Introduction

This journey is for the history buffs, roadtrippers, and hikers alike as we map out a route inspired by one of America’s greatest adventure tales. This trail is impressive, stretching across 16 U.S. states and covering 4,900 miles. This expedition was commissioned by the United States so that they may learn more about their newly acquired land via the Louisiana Purchase and find passage to the ocean. Lewis and Clark were instructed to explore the region and document the various environments, plants, and animals that they would encounter.   

For the ambitious, they could hike this entire trail from start to finish; the National Park Service estimates it would take travelers between three to four weeks. I know not everyone has the time or the stamina to hike weeks on the road so I seek to highlight the best of this trail. This itinerary covers eight states with a total of 12 stops (two bonus stops if you’re up for it) each bringing attention to this iconic expedition. There are some larger stretches of driving throughout this trip so I would suggest 10-14 days depending on how much one would want to explore each location. 

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters (Nebraska) 

What better start to this trip other than the Headquarters for this trail? Located in Omaha, Nebraska situated right on the Missouri river. This river served as one of the main landmarks the Corps of Discovery used to navigate their way to the Pacific Ocean. Here, you will find a large facility dedicated to the trail and it is encouraged to talk to the rangers as they have vast knowledge of the expedition and the different stops ahead. 

Sergeant Floyd Monument (Iowa)

Located two hours from the Trail Headquarters, this stop holds significance as it pays tribute to the only member of the Corps of Discovery to pass during the expedition. Experts think he died from peritonitis likely due to inflammation or even rupture of his appendix. Upon arrival of this monument, one thing that stands out is its glaring similarity to the Washington Monument in D.C.  

Sioux Falls (South Dakota)

Just an hour and half from the Floyd Monument is the city of Sioux Falls. Though this town does not hold much significance to the expedition, the group did have a few interactions with the Sioux people during their journey. I figured it would be a sound location to stop for the night as travelers gear up for the next leg of the journey. 

Big Bend Missouri, North Bend Recreational Area (South Dakota)

This is where the journey really starts to explore the northwest regions of the United States. Sitting about four and a half hours from the town of Sioux Falls is the Big Bend of Missouri. This spot served as a major campsite for the expedition crew and was actually an already known landmark of the area. Be sure to take in just how vast the Missouri is and what a spectacle Mother Nature is able to create. 

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (North Dakota)

With a five hour drive, travelers will be brought to the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. This location is rich in history, some historians even stating people arrived to the area over 10,000 years ago. As you journey the historic site you will see peculiar earth lodges which housed many members of the tribes. To learn more about this site and its rich history check out the National Parks Service site on it here. 

It is very important to mention that in this area Lewis and Clark encountered Sacagawea and her husband Toussaint Charbonneau. Historians believe the Corps of Discovery hired Charbonneau as an interpreter for the group as he was a French fur trapper that spent numerous years among the Natives. The young Sacagawea became a crucial part of the expedition demonstrating expansive knowledge of the region and served as a welcoming representative for the group when encountering other Native American groups. One can not discuss the Lewis and Clark expedition without mentioning the young mother, Sacagawea.    

Fort Peck (Montana)

Once done exploring the culturally rich Village site, it is time to hit the road again and make the five hour journey to Fort Peck, Montana. This is the first stop in the untamed lands of Montana. The explorers often wrote of how beautiful this landscape was with the wide stretching open lands. In this area, travelers can view the great Fort Peck Dam along with its lake. Be sure to visit the Lewis and Clark outlook and envision you’re one with the group viewing upon these lands for the first time. This area is also extremely popular for its fossil rich soils that reveal deeper into the past far beyond this discovery party.  

White Cliffs, Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (Montana)

The White Cliffs are around three and a half hours from the Fort Peck area but once you arrive one would think they are on a new planet. The landscape of the White Cliffs is covered in sandstone formations that were created through water erosion over millions of years. Lewis wrote in great detail of the White Cliffs and even stated “nature presents to the view of the traveler vast ranges of walls of tolerable workmanship, so perfect indeed are those walls that I should have thought that nature had attempted here to rival the human art of masonry had I not recollected that she had first began her work.” Take your time in this area and set up camp; this is definitely an area to really take in and explore. 

Great Falls (Montana)

Two hours from the White Cliffs travelers will find the Great Falls which is considered one of the biggest tests of the Corps of Discovery. In order to continue their journey, they had to transport their equipment and supplies 18 miles to avoid these treacherous falls. Using makeshift wagons the group made the trek on the rough terrain while battling the intense heat. Many members fell ill due to the intensity. Lewis also wrote of the dangerous encounters. He stated he came across a bear, a mountain lion, rattlesnakes, and buffalo. 

Not only are the falls a site to see, this area has some very interactive exhibits that allow you to become a member of the Corp of Discovery. Be sure to stop by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to view artifacts that were left behind, figure out which route was best to carry the canoes, identify dangerous plants, and even test your strength by lugging a canoe.  

Lolo National Forest (Montana)

It is now time to make a four hour drive to the Lolo National Forest. Which is another great area to set up camp. Within Lolo National Forest you will find the Lolo Trail which was a crucial travel route for early natives. This trail, in fact, was created through the repeated footsteps of natives and the exact location was passed from generation to generation. A stretch of a road trip where you can really connect with early America and its foundations. Lewis and Clark are said to be some of the first Europeans to use this trail as they used it twice. Once on their way to the Pacific Coast and on their return back to the East Coast.     

Hells Gate State Park (Idaho)

This point of the trip is considered to be the home stretch. Hells Gate State Park is about four and a half hours from the Lolo National Forest. This location is highly touted for its picturesque views along Idaho’s Snake River. This area was carved by ancient floods and created the deepest river gorge in North America. This state park is rich with activities including backpacking, hiking, whitewater adventures, and fishing. 

The Lewis and Clark crew entered this area in the fall of 1805. The state park has its own Lewis and Clark Discovery Center with exhibits to teach visitors more about their journey through the Idaho region. The Center even has a 30 minute movie that is displayed detailing their journey. This stop will surely provide education on one of America’s greatest expeditions and also provide recreational activities for everyone.  

Beacon Rock State Park (Washington)

About five hours from Hell’s Gate you will find Beacon Rock State Park another gorgeous site molded by Mother Nature over the years. This site is also a year around camping ground so a great spot to set up camp. The major landmark which the state park is named after is actually the core of an ancient volcano which eroded away over the years. Lewis described this giant rock with great accuracy and even gave estimated measurements that were nearly correct. This state park has over 26 miles of roads and trails so be sure to explore and connect with the surrounding nature. 

Optional: Portland, Oregon

If you’re in need of a break from the road and campsites, I included an optional pit stop to Portland, Oregon which would take about an hour from Beacon Rock State Park. Though this city was not established during the time of Lewis and Clark it has grown into quite the bustling city of the west coast. Portland is a city well in touch with its surrounding nature with many views that can be seen from the city. Portland has a plethora of microbreweries and coffee shops. So, take a moment to kick up your feet and enjoy a drink or two.  

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park (Astoria, Oregon)

This is where the Corps of Discovery rejoiced as they had ultimately reached their final goal of locating passage to the Pacific Ocean changing the course of American history. This park is rich in education on the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as interactive activities to really reimagine this journey. At this location, be sure to check out the replica of Fort Clatsop which served as their homebase while the group explored the region. Also, be sure to visit the historic canoe landing along with the many trails found within this park. Take some time at this final leg to reflect on your hardships during this trip and think about how great of a feat this was years ago when the Corps of Discovery first set out.  

Optional: Cape Disappointment (Washington)

I had to include this site as an optional stop beyond the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park as it was just too beautiful not to consider. Located 40 minutes from Astoria you’ll find Cape Disappointment but do not be fooled by its name as it is a truly extraordinary view. This site was discovered before Lewis and Clark’s arrival by two different explorers. In 1788, a british trader John Meares named it Cape Disappointment as he mistakenly thought this was merely a bay of the Columbia river.