The Lewis and Clark Explorer Shuttle, in partnership between Sunset Empire Transportation and the National Park Service, is operating daily through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. There is no charge for riding this route. Leave your vehicle at your campsite at Fort Stevens, KOA, or Kampers West and ride over to enjoy the day at Fort Clatsop. In addition, Wednesdays through Sundays, be at Fort Clatsop at 11 a.m. and hike with a ranger, who will share botanical, zoological and historical information.

The Explorer Shuttle’s hourly route begins at 9:45 a.m. at Fort Clatsop’s Visitor Center, connects to Sunset Beach and loops through Warrenton with stops at Fort Stevens, KOA and Fred Meyer before returning to Fort Clatsop. The shuttle will stop at Sunset Beach Fort to Sea Trailhead parking lot at 5 minutes past each hour starting at 10:05 a.m. and ending at 5:05 p.m.

To hike the Fort to Sea Trail, park staff suggest you leave your car at Sunset Beach or your campsite, ride the Explorer Shuttle to Fort Clatsop, and hike back to the beach to pick up your car or jump on the shuttle to go back to your campsite.

The Fort to Sea Trail is a 6.5 mile hike from the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center to Sunset Beach. The first 1.5 miles are up a gentle climb to the top of Clatsop Ridge, where on a clear day you can see through the trees to the Pacific Ocean. From there, the trail descends through deep woods to a wooded pasture dotted with small lakes, then to the crossing tunnel under U.S. Highway 101 near Camp Rilea. From there, the trail marks the beginning of sandy soil and gentle dune pastures which lead into beach woods before arriving at the Sunset Beach/Fort to Sea Trail parking lot. Finally, travel the half mile path to the beach. For a map, ask the ranger at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center or visit www.www.nps.gov/lewi

Fort Clatsop Visitor Center is located at 92343 Fort Clatsop Road. For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.