Fort Clatsop: Winter on the Pacific

Lewis & Clark National Historical Park – Astoria, Oregon
December 1805 – March 1806
 

After nearly 18 months of travel, the Corps of Discovery reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. On the southern shore of the Columbia River, they constructed their winter quarters: Fort Clatsop, named after the local Clatsop people. It would become their home from December 1805 to March 1806, a place of hardship, discovery, and preparation for the return journey east.
 

Building the Fort

The Corps arrived at the chosen site—along the Netul River (now the Lewis and Clark River)—on December 7, 1805. By Christmas Eve, they were under shelter. Clark called it “the most eligible situation for our purposes” thanks to the nearby elk herds and access to fresh water.

Despite the location, life at the fort was difficult.
>It rained all but 12 days during their 106-day stay.
>Elk meat was their staple diet.
>Yet it was a season of productivity:

• Clark drafted maps of their journey west.

• Lewis revised scientific notes and observations.

• Journals were rewritten and preserved for posterity.
   

Expedition Timeline: Key Moments

November 24, 1805 – A Democratic Decision

The Corps held a historic vote to choose their wintering site. All members—including Sacagawea and York—were given a voice. The decision was to cross the Columbia and find a better site for shelter, food, and salt-making.

December 8, 1805 – Site Confirmed

Clark explored the area and confirmed a suitable location near present-day Astoria, Oregon. Construction of Fort Clatsop began the next day.

December 24, 1805 – Moving In

The captains moved into their huts—unfinished but protective. Just in time for a wet and humble Christmas Day, which included spoiled elk meat and gifts exchanged between captains and men.

January–February 1806 – Salt Making & Survival

A small team was sent 15 miles south (modern-day Seaside, Oregon) to boil seawater. They produced about four bushels of salt.
Visitors included the Clatsop and Chinook tribes, who traded fish, dogs, sea otter pelts, and hats woven from cedar bark and beargrass.
The Corps suffered from illness, flea infestations, dwindling supplies, and constant cold—but endured.

March 18, 1806 – Leaving Their Mark

Before leaving, the expedition posted a signed list of all party members inside the fort, hoping future visitors would discover it and spread news of their journey.

March 23, 1806 – Departing Fort Clatsop

After 106 rain-drenched days, the Corps began their homeward journey, departing at 1:00 p.m. and gifting the fort to Clatsop Chief Coboway, who had shown them friendship and support.

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📍 Plan your Visit to Fort Clatsop​

>Part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop offers an immersive historical experience.

>Replica Fort – Walk through a full-scale replica of the original wooden fort.
>Trails – Hike through lush coastal forest on the Netul River Trail or nearby trails through old-growth trees.
>Canoe & Kayak Tours – Explore the Lewis and Clark River from the water.
>Ranger Programs – Join seasonal programs that interpret the expedition’s time on the Pacific.
📍 Visitor Center – Offers exhibits, a bookstore, and a short film capturing the spirit of the expedition.

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