The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition had a somewhat infamous winter of 1805-1806 in Astoria. It rained almost every day, and they were forced to eat mostly just elk, much of it spoiled. By the spring they couldn't wait to leave the fort they built, Fort Clatsop, but it's fun for all ages to visit the replica of it at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
The park rangers and volunteers provide wonderful interpretive programs, as they did when I visited recently and they dressed in buckskins and fired a flintlock pistol from the era, dressed kids in authentic clothing, and told stories about the miserable winter and the rest of the voyage. They also demonstrate hide tanning, candle making, and more. The park does a remarkable job of helping visitors to experience what it was like for the Corps of Discovery more than 200 years ago.
The Visitor Center features excellent films, displays, and a bookstore with Lewis and Clark Expedition related books, media and more. There is a free Junior Ranger activity book is free which is fun the kids, too. A number of free lectures and other events are held throughout the year, as well.
Other activities include visiting the historic canoe landing and hiking on the well-maintained trails. In the summer there are even free ranger-led kayak explorations of the Lewis and Clark River: https://www.shareoregon.com/things-to-do/en/listings/100498-lewis-and-clark-national-historical-park-plus-free-kayak-tours
Entrance Fees:
- $5 per person ages 16 and up, payable at the visitor center
- FREE for ages 15 and younger
- a $20 annual park pass covers entrance fee for pass holder and 3 other adults in a single non-commercial vehicle
More about special passes, including the Oregon Coast pass: https://www.nps.gov/lewi/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Click the Learn More button for details, watch the video below, or call (503) 861-2471.