Paddle the Lewis and Clark River

Published 7:31 am Thursday, September 4, 2008

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers visitors free ranger-guided paddling tours along the Lewis and Clark River at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 28. Canoes, kayaks and safety gear are provided. The trips start at the Netul Landing canoe launch, one mile south of Fort Clatsop visitor center. Visitors will meet with a park ranger at the canoe launch area for safety orientation and paddle.

The park will provide five water craft (three open kayaks and two canoes) by reservation. Reservations can be made online at www.nps.gov/lewi or by calling (503) 861-4423. Drop-ins will also be taken on first-come, first-served basis to participants who arrive at least an hour before the tour. Paddlers will learn about the history of the river and also get the chance to see eagles, osprey and possibly even river otters.

The Clatsop called the river “Netul” and paddled it in high-prowed canoes. American settlers renamed it for the expedition that spent a winter on its banks. To logging companies, it was the end of the backcountry rail lines and the place where logs were assembled into rafts for their journey to market. For dairy farmers, it was both a giver of rich bottomland and a source of floodwater.

Release of liability forms can be downloaded from the park Web site, or the ranger on duty will also have copies. Paddlers should dress for the weather, wearing protective clothing for being on the water, and bring water and snacks or lunch. Paddlers of all ages are welcome but must be physically fit for a two-hour paddle, be able to paddle unassisted and not be afraid of falling into the water. Children younger than 18 are welcome with accompanying adult. Activities can be canceled because of inclement weather.

Kayakers enjoy a day on the Lewis and Clark River, where the historical park is now offering guided paddle tours. Submitted photo

This year, the National Park Service Centennial Initiative gave Lewis and Clark National Historical Park the funds for five additional seasonal employees, all of whom are working on improved services for the public. The kayak program was put together by Russ Greenberg, one of the Centennial rangers and a retired police officer who used his safety skills to start up the park’s paddling program. Another Centennial hire, Will George, has been working on fifth-grade activities for the park’s education program and on new guided hiking programs. Local Centennial hires Josh Fry of Knappa and Jimmy Huddleston of Astoria have helped to complete a new segment of the Fort to Sea Trail.

The goal of the Centennial Initiative is to provide significant investment in our parks as we count down to the National Park Service’s Centennial in 2016. These investments are aimed at restoring the national treasures protected by our parks, revitalizing visitor services and guaranteeing that our national parks are a vital part of civic life in the 21st century.

Lewis and Clark NHP is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471. The Visitor Center is located at 92343 Fort Clatsop Road.