This trip follows the Lewis and Clark Expedition down the Columbia from the mouth of the Snake River to Maryhill. William Clark’s journal barely hints at the excitement they must have felt paddling for the first time on the Columbia River: “Took our leave of the Chiefs and all those about us and proceeded on down the great Columbia river” —October 18, 1805 From earlier explorers, the captains knew where the river would take them: the Pacific Ocean! The general route goes through Wallula Gap, veers south to the amazing Tamástslikt Cultural Institute of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, […]
After a month at their Fort Clatsop winter quarters, Sacagawea had still not seen the Pacific Ocean. This would soon change: “Capt Clark set out after an early breakfast with the party in two canoes as had been concerted the last evening; Charbono and his Indian woman were also of the party; the Indian woman was very impotunate to be permited to go, and was therefore indulged; she observed that she had traveled a long way with us to see the great waters, and that now that monstrous fish was also to be seen, she thought it very hard she […]
When the Lewis and Clark Expedition ventured into the present Vancouver-Portland region, they were entering the homelands of the Middle and Lower Chinook. This trip takes you to many of their villages along the Washington side of the Columbia River. It moves through the region’s inland valley, through the Coast Range, and ends at the “Longest Beach in the World”. Along the way, you will see historic sites, experience awe-inspiring viewpoints, learn from visitor centers, and be encouraged to hike—and kayak—several trails. To learn more about this trip’s Chinookan People and their Lewis and Clark encounters, go to our educational […]
This trip offers iconic views of the Columbia River Gorge, a lifetime of epic day hikes, numerous waterfalls, the wind surfing vibe of Hood River, a classic discovery center, and Fort Rock—a Lewis and Clark campsite in The Dalles. NOTE: Between Corbett and Ainsworth State Park, this trip follows the Historic Columbia River Highway. Check for availability at www.oregon.gov/odot/regions/pages/historic-columbia-river-highway.aspx.
Ignore the traffic and crowds on the Oregon side of “The Gorge” and instead, follow the quieter, two-lane “Lewis and Clark Highway” (WA State Highway 14) on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Stop at viewpoints, enjoy short hikes, immerse yourself in history at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevensville, or savor the wines and art at Maryhill Museum of Art. Find Gorge-ous waterfalls such as Cape Horn Falls and Rodney and Hardy Falls on the Hamilton Mountain loop. Both Upper Rock Creek Falls and Dog Creek Falls are within 0.1 miles of the closest parking […]