WHY BUILD A TRAIL?

Turning vision into reality

The volunteers who worked hard in the 1950s to create a replica of Fort Clatsop had a broader vision that included more than replicating Lewis and Clark’s 1805-1806 winter quarters. They envisioned a trail connecting the national memorial to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, the National Park Service commissioned a trail feasibility study in 1958.
(See study at: www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/focl/hussey/index.htm)

But, it wasn’t until 2004 construction actually started. There are a lot of hopes riding on the trail, which comes as close as possible to duplicating the route (see maps) members of the Corps of Discovery trekked between the fort and Clatsop Plains and the ocean:

Trail will help local economy: The trail is an important part of the State of Oregon’s economic development effort. It will be a draw for tourists and Northwest residents who wish to savor what Lewis and Clark experienced – the scenery of the Oregon Coast. The project also is a great opportunity to boost the economy of the Lower Columbia River region while enhancing the recreation opportunities of the park’s Fort Clatsop.

Oregon businesses are stepping up to help. The project has advanced from concept to construction through a remarkable partnership with federal and state parks programs – a partnership hailed as a model of public-private teamwork.

As a vital part of the team, more than a dozen Northwest companies are donating design, engineering and construction-related services, as well as other support services. At least $330,000 of donated services – a number expected to grow in the next year – fueled the project’s quick start in 2004. The volunteer effort is led by engineering consultant David Evans and Associates, Inc. Participating companies include: Conkling Fiskum & McCormick, Inc., W&H Pacific, KPFF Consulting Engineers, OBEC Consulting Engineers, Parametrix, Spencer Gross, Inc., Virgil Agrimis, Inc., Walker Macy and Geotechnical Resources, Inc. Additionally, the Oregon National Guard, Northwest Youth Corps and Student Conservation are matching some construction donations with construction services. (Please see a list of project supporters at Donations (www.forttosea.org/donations.html).

Savoring the Lewis and Clark experience: The new park weaves together the loose threads – some new and some old – creating a tapestry more vividly telling the Lewis and Clark story. The Fort-to-Sea Trail is an exciting new piece of that story. “The trail will provide visitors with a rare opportunity to experience a walk from a coastal forest area through lowland wetlands and shore-pine covered dunes,” says Jenkins.

The significance of this trail, and connecting Fort Clatsop with the landscape west of the fort, has long been recognized as critically important to preserving the legacy of Lewis and Clark. The natural and cultural resources of the area, and the trail through it, provide outstanding opportunities to interpret elements of the Lewis and Clark story not told elsewhere.

Perhaps more importantly, this trail runs through the homeland of the Clatsop Indians, one of the tribes that helped ensure the survival of the Corps. The Clatsop are still residents in the area and Fort Clatsop National Memorial is working with the tribe to include the perspectives of the native peoples in the stories told at the park. This trail will help people better understand the Clatsop homeland.