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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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Oregon
Mt. Hood and the Gorge Region
Lewis and Clark State Park
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LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK
LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK
Lewis and Clark State Park is a historical site that offers visitors an immersive experience into the journey of explorers Lewis and Clark. The park spans over 54 acres with lush greenery along the Columbia River where it meets Multnomah Channel. It features picnic spots surrounded by cottonwood trees as well as opportunities for boating or fishing on its calm waters. Visitors can also explore various hiking trails offering scenic views of wildlife habitats including beavers' dens and bird-watching sites while learning about local history through interpretive signs scattered throughout the park.

History of the Area
Located in Multnomah County, Oregon, this natural reserve is named after the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The park's history dates back to their expedition of 1804-06 when they journeyed through the area.

The land was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as Chinook and Clatsop before European settlers arrived. It became a popular spot for fishing due to its location at the confluence of Sandy River and Beaver Creek with Columbia River.

In 1922, it officially opened as one among several parks along Historic Columbia River Highway under Samuel H Boardman's leadership who served as Superintendent from 1929 until his retirement in 1950. He played an instrumental role in expanding Oregon's state park system during that period which included our subject site too.

Over time various improvements were made including picnic facilities (1937), restrooms (1966) & parking lot expansion(1975). In addition to these amenities today visitors can enjoy bird watching or explore nature trails amidst old-growth forests offering scenic views.

It continues being managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ensuring preservation while providing recreational opportunities making it a favorite destination amongst locals & tourists alike reflecting upon historical significance associated with Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Camping
Lewis and Clark State Park in Oregon is a day-use park, meaning there are no camping facilities within the park itself. However, there are several nearby campgrounds where you can stay overnight:

1. Ainsworth State Park: Located just 10 miles from Lewis & Clark state park with full hook-up sites.

2. Viento State Park Campground: About 15 minutes away by car offering both tent and RV campsites.

3. Beacon Rock State Park (Washington): Across Columbia River about half an hour drive offers standard campsites as well as cabins for rent.

4. Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground: This campground accommodates larger groups of up to 45 people at once but it's only open between May-September.

5. Memaloose State Park: Located around thirty-five-minute drive east along I-84 has over forty full-hookup sites available year-round.
Boating
The park offers a wide range of boating options for visitors. There is a boat ramp available, allowing easy access to the water with personal vessels. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities due to calm waters provided by the nearby Columbia River's backwater area. Motorized boats can also be used in designated areas within certain hours, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife or other guests enjoying quieter pursuits such as fishing or bird watching.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Columbia River, teeming with species like salmon, steelhead and sturgeon. The park's smaller bodies of water are home to bass and trout. Fishing is available year-round but peak seasons depend on fish migration patterns. Boat ramps provide easy access for boating enthusiasts.



Picnicking
1. Lewis and Clark State Park offers numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park.
2. There are covered pavilions for group picnics.
3. Picnic areas offer stunning views of nature, including rivers and forests.
4. Barbecue grills are available at some picnic spots for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
5. The park's open grassy fields provide a perfect spot to lay out a blanket for an impromptu picnic.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's paved roads, but off-road biking is not permitted. Be cautious of traffic.

The 2-mile bike trail offers scenic views and moderate difficulty level for cyclists. Safety gear is recommended.

Cyclists should note that there are no dedicated bicycle lanes within this natural reserve, so vigilance is required.

Remember to respect wildlife while cycling through the area; maintain a safe distance from animals you may encounter.

Helmets must be worn at all times when riding in accordance with state law regulations on safety precautions.

While enjoying your ride, remember to stay hydrated as water stations might be sparse throughout your journey around the park.

Please keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles sharing these routes - it's important we share our spaces safely!

Night-time bicycling isn't advised due to limited visibility conditions which could potentially lead to accidents or injuries.
Trails
1. Warrior Point Trail: A 6.5-mile round trip trail that offers stunning views of the Columbia River and Sauvie Island, with a historic lighthouse at its endpoint.

2. Sacagawea Heritage Trail: This is an easy-to-moderate difficulty level loop trail spanning about 3 miles through lush forests and meadows offering glimpses into local wildlife.

3. Netul Landing to Fort Clatsop Loop: An approximately five-mile long hike featuring beautiful wildflowers in springtime, this path takes you along the Lewis & Clark river before looping back around towards Fort Clatsop.

4. South Slough Estuary Trails: These trails offer various lengths from one mile up to four miles for hikers who want to explore wetlands teeming with birdlife as well as forested areas rich in flora diversity.

5. Fort To Sea Trail: It's a moderate-level hiking route stretching over six-and-a-half miles connecting historical sites like Sunset Beach State Recreation Site and Fort Clatsop National Memorial while passing through dense woods, open fields, creeks etc.,.

6. Kwis Kwis Interpretive Hiking Pathway: Named after Chinook word meaning "deer", it's roughly two:mile-long pathway winding amidst Sitka spruce trees providing opportunities for spotting deer or other woodland creatures if lucky enough!

7. Alder Creek Loop: Approximately three-quarter-of-a- mile walk suitable even for beginners; features include Alder creek itself plus surrounding marshland habitats attracting diverse species of birds especially during migration seasons.

8. Lewis And Clark Explorer Route: Roughly eight:kilometer stretch following old railroad tracks alongside Youngs Bay then crossing Astoria-Megler Bridge finally ending near Station Camp where explorers camped once upon time!
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birding trails are also available.

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Area Campgrounds
Portland Fairview RV Park
21401 NE Sandy Boulevard
Fairview, OR
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Directions
1. Start by getting on I:5 N from SW Main St.
2. Continue driving on I:5 N for approximately 7 miles.
3. Take exit 302B to merge onto US:30 W toward St Helens/Ocean Beaches.
4. Stay on US:30 W for about 25 miles until you reach Rainier City Center.
5. In Rainier City Center, turn left onto A St E/US Hwy 30W (signs for Clatskanie).
6. Continue straight through town as it becomes OR:433 S/S Vernonia Rd., following signs towards Westport/Cathlamet/Astoria Bridge.
7. After around a mile or so take slight right at Old Pacific Highway South /Westside HWY which will lead you over Lewis & Clark bridge into Washington state.
8. Once across bridge continue northbound approx .75 mi then make sharp U:turn back south bound, now heading eastward again.
9. Take first Right after u:turn off highway down hill leading directly into entrance of Lewis &Clark SP.

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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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