Interpretation and history at Lewis & Clark

History

Lewis and Clark State Park, which is actually separate from the Lewis and Clark Trail, began as a "public camp" for automobile tourists in 1922. Two years later, more than 10,000 people visited the park annually.

The old north spur of the Oregon Trail, which extended from the Cowlitz River landing to the city of Tumwater, passed directly through the present park site. When pioneers used this road, ramps had to be built over some of the downed logs (six to nine feet in diameter), since they had no saws capable of cutting the giants.

The park has a unique stand of old-growth forest, primarily Douglas fir and red cedar. It is one of the last old-growth forest stands remaining along Hwy. 99. Two-thirds of the old-growth trees were blown down in the 1962 Columbus Day Storm (8.5 million board feet of the original 13.5 million). The park was closed for three years to make repairs and plant trees.

Located nearby, the John R. Jackson House was the first American pioneer home built north of the Columbia River. It was constructed in 1845 by the man for whom it is named. The original house has deteriorated completely. The current log cabin was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Jackson family has donated some original pioneer artifacts, which are on display at the cabin.

Interpretive opportunities

There is a self-guided half-mile interpretive trail in the park, featuring information on the park's old growth forest.

Jackson House tours are available year-round by appointment. Call (360) 864-2643.