What the Lewis and Clark Trail Is

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a 4,600-mile route that traces the path of the 1804–1806 Corps of Discovery expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The trail runs from the starting point near St. Louis, Missouri, up the Missouri River, over the Rocky Mountains, and down to the Pacific Ocean in present-day Oregon. Today, the trail is marked and maintained by the National Park Service, and you can visit sites along the entire route that tell the story of the expedition.

The expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, map the land, document plants and animals, and establish relationships with Native American tribes. The journey took two and a half years and covered terrain that had never been systematically mapped by the United States. The trail passes through or near 16 states, and each section offers different historical sites, museums, and outdoor experiences.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lewis and Clark Trail stretches 4,600 miles from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean and is divided into sections you can visit independently.
  • The National Park Service maintains the trail and operates visitor centers at major sites like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Fort Clatsop in Oregon.
  • You can drive the entire route, hike portions of it, or visit specific historic sites without committing to the full journey.
  • The trail passes through Montana, Idaho, Washington, and other western states, with interpretive signs and museums marking key locations where the expedition camped or made discoveries.
  • Many sections follow modern highways that roughly parallel the original route, making the trail accessible by car as well as on foot.

The Route and Major Stopping Points

The trail begins at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, where the Corps of Discovery departed in May 1804. From there, the route follows the Missouri River northward through present-day Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Major stopping points include Fort Mandan in North Dakota, where the expedition spent the winter of 1804–1805, and the Knife River Indian Villages, where they met Sacagawea and her husband Toussaint Charbonneau, who joined the expedition as interpreters.

The trail then continues west into Montana, following the Missouri River to its source in the Rocky Mountains. The expedition crossed the Continental Divide near present-day Lemhi Pass on the Idaho-Montana border, then descended into the Clearwater River drainage. From there, they traveled down the Snake River and Columbia River to reach the Pacific Ocean near present-day Astoria, Oregon, in November 1805. Fort Clatsop, where they spent the winter of 1805–1806, is now a reconstructed fort and visitor center.

The return journey in 1806 followed a similar but slightly different route, and the expedition split into smaller groups to explore additional territory. The trail includes sites in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.

Visitor Centers and Museums Along the Trail

The National Park Service operates or partners with several major visitor centers that provide exhibits, films, and information about the expedition. The Gateway Arch Visitor Center in St. Louis is the official starting point and includes a museum about the expedition's preparation and departure. The Fort Mandan Historic Site in North Dakota has a reconstructed fort and interpretive programs. The Sacagawea Interpretive Center in Salmon, Idaho, focuses on the role of the Shoshone woman who guided the expedition.

The Nez Perce National Historical Park in Idaho preserves sites related to the expedition's time with the Nez Perce people. The Fort Clatsop National Memorial in Oregon features a reconstructed fort where visitors can see how the expedition lived during the winter of 1805–1806. Many smaller museums and historical societies along the route also maintain exhibits and artifacts related to the expedition.

Most visitor centers charge no entrance fee, though some sites may ask for a small donation. Hours vary by season and location, so checking ahead before you visit is recommended. Many centers offer ranger-led programs and guided walks during the summer months.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities on the Trail

You can hike portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail without walking the entire 4,600 miles. Several sections have been preserved as hiking trails that follow or closely parallel the original route. The Lolo Trail in Idaho and Montana is a challenging 12-mile hike that crosses the Bitterroot Mountains along a route the expedition used. The Nez Perce Trail in Idaho offers shorter day hikes with views of the Wallowa Valley and Snake River.

Many state parks and national forests along the route maintain trails that connect to Lewis and Clark sites. The Pompeys Pillar National Monument in Montana includes a short trail to a rock formation where William Clark carved his name in 1806. The Sacagawea Park in Salmon, Idaho, offers trails along the Salmon River with interpretive signs about the expedition.

Kayaking and canoeing are also popular ways to experience the trail, particularly on sections of the Missouri River, Snake River, and Columbia River. Several outfitters offer guided trips that follow the expedition's water route. These trips range from day paddles to multi-day expeditions.

Driving the Trail by Car

Most people experience the Lewis and Clark Trail by driving a route that follows the expedition's path. The National Park Service has marked a driving route with signs and wayside exhibits at key locations. You can drive the entire route in sections over several weeks, or focus on specific regions that interest you.

The route generally follows U.S. highways that parallel the original expedition route. From St. Louis, you would take I-70 and U.S. 24 west into Kansas, then follow U.S. 24 and U.S. 281 north through Nebraska and South Dakota. In Montana, the route follows U.S. 191 and U.S. 287 to the Missouri River headwaters. From there, you can take Idaho highways south to follow the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, then head west on U.S. 395 and U.S. 30 to reach the Oregon coast.

The entire drive takes roughly two to three weeks if you stop at major sites and spend time at visitor centers. Many people break the journey into shorter trips, visiting one or two sections per year. Camping is available at numerous sites along the route, and many towns near the trail have hotels and restaurants.

What You'll Learn About Native American History

The Lewis and Clark Trail tells the story of the expedition's encounters with dozens of Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, Shoshone, Nez Perce, and Chinook peoples. The trail includes sites and museums that present Native American perspectives on the expedition and its impact on tribal lands and communities. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, is featured prominently at many sites because of her crucial role as an interpreter and guide.

Several tribal nations now manage or co-manage historic sites along the trail. The Nez Perce National Historical Park is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Nez Perce Tribe. The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation operates the Knife River Indian Villages site in North Dakota. These partnerships may support that Native American voices and histories are central to how the expedition is understood and presented.

Visitor centers along the trail increasingly include exhibits that discuss the expedition's impact on Native peoples, the diseases that devastated tribes after contact, and the ways tribes used the information gathered by the expedition. This represents a shift from earlier interpretations that focused primarily on the explorers' achievements.

Planning a Trip to the Lewis and Clark Trail

The best time to visit depends on which section of the trail you plan to explore. The northern sections in Montana, North Dakota, and Idaho are most accessible from June through September, when roads are clear and visitor centers are fully staffed. The southern sections in Missouri and Kansas can be visited year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather.

If you are planning a multi-week journey along the entire trail, allow at least three weeks and plan to spend one to three days in each major section. Budget time for driving between sites, as distances can be substantial. If you have less time, choose one or two regions—for example, the Missouri River section in North Dakota or the mountain crossing in Idaho and Montana.

The National Park Service website for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail provides maps, a list of all visitor centers and historic sites, information about ranger programs, and links to local tourism offices. Many local chambers of commerce along the route also provide trip-planning resources and can recommend lodging and dining options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive the entire Lewis and Clark Trail?

Driving the full 4,600-mile route takes roughly two to three weeks if you stop at major sites and spend time at visitor centers. Many people break it into shorter trips over multiple years, visiting one or two sections per trip. The actual driving time is about 60 to 70 hours, but the journey is meant to be experienced slowly with stops at historic sites.

Do I need a permit or reservation to visit sites on the trail?

Most visitor centers and historic sites are open to the public without a permit. Some sites, like Fort Clatsop, may charge a small entrance fee. Camping at nearby campgrounds may require a reservation, especially during peak summer months. Check individual site websites for current hours and any fees.

Can I hike the entire Lewis and Clark Trail?

The entire trail is not a continuous hiking route. However, you can hike sections of it, particularly in Idaho and Montana where trails closely follow the original expedition route. The Lolo Trail and Nez Perce Trail are popular multi-day backpacking options. Most people experience the trail by driving and taking short walks at specific sites.

What should I bring if I'm hiking sections of the trail?

Bring sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water, a map or GPS device, and sun protection. Mountain sections can be steep and rocky, and weather can change quickly. If you're hiking in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Check with local ranger stations for current trail conditions before you start.

Are there guided tours available on the Lewis and Clark Trail?

Yes. Several companies offer guided bus tours that follow the expedition route, and many local museums and visitor centers offer ranger-led walks and talks. Some outfitters provide guided kayaking and canoeing trips on sections of the Missouri, Snake, and Columbia Rivers. Contact the National Park Service or local tourism offices for current tour operator information.