Things To Do Near Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks
The Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks let you take a step back in time and follow the footsteps of the expedition through candle-making and flintlock gun demonstrations. Inside the Visitors Center, you can watch a film about the lives of Lewis and Clark and buy books about their journey. The schedule of events also includes many guest lectures and events about the history of Washington and Oregon.
Hiking Trails
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Netul River Trail
Learn about the history of logging as you wander along the Netul River Trail. It takes between 20 and 60 minutes to complete depending on how many of the historical markers you stop to read. Bald eagles and water birds are just some of the wild animals that you might come across. You can even take your pets on this trail.
Location
Netul Landing
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Fort to Sea Trail
Pick up this trail right outside of the Visitors Center and head up to Clatsop Ridge to find gorgeous views that stretch to the Pacific Ocean. You'll then follow a gentle slope down into the wilderness, where small lakes and wooded areas surround you. As you keep walking, small dunes will welcome you and let you know that you're nearing Sunset Beach, which is open to the public.
Location
Fort Clatsop Visitors Center
Length
6.1 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Kwis Kwis Trail
The Kwis Kwis Trail intersects with other trails to help you hike more than six miles over three to six hours. Head west along the trail to reach the ocean and relax on the beach. Keep an eye out for connecting trails, which will always appear on the right side of the trail. You'll find tons of wild animals and wooded areas along the trail.
Location
92343 Fort Clatsop Rd., Astoria, OR 97103
Length
6.5 miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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Dismal Nitch
Dismal Nitch marks the roughest part of the Lewis and Clark expedition and a period in which they wondered if they would survive. The name comes from Captain Clark, who referred to the cove where they lived as a dismal ditch. Now marked as a conservation area, it is home to Astoria Bridge, which allows cars to travel across the region. You'll also come across many birds and other wild animals that make Dismal Nitch their home.
Location
92343 Fort Clatsop Rd., Astoria, OR 97103
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Astoria Column
Rising 125 feet off the ground, the Astoria Column is the ultimate place to get a view of Oregon. This historic landmark features more than 160 steps that let you climb to the top. It was built in the early 19th century as a viewing platform and has a large mural spiraling around the sides that covers the history of the state. You can use a telescope on top to get a better view or head to the Cathedral Tree Trail when you're done.
Location
1 Coxcomb Dr., Astoria, OR 97103
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The Salt Works
Lewis and Clark, along with their men, understood the importance of salt, which was a necessity they ran out of on their journey. The men headed to the beach and built kettles and furnaces that ran 24/7 to obtain salt from the ocean water. They took more than three bushels of the valuable commodity when they left. While you're in the park, you have the chance to venture to the beach and see a recreation of their kettles and furnaces.
Location
Lewis and Clark Way, Astoria, OR 97103
Museums
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Oregon Film Museum
As one of the more unique museums in the area, the Oregon Film Museum sits inside the Old Clatsop County Jail. You might even remember seeing it in the popular film "The Goonies." The museum features hundreds of props and pieces of memorabilia from movies filmed across Oregon. You can even pose in the old jail and get your mugshot taken before you leave.
Location
732 Duane St., Astoria, OR 97103
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Heritage Museum
The Clatsop County Historical Society built the Heritage Museum in a former private home from the early 19th century that once served as City Hall. You can take a guided or self-guided tour to explore the early artifacts on display. While some date back to the Native Americans who once lived there, the museum also features displays dedicated to the prohibition era. You won't find a larger collection of artifacts anywhere else in the city.
Location
618 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103
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Columbia River Maritime Museum
No matter what elements of maritime history interest you, you'll find plenty to explore in the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which features exhibits for kids and adults. Home to the largest collection of maritime artifacts found in the Pacific Northwest, the museum offers classes where you can learn how to build a kayak or fish in the ocean. An on-site theater lets you pay extra to watch impressive 3D films.
Location
1792 Marine Dr., Astoria, OR 97103
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Southbay Wild Fish House
Enjoy some of the most delicious seafood that the Pacific Northwest has to offer at the Southbay Wild Fish House. The casual restaurant features dozens of vintage and antique decorations on the walls. Locals love both the mahi-mahi and poke.
Location
262 9th St., Astoria, OR 97103
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Sasquatch Sandwich Shop
Named for the mythical creature of the same name, the Sasquatch Sandwich Shop offers tons of sandwiches that people come from miles around to try. There is a veggie Ruben for those who don't eat meat, along with a Korean pork belly sandwich that evolved from one the restaurant owners originally offered on their food cart.
Location
1343 Duane St., Astoria, OR 97103
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Old Things and Objects
The place to shop for antique and vintage goodies around the parks is Old Things and Objects. This local landmark sells everything from the toys you played with as a child to vintage decorations for your home.
Location
1144 Commercial St., Astoria, OR 97103