Experience
the Trail
The Lewis & Clark Trail
in Oregon offers a wide variety of experiences, from hiking and biking
to adventures by water. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about
different ways to see and experience the Lewis & Clark corridor:
- Take a step back in time: Drive, bike and hike the Historic
Columbia River Highway, the nation’s first scenic road, built
between 1913 and 1922, and championed by “good roads” advocate
Sam Hill. Located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the highway
is accessible to motorized vehicles in some areas; other long-abandoned
segments have been restored for hiking and biking only. Stunning Gorge
and Columbia River views, historic bridges and stonework, cascading
waterfalls, reopened tunnels, and narrow, curving loops will take you
back to a slower pace of life.
Contact: Jeanette
Kloos, (503) 731-8234; www.odot.state.or.us/hcrh
- Explore the Lower Columbia: A 146-mile water trail from
Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean is being developed by the Lower
Columbia River
Estuary Partnership. Online and published maps with site and safety
information will guide people in non-motorized boats along the river
for one-day or overnight explorations. It’s a great way to experience
the river in much the same way the Corps of Discovery did 200 years
ago.
Contact: Chris
Hathaway, (503) 226-1565, ext. 228; www.lcrep.org
- Take the Scenic Route: The Lewis & Clark corridor in Oregon
encompasses three scenic byways offering motorists a wonderful way
to slow down and experience the “real” Oregon. Byways on
or near the trail in Oregon include:
Journey Through Time Scenic Byway (Oregon Scenic Byway) - North
Central Oregon; Contact: Sue
Newstetter, (541) 932-4366.
Historic Columbia River Highway (All-American Road) - Columbia
Gorge; Contact: Sue Newstetter,
(541) 932-4366.
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (National Scenic Byway) - Oregon
Coast (Highway 101); contact: Onno
Husing, (541) 265-8918.
- Cruise the Columbia: Experience the Columbia from the comfort
of one of several cruise-ships with itineraries highlighting Lewis & Clark’s
voyage to the Pacific Ocean. At least five companies offer half,
full and multi-day tours. Departures, features and itineraries
vary.
Contact: Natalie
Barnes, Public Relations Manager, Oregon Tourism Commission,
(503) 986-0005 for a list of river cruise operators.
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