Montage of Washington State Park scenes
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Approaching the Coast

Anticipation Builds as They Approach the Coast

Fog shrouded view of water and conifer trees in the distance

"The fog So thick this morning we did not think it prudent to Set out until 10 oClock ...."

~William Clark, Nov. 3, 1805

As the Corps of Discovery proceeded down the lower Columbia to the ocean, the river became much broader and the days were often cloudy and misty. At times, the fog was so thick American Indians had to guide the party through the river channels. Other times, they simply waited until the fog cleared.

On Nov. 7, 1805, the Expedition reached Pillar Rock and formed a camp. Here, members of the party believed they could see the ocean. Expressing a rare moment of elation, Clark penned, "Great joy in camp we are in View of the Ocian, this great Pacific Octean which we been So long anxious to See. and the roreing or noise made by the waves brakeing on the rockey Shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distictly. "

Although there is some question if the party could actually see the ocean from this location, they certainly knew they were close to reaching their long sought-after goal.


Making the Last Few Miles

View of conifers on land outcropping into the Columbia River mouth on a cloudy day

"Our situation is dangerous."

~William Clark, Nov. 12, 1805

As the Corps of Discovery neared the mouth of the Columbia, they felt immense joy at the possibility of reaching their final destination – the Pacific Ocean. However, the last few miles of the lower Columbia River proved to be life-threatening. For several days, the Corps was pinned against the shoreline, trying to shelter themselves from strong wind, waves and rain. They were soaked to the bone, their clothes rotting off their backs, and many were seasick from the rolling of their canoes on the river swells.

On Nov. 15, before setting out around Point Ellice, Clark referred to their miserable camp as "this dismal nitich where we have been confined for 6 days passed, without the possibility of proceeding on, returning to a better Situation, or get out to hunt, Scerce of Provisions, and torents of rain poreing on us all the time …"



History of the journey through Washington The Corps of Discovery Enters Washington Sacajawea State Park – Reaching the Columbia River at Last! Proceeding Down the Columbia Maryhill State Park – At the East End of the Gorge Columbia Hills State Park – Between the Long and Short Narrows Doug's Beach State Park – The Friendly Village Beacon Rock State Park – A Remarkable Rock Approaching the Coast Station Camp State Park – End of the Voyage Fort Columbia State Park – Over the Rocky Point Cape Disappointment State Park – Clark's Trip to the Ocean A Shortcut on the Way Home Lewis and Clark Trail State Park – On the Overland Shortcut

  1. History of the journey through Washington
  2. The Corps of Discovery Enters Washington
  3. Sacajawea State Park – Reaching the Columbia River at Last!
  4. Proceeding Down the Columbia
  5. Maryhill State Park – At the East End of the Gorge
  6. Columbia Hills State Park – Between the Long and Short Narrows
  7. Doug's Beach State Park – The Friendly Village
  1. Beacon Rock State Park – A Remarkable Rock
  2. Approaching the Coast
  3. Station Camp State Park – End of the Voyage
  4. Fort Columbia State Park – Over the Rocky Point
  5. Cape Disappointment State Park – Clark's Trip to the Ocean
  6. A Shortcut on the Way Home
  7. Lewis and Clark Trail State Park – On the Overland Shortcut


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