Lewis and Clark Salt Works Expedition

Lewis Rivertide Suites Historical Park

In 1805, much of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s stay on the North Coast was spent securing food and supplies for the winter and eventual trip home. By the time they reached the lower Columbia River region, they had run out of valuable salt for seasoning food and, more important, preserving meat, which was a matter of life and death. Spoiled elk meat could make the men sick.

To make salt, rocks had to be found to build a furnace. Plus, they needed wood to burn, ocean water to boil, fresh water to drink and game animals. Nearby rivers weren’t salty enough, but a site 15 miles southwest of Fort Clatsop proved perfect. What’s more, there were homes of local Clatsop and Tillamook Indians nearby, local experts who could help.

Take a trip back to 1805 and the salt–making process by visiting the Salt Makers Living History reenactment in Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. For several weekends each summer, costumed re–enactors set up camp for 48 hours and make salt round–the–clock, just as members of the Lewis and Clark expedition did.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lewi/planyourvisit/saltworks.htm.

Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was President Thomas Jefferson who brought the famous team of Lewis and Clark together. In June, 1803, he chose Captain Meriwether Lewis, who then selected his friend Captain William Clark, to lead an exploratory party of the mostly unknown territory west of the Mississippi River. Their mission? To follow the Missouri River to its source and then establish the most direct water route to the Pacific. In addition, they would document their scientific and geographic observations. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lewi/historyculture/index.htm.  [Top]

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The Park is made up of 12 sites located on a 40–mile stretch of the Pacific coast from Long Beach, WA to Cannon Beach, OR. It’s recommended that you begin at Fort Clatsop or the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment. Both offer rangers, gift shops and exhibits on the region.

Lewis & Clark National Historical Park Sites  

• Fort Clatsop
• Fort to Sea Trail
• Clark’s Dismal Nitch
• Station Camp
• Salt Works
• Netul Landing
• Memorial to Thomas Jefferson

Washington State Park Sites  

• Cape Disappointment State Park (includes the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center & Bookstore)
• Fort Columbia State Park

Oregon State Park Sites  

• Fort Stevens State Park
• Sunset Beach State Recreation Area
• Ecola State Park  [Top]