3-6 HoursFee applies
Fort to Sea Trail
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
The Fort To Sea Trail starts at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center then takes you up a gentle climb to the top of Clatsop Ridge, where on a clear day you can see to the Pacific Ocean. From there, descend through deep woods and reach wooded pasture dotted with small lakes. The wooded pasture leads to gentle dunes that lead you to the Sunset Beach/Fort to Sea Trail parking lot. From there, travel the 1-mile path to the beach.
While the Corps forged its way through deep woods, muddy bogs and windswept beaches, a 6.5-mile trail now runs through much of the same forest, fields and dunes that the Corps traveled. The Fort To Sea Trail starts in the woods south of Fort Clatsop and goes to Sunset Beach on the Pacific Ocean, winding through ancestral lands of the Clatsop Indians who aided the Corps during their 1805/1806 winter stay at the Pacific. The Fort to Sea trail makes a great day hike if you have prepared well. There are sections of the trail that are steep, going both uphill and downhill, sections of the trail that can be slick and muddy, and areas without much vegetative cover. Know before you go what the weather will be like, where you are going, and how you will get back to your car (remember it is 6.5 miles ONE WAY). There are bathrooms at the trail head, sunset beach, and about halfway through. There are no water fountains so make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. Please also plan on packing out anything you pack in as there are no trash cans along the way. Check out our safety page for more tips to prepare for your hike, and stop in at the visitor center before you go to pay the entrance fee, grab a trail map and check in with the ranger regarding any trail closures or dangerous conditions.
Tags
HikingAnimalsBirdsElkFishCoasts, Islands and AtollsDunesExplorers and ExpeditionsForests and WoodlandsConiferous ForestsFortsGrasslandsOceansScenic ViewsTrailsBridgesWetlandsFort To Sea TrailLewis and Clark Expeditionpacific coast
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
3-6 Hours
Duration Details
Timing depends on speed and amount of stops you take.
Fees
The entrance fee can be paid at the visitor center prior to departing.
Fees Apply
Yes
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
Substrates - 60% compacted ¾” gravel, 20% boardwalk, 10% compacted dirt, 10% sand Steep slope - A steady elevation change of 300ft from trailhead to Clatsop Ridge overlook and long length of switchbacks after the Clatsop Ridge Overlook. Narrow section of path - 32 inches Benches/rest areas: Bench between trailhead and overlook. Picnic table and benches at overlook Obstructions: After passing through the tunnel under 101 there is a section of the trail with cattle guards that are narrow and do not provide a sufficient turning radius for wheelchairs. Potential hazards: Muddy, flooded, trail washing out, high winds, downed trees, wasps, slick boardwalks The Fort to Sea Trail is not designated as wheelchair-accessible. For specific inquiries please e-mail the Lewis and Clark NHP Accessibility Contact or call (503)861-2471.
Pets
Yes — Your leashed dogs are welcome on the Fort to Sea trail, please pick up after them.
Reservations
No
Age Info
All ages welcome, minors should be accompanied by an adult.
Location
Fort to Sea Trail