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HistoryThe park is located on the historic Nimipooiskit trail that extends from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Remnants of the trail can be observed near the park.
The explorers Lewis & Clark (for whom the park is named) passed through the property in 1806 and commented on the unusual character of the vegetation.
The park was originally homesteaded by the Bateman family in 1864 and was the site for neighboring farmers' post-harvest picnics and games. Homesteading began in the region in 1859. Some of the original homestead sites still remain.
Mammoth fossils have been found near the park. It is believed they were carried in during the numerous Ice Age Floods. The Columbian mammoth fossil is the official fossil of Washington state.
In 1996, catastrophic flooding occurred, laying down a million cubic feet of sediment in the park. Two additional major floods happened within the year. Periodic flooding is characteristic of riparian (river-related) terrain, and gives the park its distinctive character.
The day-use-area restroom was constructed in 1934 from 10,000 stones acquired from the Touchet River. The day-use-area kitchen shelter was also built in the 1930s and exhibits features of that period.
Interpretive opportunitiesThe park provides an interpretive display with information on Lewis and Clark and original area homesteaders. A large reader board on Lewis and Clark can be found in the day-use area..
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