures in the mid 40s to low 50s.
If you’re a fan of gorgeous autumn colors, plan your visit for September or October. The park’s deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making for some stunning scenery. Alternatively, the spring rain can also bring lush greenery and blooming flowers, making for a picturesque visit. Ultimately, the best time to visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning a visit to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable place to stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from in the immediate vicinity. There’s no camping available at the park, but there are several campgrounds in the area. I recommend checking out the Astoria KOA Campground, or the Lewis and Clark Golf and RV Park for RV hookups and cabin options. For a more rustic tent camping experience, check out the Gnat Creek Campground just outside of Astoria. For those who prefer the great outdoors, there are several campsites and campgrounds that offer a rustic experience amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the park.
If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are also many nearby hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that offer all the creature comforts you could ask for. The nearby towns of Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, and Seaside all have hotels, lodges, and vacation rental accommodations. No matter what your preference, there’s sure to be a place to stay that will make your visit to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park an unforgettable experience.
Things to Do at Lewis and Clark
The park offers a wide range of activities, making it a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, and there are many trails to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The Fort to Sea Trail is a 6.4-mile hike that takes visitors through forests, wetlands, and dunes, ending at Sunset Beach. The Netul River Trail is another popular hike, providing stunning views of the river and the surrounding wildlife.
Wildlife and Plant Life at the Park
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to see elk, black bear, and river otters, along with a variety of bird species, including great blue herons and bald eagles. The park also boasts beautiful wildflowers that bloom throughout the year, including trilliums, lupine, and camas.
Fort Clatsop
Fort Clatsop National Historic Site is located within the park and was erected to provide shelter and protection during the expedition’s stay. Visitors can tour the fort and learn about the daily life of the explorers during their time there. The site includes a replica of the original fort, along with period artifacts and exhibits.
The park is open year-round, but its busiest season is from April to October. There is an entrance fee of $15 per person, which includes access to both the park and Fort Clatsop National Historic Site. Check out the Visitor Center where you can find the museum, a small shop, and the park film. Visitors should come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water.
Hiking the Fort to Sea Trail
The Fort to Sea Trail is an exceptional and dazzling trail that takes you through the scenic landscape of the Pacific Northwest, starting from Fort Clatsop in Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and leading you to the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. This trail is a must-do for hikers, backpackers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts who wish to explore nature’s best-kept secrets. The trail is 6.8 miles long, and the hike usually takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. With its stunning views and challenging terrain, the Fort to Sea Trail is an adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
Where to Start the Fort to Sea Trail
The trail starts at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center, where you can park your car and head to the trailhead. The trail is well-marked, and you can easily enjoy the hike without getting lost. The first half of the trail takes you through the lush green forests of the Pacific Northwest, with towering trees, streaming creeks, and plenty of wildlife along the way. The scenery here is awe-inspiring, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some elks or deer roaming around.
You can of course hike it from the ocean to the park, but I prefer to end at the Pacific and imagine myself emerging from the dune grass to see the immense ocean like they would have.
As you continue hiking, the trail starts to become steeper, and you will need to watch your step. The terrain becomes more challenging, and you’ll need to be careful while hiking and keep an eye out for obstacles such as tree roots and rocks that might lie on the path. But the breathtaking views that await you, once you reach the top, will make all the effort worthwhile.
Views of the Pacific Ocean
You’ll be welcomed by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean with miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. The view of the ocean is an unforgettable experience that will be etched in your memories forever. So, carry some snacks and a bottle of water, sit down, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean.
After taking in the beauty of the ocean, you can either retrace your steps to the trailhead at Fort Clatsop or embark on an extended hike to Sunset Beach. The hike to Sunset Beach is 3.6 miles long with easy terrain, making it ideal for those who want to continue hiking. The trail will take you through the unspoiled beaches, and you can take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
The Fort to Sea Trail is accessible year round. If you’re only in the mood for a short walk to the beach, the NPS has you covered. You can also park at Sunset Beach day parking and take the short ¼ mile walk through a forest of surf pines, then dune grass, and end at the Pacific – it’s lovely either way!
If you’re hiking the Fort to Sea Trail in mid to late summer, you get the added benefit of all kinds of wild berries growing along the trail – blackberries, trailing berries, thimbleberries, salmonberries, huckleberries, I could go on but you get the idea.
What to Wear
The north Oregon coast is usually cool and can be pretty windy, so bring layers, sunglasses, and a rain jacket for sure. It warms up in the summer, but a warm day on the coast is only about 70 degrees, and with a cool ocean breeze might still be chilly. But the sunsets on Sunset Beach are absolutely worth it!
My clothing recommendations for hiking the Fort to Sea Trail varies depending on when in the season you’re going. If you opt for shorts, I like the Prana double peak shorts, but you might want to start with a pair of warm leggings under them if it’s cold. For hiking pants, my go to are the double peak joggers.
On top, for summer hiking I start with a tri-blend t shirt or tank, and then layer on an SPF pullover if it’s warmer outside, or a smartwool pullover if it’s cold or windy. And I usually carried my rain jacket. Finally, my go to hiking shoes are merrell siren sports. They’re comfortable, waterproof, and have Vibram soles which are super grippy, which you’ll appreciate for hiking on all the dirt and gravel out there!
Conclusion
The Fort to Sea Trail is an exciting and rewarding trail that takes you through the lush green forests and scenic beaches of the Pacific Northwest. This trail offers hikers an excellent opportunity to experience nature at its best, with breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and challenging terrain. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting to explore the outdoors, the Fort to Sea Trail is an adventure that should be on your bucket list. So put on your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and head to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park for an unforgettable adventure.
That’s my guide! I hope this helped you plan and get excited for hiking the Fort to Sea Trail at Lewis and Clark! What are your favorite hikes in this beautiful area?
As always, please practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying the outdoors! Check local trail and weather conditions before any hike.
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