We visited Fort Clatsop
near Astoria, OR today. Fort Clatsop
hosts a visitor center with interesting exhibits and two film presentations:
one from the perspective of the Clatsop tribe and one over-viewing the Corps of
Discovery. I found the varying perspectives
captivating - both thinking the other group a bit rude and odd. Admission fees are $3 in the winter. We were
able to use our National Parks Pass and
get in for free.
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| Taking Jr Ranger work seriously |
There are also two trailheads at the fort: Fort to Sea Trail and the Netul River Trail
and paths to wander through the woods.
We found the replica of the fort, built by the Corps when they
wintered here from Dec 1805 - March 1806, to be one of the highlights of the
center. The river is beautiful.
We wanted to find the canoe landing outside the fort. Michael
opted to stay at the center- too much
walking the past few days. The kids and I set off....
It turns out we were actually on the popular Netul River Trail
and not on the way to the canoe landing at all. We did comment several times
that it made little sense to land the canoes so far downriver. It was an
invigorating two mile hike as we didn't want Michael to be alone too long.
On our return to the fort area we noticed the Canoe Landing SAYS
it is only 200 yards....ah well...it was a pleasant hike anyway.
This river is actually called the Lewis and Clark River, but
the park labeled the trail the Netul River Trail to honor the Clatsop nation.
This is the river the Corps came up when looking for a winter encampment in
1805.
Hiking the Netul River Trail was one of the activities listed
for Jr Rangers. Stacia had
visited enough of the sites and done enough activities to earn the "President"
ranking as well as a certificate and a nice iron on badge.
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