Lewiston, Idaho to The Dalles, Oregon
(269 miles)

Journey alongside the Snake and Columbia River where Lewis and Clark crossed into the Pacific Northwest and encountered ancient cultures, rugged geology, and turbulent waters.
 

On October 10, 1805, the Corps of Discovery entered present-day Washington, launching a dramatic descent along the Snake and Columbia rivers. This stretch of the trail introduces travelers to important tribal homelands, petroglyphs, historic rock formations, and cultural sites that mark Lewis and Clark’s westward push toward the Pacific Ocean.

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POINTS OF INTEREST

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📍Clarkston, Washington – Alpowai Interpretive Center at Chief Timothy State Park

• Located 8 miles west of Clarkston on U.S. Route 12, this site marks the historic Alpowai Nez Perce encampment

• Features exhibits about Lewis and Clark’s early meetings with the Nez Perce, and honors Chief Timothy, a key figure who built bridges with early settlers

• A nearby heritage marker commemorates the Corps’ entry into Washington

📍Dayton, WA – Lewis and Clark Trail State Park

• Known as “The Forgotten Trail,” this peaceful forested site includes an interpretive marker that tells the story of the expedition’s return journey through the region

• Located 5 miles west of Dayton on U.S. Route 12

📍Pasco, WA – Sacajawea State Park & Interpretive Center

• Located at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers

• The center shares Sacajawea’s story through interactive exhibits, focusing on her crucial contributions

• Adjacent to the center is the Confluence Project installation by artist Maya Lin, blending art, history, and place

📍Umatilla, OR – Hat Rock State Park

• On October 19, 1805, Clark described reaching “a rock… resembling a hat just below a rapid.”

• Today, Hat Rock still stands as a landmark on the Columbia, preserved within this scenic state park

📍Goldendale, WA – Maryhill Museum of Art

• Explore an impressive permanent collection focused on the Indigenous Peoples of North America, featuring beadwork, baskets, wood carvings, and cultural artifacts

• Offers a striking connection between native artistry and the cultural landscape explored by the Corps

📍The Dalles, OR
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum

• The official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

• Explore 40 million years of geologic history and 10,000 years of Native life

• Learn how Lewis and Clark’s arrival shaped settlement and commerce in the region

• Site of Fort Rock Camp (October 25–28, 1805) — 📖“we took possession of a high Point of rocks” – Captain Clark

Downtown Murals

• Large outdoor murals depict Lewis and Clark’s arrival and the Native trading hub at Celilo

• A walking tour through town brings the history to life with public art

📍Dallesport, Lyle, WA – Columbia Hills State Park / Horsethief Lake State Park

• Located just across the Columbia River from The Dalles

• Site of October 24, 1805 Corps encampment near the Wishram-Wasco village, a vibrant Indian trade and fishing hub

• Features 7,500 feet of Columbia River shoreline

• Visit petroglyphs and pictographs (She Who Watches)

• Guided tours are available in spring and fall to view ancient rock art

• Former site of one of the largest Indigenous burial grounds in the Columbia Basin

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Ready to go?  Book your reservations below!