Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

September 2025 - This is somewhat outside of Astoria, but you can get to it via 7th street and the back roads (prefered as you get to see more bridges and home like area). You can also get there via US-101 local highway Bus-101. This is a National Park and run by the NPS (National Park Service) and thus you can use your pass (if you have a NPS pass) for entry. The visitor center provides a overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition and a short walk will get you to the two bulk buildings. (These burned down due to someone in the past making candles) Thus, what you will see are replicas of what once was. There is a path to the river, and there is a path with a do not enter sign that everyone we watched entered and minutes later had to turn back. Plan on about 45 minutes if not going to the riverfront, and 1.5 hours is doing so.

Great history side quest, def mandatory if you're visiting and have time for it. Easy access, great park rangers, souvenir shop, history movie, and a short walk to the winter encampment of the Corps of Discovery. The area has way more to offer.

We visited as part of our son's school field trip. It was extremely well done, and the staff was great. The amount of information relayed during the tour was staggering. The replica of Fort Clatsop was so we'll done, and the tour guides described daily life for the pioneers. The kids were able to learn how Native Americans taught pioneers to use every part of an animal that was killed, such as using the animals brain to rub on and soften the hide in order to make clothing. We enjoyed the museum very much. Outside, a park ranger took us on a hike where we learned about the local plant life. This is a wonderful place to visit with the whole family.

This was a good experience with our pets. We completed the 1 mile trail. A long the trail the trees provide shade. We used our National Park annual pass to enter.

This entire space is wrapped in history. The visitor center has some great displays, interpretive information and two different videos that play regularly to introduce even the novice to the experience of the Lewis & Clark expedition. We arrived early in the morning and were privileged to have the entire fort to ourselves to wander through. I do wish we had been there when some sort of guide or interpreter could have given some color to what we were seeing and walking through. If you are short on time the interpretive center and the fort can be explored in about a rush 90 minutes. If you have more time there are trails and more to experience.

Take a stroll along the interpretive trails near the fort. You’ll find easy walks with signs that tell you all about the plants, animals, and history of the area.

Fascinating history. The museum is informative and thorough. Seeing the lifesize model of Fort Clatsop was also a treat. The area is peaceful and pleasant. Young children might get bored from reading all the displays, but there are ample opportunities for engagement outdoors.

Visitor center is a great place to start. Does have an entry fee here or use America the Beautiful pass. Kids got their JR Ranger badge here. Looked at the museum. Sadly, we were here just as close of day was happening and we didn't have enough time to see the fort. Will come back again.