Lewis And Clark State Recreation Site
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site is a popular destination in the state of Oregon for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers.
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Summary
The park is located near the Columbia River in The Dalles and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, river, and wildlife.
One of the main reasons to visit Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site is to learn about the historic expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Visitors can explore the Interpretive Center, which features exhibits on the famous explorers and the Native American tribes they encountered along their journey. Additionally, visitors can walk along the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail, which follows the path of the expedition through Oregon.
Another popular attraction at the park is the camping facilities. The park offers both tent and RV camping sites, as well as modern amenities like showers and restrooms. There are also picnic areas and a playground for families to enjoy.
In terms of the best time of year to visit, the park is open year-round, but the summer months are the most popular due to warmer weather and longer days. However, the fall and winter months offer their own unique charm with colorful foliage and snow-capped mountains.
Overall, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site is a must-visit destination in Oregon for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Barton Park Camping
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Barton Park
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