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.

Allow one to two hours to visit the Fort Clatsop site; 15 minutes for the Salt Works.

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.
Most visitors in July and August; least in December through February.

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.

Fees, Costs, Rates:
An admission fee is charged April 1 through September 30. 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.

Reservations/Permits:
Reservations for groups must be made at least four weeks prior to the visit. To apply for a Special Use Permit, contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator at the park.

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:
None in park. A variety of motels and camping sites are available in the area.

Food/supplies:
None in park. 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. In 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.

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.

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.

Route 3 Box 604-FC
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 861-2471