In November of 1805, the U.S. Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reached the mouth of the mighty Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean at last. "Great joy in camp," Clark wrote in his journal, "we are in view of the ocean, this great Pacific Ocean which we been so long anxious to see."
Today, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center stands high on the cliffs of Cape Disappointment State Park, 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized timeline panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of Corps members themselves. The center also features a short film presentation, a gift shop, and a glassed-in observation deck with fabulous views of the river, headlands, and sea. Additional displays focus on local maritime and military history.
Hours
Apr 1 - Oct 31 open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov 1 - Mar 31, open Wed thru Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mon and Tue.
Closed Martin Luther King Holiday, Presidents’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. Open New Year’s Day.
Admission
Admission prices for the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center are:
- Ages 18 and older: $5.00
- Ages 7 to 17: $2.50
- Ages 6 and younger are free
Additional Information
The parking lot at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center will not accommodate RV parking.