Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance

09/05/2026

New substack articles, job opening for the worlds best not for profit job, a canoe called Klmin, REI, and so much more in this week’s edition of Trail News. https://lewisandclark.org/wp-content/uploads/Newsletter-51-September-5-2026.pdf

09/04/2026

Check out our Lewis and Clark Trip Inspirations - Discover your own trail!

The Columbia River Gorge: The Washington Side
https://www.lewisandclark.travel/inspiration/washington-side-of-the-columbia-river-gorge/

Ignore the traffic and crowds on the Oregon side of “The Gorge” and instead, follow the quieter, two-lane “Lewis and Clark Highway” (WA State Highway 14) on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Stop at viewpoints, enjoy short hikes, immerse yourself in history at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevensville, or savor the wines and art at Maryhill Museum of Art.

Find Gorge-ous waterfalls such as Cape Horn Falls and Rodney and Hardy Falls on the Hamilton Mountain loop. Both Upper Rock Creek Falls and Dog Creek Falls are within 0.1 miles of the closest parking spot. In the spring, find the best wildflowers at Dog Mountain, Coyote Wall, and Catherine Creek Day Use Area.

End your trip at the Maryhill Museum of Art surrounded by stellar Columbia River wineries. You can then continue to the Tri-cities, turn around, or head back to the Portland-Vancouver metro area via Interstate 84.

You can combine this trip with our inspiration trip on the Oregon side. Shorter loops can be created by crossing the Columbia River at Cascade Locks, Hood River, or The Dalles.

Curated by members of the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance, these Trip Inspirations go beyond the well-known landmarks to reveal hidden gems along the Trail. Each journey includes links to rich historical backstories, nearby attractions, and an interactive map with driving directions. Customize your route by reversing directions, adding or removing stops, or even creating your own itinerary.

Check the Lewis and Clark Trail Experience Events page (https://www.lewisandclark.travel/all-events/) as you plan your visit to find additional festivals, programs, and events along your route.

Click the link above for this trip itinerary or see this link for the full catalogue of available trips: https://www.lewisandclark.travel/trip-insiprations/

09/03/2026

There are places where history is something you read about. And then there are places where history is still there beneath your boots. High in the Bitterroot Mountains, between Weippe, Idaho, and Travelers’ Rest, Montana, the Lolo Corridor is one of those places. For centuries, it has been a travel route through the mountains—a landscape used by Indigenous peoples long before the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed it in 1805 and 1806. It later became part of the story of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877. https://undauntedtravel.substack.com/p/how-two-national-historic-trails

09/02/2026

Check out our Lewis and Clark Trip Inspirations - Discover your own trail!

Down the Columbia: Snake River to Stonehenge
https://www.lewisandclark.travel/inspiration/down-the-columbia/

This trip follows the Lewis and Clark Expedition down the Columbia from the mouth of the Snake River to Maryhill. William Clark’s journal barely hints at the excitement they must have felt paddling for the first time on the Columbia River:

“Took our leave of the Chiefs and all those about us and proceeded on down the great Columbia river”
—October 18, 1805

From earlier explorers, the captains knew where the river would take them: the Pacific Ocean! The general route goes through Wallula Gap, veers south to the amazing Tamástslikt Cultural Institute of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, and continues down the more scenic Washington side to Maryhill.

Curated by members of the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance, these Trip Inspirations go beyond the well-known landmarks to reveal hidden gems along the Trail. Each journey includes links to rich historical backstories, nearby attractions, and an interactive map with driving directions. Customize your route by reversing directions, adding or removing stops, or even creating your own itinerary.

Check the Lewis and Clark Trail Experience Events page (https://www.lewisandclark.travel/all-events/) as you plan your visit to find additional festivals, programs, and events along your route.

Click the link above for this trip itinerary or see this link for the full catalogue of available trips: https://www.lewisandclark.travel/trip-insiprations/

09/01/2026

Before Meriwether Lewis had traveled even three miles from Pittsburgh on Aug. 31, 1803, a gathering at Brunot Island turned terrifying when an inexperienced guest handled Lewis’ new air r***e. A simple demonstration went disastrously wrong, and the great western journey faced its first near-catastrophe. https://lewisclarktrailstories.substack.com/p/woman-shot-in-the-head

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

Check out our YouTube Channel!

We have some great content being posted there where you’ll see videos related to personal stories and adventures on the trail, special reports on various trail locations, and much more!

Be sure to subscribe and share with friends as well!

https://www.youtube.com/

08/28/2026

The Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance is celebrating National Public Lands Day by bringing the Lewis & Clark Trail directly to outdoor enthusiasts at three REI stores across the country.

LCTA members will be on hand to share information about the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, opportunities to explore it, and the Alliance’s work to preserve, interpret, and promote this remarkable national resource.

Overland Park, Kansas — September 13
Tualatin, Oregon — September 19
Missoula, Montana — September 26

National Trails Day is a great opportunity to introduce new audiences to the stories, landscapes, communities, and experiences that make the Lewis & Clark Trail unique. From hiking and paddling to history, heritage, and cultural exploration, the Trail offers countless ways to get outside and connect with the American story.

If you're near one of these REI locations, stop by, say hello,

Public Lands Day

08/28/2026

Download and explore our App! Download it today to bring the adventure and magic of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail on your mobile device. Scan the QR code here or find it on your app store.