As the bicentennial of the historic expedition takes place, Vancouver and Clark County share in the national commemoration to mark 200 years since the epic journey of the Corp of Discovery. While in this region, take a step back in time as you retrace the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, viewing the same stunning coastal views and distinct landscapes of the then uncharted waters and unmapped lands seen through the explorers eyes nearly two centuries ago. 

Lewis & Clark began their 8,000 mile, 28-month epic journey in St. Louis, Missouri, making their way westward across the continent on President Thomas Jefferson’s orders to scout out the most direct and navigable water route to the Pacific Ocean for the purposes of commerce.  On May 14, 1804, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark along with a crew of 45 men, known as the Corp of Discovery, loaded their keelboats on the Missouri River and began their momentous American journey.  Along the way, they recorded information about Native American culture, the landscape, and plant and animal life.  The words of their journals provide exciting glimpses into their remarkable adventures.

By November of 1805, they had reached what is now Clark County, named in honor of Captain William Clark.  Their experiences and triumphs in this area were some of the most compelling parts of their entire journey. 

As they traversed westward into the region and made their way down the Columbia River, they encountered numerous native communities.  They noted that this was the most populated area they had encountered and that the plains and prairies in the vicinity of present-day Vancouver were the most likely location for Euro-American settlement.  Captain Lewis wrote,

“this valley would be copetent [competent] to the mantainance of 40 or 50 thousend souls if properly cultivated and is indeed the only desireable situation for a settlement which I have seen on the West side of the Rocky mountains.”

– Meriwether Lewis, March 30, 1806

Today, the Vancouver and Portland metropolitan areas are the most heavily populated area along the Lewis and Clark Trail west of the Continental Divide.

Lewis and Clark witnessed vast trade networks in this area that drew tribes from all over the west to barter food, clothing and other goods.  Only nineteen years later, the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post and the first non-native settlement in the Pacific Northwest at Fort Vancouver. 

The Corps depended heavily upon trade with the Native Americans and welcomed their advice and direction.  In November of 1805, and again in March of 1806, the Corps of Discovery camped in a large Chinookan village of 14 houses called Cathlapotle where they traded for supplies.  The village was located on the present day Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, home to variety of wildlife including winter and spring migrating and resting birds.  While camped here, members of the Corps commented on the huge flocks of birds and the noise they made.  Clark wrote:

“I [s]lept but verry little last night for the noise Kept [up] during the whole of the night … they were emensely noumerous, and their noise horid.”

– William Clark, November 5, 1805.

The unique attributes of the area’s landscape, the diverse cultures, and the new plants and wildlife discovered here were all fascinating to Lewis and Clark and continue to intrigue today’s travelers.  This area is rich in both natural beauty and history for present day adventurers to discover.  Lewis and Clark spent a total of 12 days in Clark County, both on their journey to the coast and as part of their return trip. Visitors can explore Lewis & Clark history at a number of sites in the area.

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
View Lewis and Clark-related exhibits and a multi-media presentation on the history of the Columbia River Gorge.  See the site where Lewis and Clark had to find a way around the rugged Cascade rapids. 
Hwy 14, Stevenson, WA

Captain William Clark Park (Cottonwood Beach)
Captain Clark Plaza interprets the six days that Lewis & Clark camped here, from March 31, to April 6, 1806, while they gathered provisions for their return trip.  The park offers a four-mile dike trail with a view of the Columbia River, and a mile-long sandy beach, children’s play area, and camping.
Hwy 14 to 32nd St., Washougal, WA

Marine Park
The Corps camped near here March 30, 1806.  This beautiful park on the Columbia River offers picnicking, boat launch, connections to a four-mile Vancouver Renaissance Trail and the 30-foot Kaiser Viewing Tower
Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA

Ilchee Statue
Bronze statue of Ilchee, daughter of Comcomly, a 19th century Chinook chief, situated in its own public plaza overlooking the Columbia River and along Vancouver’s Waterfront Renaissance Trail.
Columbia River Dr., Vancouver, WA

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
This site provides information on Lewis & Clark’s walk through the area where the Fort now stands.  The Visitor Center on the Reserve grounds shows a Lewis & Clark movie.
Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA

Lewis & Clark Plaza
View three life-sized bronze sculptures of Lewis & Clark in the lobby of this plaza.  They are visible from the street through the glass windows.
Broadway & 7th Street, Downtown Vancouver, WA

Clark County Historical Museum
Home to a Lewis & Clark library and exhibits on Chinookan Indian life.
Main Street, Downtown Vancouver, WA

Salmon Run Belltower at Esther Short Park
The belltower is equipped with a glockenspiel which tells the story of a Chinookan tribal legend.  The bells and glockenspiel play daily at Noon, then every 2 hours until 8:00 PM.
Columbia & 6th Street, Downtown Vancouver, WA

Cathlapotle Plankhouse
This full-scale Chinookan-style cedar plankhouse on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge educates visitors on the culture and habitat of this area’s original inhabitants.
Hwy 501, Ridgefield, WA