Fort Clatsop National Memorial Tours



Imagine living in this rugged fort in Oregon’s forest as the explorers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition did in the early 1800s.

Inside a national historic park, visit Fort Clatsop National Memorial for a chance to relive the past. The setting has been created to show how Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery lived for the winter after spending nearly two years making the dangerous journey across unexplored territories of what is now the western United States.

Thomas Jefferson charged Lewis and Clark with exploring the lands included in the Louisiana Purchase from the Mississippi River all the way to the Pacific Ocean. They left Illinois in May, 1804, and arrived at their final destination at the mouth of the Columbia River in November, 1805. They quickly built the fort using logs they cut from the area’s plentiful cedar forest. See the replica in place today that was created using the plans and dimensions of the original fortress.

The fort stands near the waterway previously known as the Netul River and now called the Lewis and Clark River. This narrow channel is off Youngs Bay, which is part of the large and treacherous Columbia River. Paddle along these quiet waters and appreciate how relieved the explorers would have been to find quiet waters after battling currents, waves and storms on the Columbia.

Check the schedule of ranger activities at the fort and elsewhere in the national park. Rangers often appear in historic costumes to raise the flag, fire flintlock guns, make fires in primitive fashion and demonstrate other activities the explorers undertook two centuries ago. Join guided nature walks or kayak trips on the river.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. As such it is open daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To enter the park, you’ll need to pay an individual multi-day entrance fee. Admission is free for children. Drive to the park from Astoria in about 15 minutes or bike in about 45 minutes. Paddle to Netul Landing, a bit south of the memorial.

Plan a trip to see Fort Clatsop National Memorial

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Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland
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Mark Spencer Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Fort Clatsop National Memorial

Shilo Inn Suites Hotel - Warrenton

Shilo Inn Suites Hotel - Warrenton

2.5 out of 5
1609 E Harbor Dr, Warrenton, OR
Shilo Inn Suites Hotel - Warrenton
Astoria Riverwalk Inn

Astoria Riverwalk Inn

2 out of 5
400 Industry Street, Astoria, OR
Astoria Riverwalk Inn
Waterfront Getaway on 10 Acres Near Sunset Beach!

Waterfront Getaway on 10 Acres Near Sunset Beach!

3 out of 5
32379 Ivloo Acrs, Warrenton, OR
Waterfront Getaway on 10 Acres Near Sunset Beach!
Waterfront Getaway on 10 Acres Near Sunset Beach!

Waterfront Getaway on 10 Acres Near Sunset Beach!

Warrenton
Waterfront Getaway on 10 Acres Near Sunset Beach!
Motel 6 Astoria, OR

Motel 6 Astoria, OR

2 out of 5
288 W Marine Dr, Astoria, OR
Motel 6 Astoria, OR
Astoria Rivershore Motel

Astoria Rivershore Motel

2 out of 5
59 West Marine Dr, Astoria, OR
Astoria Rivershore Motel
Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront, Ascend Hotel Collection

Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront, Ascend Hotel Collection

2.5 out of 5
555 Hamburg Avenue, Astoria, OR
Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront, Ascend Hotel Collection
Relaxing Lakefront, Close to Beach, Family Friendly, Quiet Neighborhood.

Relaxing Lakefront, Close to Beach, Family Friendly, Quiet Neighborhood.

Warrenton
Relaxing Lakefront, Close to Beach, Family Friendly, Quiet Neighborhood.
Incredible New Construction Single Level Lakeview Home, New Everything, Ping Pong, Fire-Pit, BBQ

Incredible New Construction Single Level Lakeview Home, New Everything, Ping Pong, Fire-Pit, BBQ

Warrenton
Incredible New Construction Single Level Lakeview Home, New Everything, Ping Pong, Fire-Pit, BBQ
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fort Clatsop National Memorial

At Fort Clatsop National Memorial, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic walking and biking trails, perfect for catching stunning sunsets. Explore the exciting adventures available, including the nearby Astoria hiking trails and local parks. Don't miss opportunities for wellness activities in Astoria and the chance to delve into the rich history of the Clark Expedition, making your visit both fun and educational.

Food and drinks

For a sweet treat, visit The Buzz on Broadway, located 10 miles from Fort Clatsop National Memorial. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere and explore local flavors inspired by the region's botanists and the history of Fort Langhorn and the western territories.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Turnaround Market, a vibrant public market located 10 miles away from Fort Clatsop National Memorial. If you're up for a drive, check out the Seaside Carousel Mall and Seaside Antique Mall, both offering family-friendly environments and local treasures.

Recreation

The Astoria Aquatic Center offers a family-friendly atmosphere with swimming pools and recreational activities, perfect for relaxation and fun. For golf enthusiasts, Gearhart Golf Links and Seaside Golf Course provide beautiful outdoor settings for a round of golf while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Oregon coast.

Adventure

Embark on the Fort to Sea Trail, a scenic hiking route located 0.2 miles from Fort Clatsop National Memorial. Experience the beauty of the outdoors as you traverse through lush landscapes, offering thrilling adventure vibes and stunning views along the way.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at Liberty Theater, just 4 miles from Fort Clatsop, where culture and romance blend. For family-friendly fun, visit Captain Kid Amusement Park, 11 miles away, or catch a show at Coaster Theatre, 17 miles away, offering a delightful mix of entertainment and charm.

Find the best attractions near Fort Clatsop National Memorial

When visiting Fort Clatsop National Memorial in Astoria, Oregon, you'll find a wealth of attractions, including stunning beaches, national parks, and museums. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, you can explore highlights such as Fort Clatsop, Fort Astoria, and the scenic Columbia River, all located southwest of Astoria. These points of interest offer a perfect blend of history and natural beauty for a memorable experience.

  • Astoria Riverfront Trolley: Experience a slice of history aboard the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, a charming ride along the picturesque waterfront. This historic rail offers a unique perspective of Astoria's culture and scenic views, making it a delightful way to explore the area.
  • Fort Stevens State Park: Discover outdoor adventure at Fort Stevens State Park, where you can hike, bike, or explore the sandy beaches. With stunning scenery and rich history, this park is perfect for nature lovers seeking fun and relaxation.
  • Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: Immerse yourself in American history at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Just a short walk from Fort Clatsop, it showcases the cultural significance of the expedition and offers educational exhibits amidst beautiful landscapes.

Best time to go to Fort Clatsop National Memorial

The best time to visit Fort Clatsop National Memorial can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Fort Clatsop National Memorial falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Fort Clatsop National Memorial falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.6°F (5.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July59.5°F (15.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fort Clatsop National Memorial

To save money on your visit to Fort Clatsop National Memorial, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Sunset Beach State Recreation Site. Plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates, and consider booking hotels through Expedia about a month in advance for the best deals. Utilize their search tools to find budget-friendly options and explore package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide you with exclusive discounts and future savings opportunities.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fort Clatsop National Memorial are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Fort Clatsop National Memorial is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool is designed to help you find exactly what you need within your budget and preferred location. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive options, ensuring you see the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type—if you check the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Fort Clatsop National Memorial with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.