After reaching the Pacific Ocean in November of 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition ventured back up the Colombia River to establish a more hospitable winter encampment. On December 7, 1805, the expedition traveled approximately three miles up the Netul River to Netul Landing Site.

The future site of Ft. Clatsop was described by William Clark in December 1805 as “a thick groth of pine about 200 yards from the river, this situation is on a rise about 30 feet higher than the high tides leavel and thickly Covered with lofty pine. this is certainly the most eligable Situation for our purposes of any in its neighbourhood.”

Today, the Netul River is known as the Lewis and Clark River. The Netul Landing Site and approximate location of Ft. Clatsop are part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service. Netul Landing features the 1.5 mile Netul River Trail that includes launching access for canoes and kayaks.

The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is comprised of several sites along the Oregon/Washington Pacific Coasts as well as sites along the Columbia River.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Wesley Meiss.