Lewis and Clark's Journey through Washington State

October–November 1805 and March–May 1806

~William Clark, Nov. 7, 1805

~Patrick Gass, Nov. 16, 1805

Commemorate History with State Parks

Appointed by President Thomas Jefferson 200 years ago, Captain Meriwether Lewis was assigned to explore the unknown Northwest Territory and find a navigable passage to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis selected William Clark as his co-commander. Near the end of their westward journey (during the autumn of 1805), they traveled through one of the most scenic and spectacular parts of their expedition – present-day Washington state from the Snake River to the Columbia River Gorge region and the Pacific.

In addition to "tracing" Lewis and Clark's steps through the state and "re-living" the adventures by visiting Washington's state parks, you can learn all about the famous trek through Washington 200 years in the "History of the Journey."

Discover the landscapes of the great northwest that were both unknown and beautiful to the members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, hear the stories of hardship, courage and friendship, and enjoy interpretive opportunities and the beauty of state parks along the way.

To learn more about the Lewis & Clark journey, events/activities at state parks and more, select one of the links below:
The Lewis & Clark Journey
State parks along the way
Events and activities
Sacajawea Interpretive Center
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Lewis & Clark commemorative stamps

Other Sites

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (National Park Service)
Washington State Department of Tourism
Washington State Department of Transportation
Washington State Historical Society