Fort Clatsop - Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Fort Clatsop served as the encampment for the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the winter of 1805–1806. Located along the Lewis and Clark River approximately 5 miles southwest of Astoria, the fort was the last base for the Corps of Discovery, before leaving for their return trip to St. Louis. The site is currently administered by the National Park Service. The parks is small, but has a nice visitor center, restrooms, gift shop, and museum exhibits. The centerpiece of the park is the reconstructed fort. I visited the park in June of 2024.

Park Sign

Visitor Center and Museum

Visitor Center Foyer

Gift Shop

Museum Exhibit

"Arrival" by Stanley Wanlass

Museum Exhibit

Might be Sacagawea and baby

The Fort

The fort was built to house the 33 members of the expedition in six small rooms. It took just over three weeks to build the fort, and it served as their camp from December 8, 1805 until their departure on March 23, 1806. The original Fort Clatsop succumbed to the elements over the years, but was reconstructed for its sesquicentennial in 1955. The replica lasted for fifty years, but was severely damaged by fire in early October 2005. A new replica was built in 2006.

Winter at Fort Clatsop

Main Gate

Fort Interior

Enlisted Mens' Quarters

Store Room

Might be the Orderly Room

Captain's Quarters

Might be Charbonneau Family Quarters

Kitchen