Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Ranger-Guided Tours
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Hop in a watercraft and paddle along the lush riverbanks of the Lewis and Clark River. See bald eagles soar while you calmly float through history and hear a unique perspective of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The themes of these three-hour ranger-guided paddles will include various natural and cultural topics geared for all interests. Park-maintained kayaks, paddles, and life jackets come with your reservation.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is modifying its kayak tour operations in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities. The Park reserves the right to cancel tours and/or limit the size and length of the tours. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Hop in a watercraft and paddle along the lush riverbanks of the Lewis and Clark River. See bald eagles soar while you calmly float through history and hear a unique perspective of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The themes of these three-hour ranger-guided paddles will include various natural and cultural topics geared for all interests. Park-maintained kayaks, paddles, and life jackets come with your reservation.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is modifying its kayak tour operations in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities. The Park reserves the right to cancel tours and/or limit the size and length of the tours. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Need to Know
- Tour Cancellations
If you are unable to attend your scheduled tour, please cancel your reservation within 48 hours to open space. Visitors may cancel online themselves or call 503-861-4425. Park staff may cancel tours due to unsafe conditions. Efforts will be made to accommodate canceled reservations.
- Park Entry Fees Also Required
The Park charges an entrance fee in addition to this ticket. Please pay your entrance fee at Fort Clatsop Visitor Center before you arrive at Netul Landing for your kayak tour. Visit the park webpage, www.nps.gov/lewi , for details on entrance fee options.
- Age Limits
Each participant must be age 13 and above. For liability reasons, each teen under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (one teen per parent/guardian). Please call the park at the time of reservation with any age limit questions.
- Arrive on Time
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. The first 30 minutes will be a safety and boat use orientation. Your reservation will be canceled if you miss this orientation.
- Health/Physical Abilities
Participants must have basic swimming skills and not be afraid of falling into the water. Participants must be able to complete a three-hour paddle without assistance. If you have any specific accessibility concerns, please call the park at the time of reservation. The tour is 3 miles total.
- Footwear
Footwear must attach to the front of the foot and around the heel and must be worn at all times. Please do not wear flip flops or high heels, as they can fall off while paddling and provide no support. Water shoes are preferred.
- Tour Capacities
Kayak tours are limited to 12 participants. Maximum tour numbers are set and strictly enforced to ensure participant and ranger safety as well as availability of park-provided equipment.
- Park Operating Hours and Seasons
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is open year-round. The Fort Clatsop Visitor Center is open daily except Christmas Eve and Christmas. Services and hours vary depending on the season.
- Equipment
The Park will provide participants with watercraft, paddles, and life jackets. However, if you have specific requirements, you may bring your own Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Use of personal watercraft is limited and must be preapproved. Life jackets must always be worn properly and may only be removed when on land.
- How to Dress
Dress for the expected weather. Wear clothing that can get wet, as well as layers, including protective outerwear such as a windbreaker. Consider bringing an extra set of clothes and/or towels in your vehicle.
- What to Bring
Bring water and snacks for each person. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellant are all recommended. If you choose to bring electronic devices such as your camera or phone, also consider a protective dry bag.
- Prohibited
Participants exhibiting intoxicated or inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave. Please do not bring your pets or comfort animals. Ultimately, attendance is at the discretion of park staff.
- Weight Limits
Weight limit is 400 pounds total capacity for tandem (2 seat) kayaks and 275 pounds for single kayaks.
- Meeting Location
Paddle Tours embark from the Netul Landing parking lot, located 1.5 miles south of the Visitor Center. Netul Landing and the Visitor Center are located on Fort Clatsop Road off of Business 101. Park by the restrooms.
Booking Windows
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers ranger-guided kayak tours from late June through late August. During the 2024 season, one tour is led daily, Fridays and Saturdays of each week. As the Lewis and Clark River is tidal influenced, start times vary to match the high tide.
Booking Windows
- Primary Booking Window: Tickets are available 30 days in advance of the desired tour date at 7 a.m. PT (10 a.m. ET) on a rolling window.
- Secondary Booking Window: Additional tickets become available 7 days in advance of the desired tour date at 7 a.m. PT (10 a.m. ET) on a rolling window.
Changes and Cancellations
The tour is free. A non-refundable $1.00 reservation fee per person applies. If you have made reservations and are unable to reschedule or attend your scheduled tour, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible to open space for other participants, as all tours are in high demand. Park staff cancel tours for unsafe conditions, including but not limited to insufficient staffing, extreme or inclement weather, and low visibility due to smoke. Although there can be no guarantees, efforts will be made to accommodate cancelled reservations.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
92343 Fort Clatsop Road Astoria OR 97103
Phone Number
503-861-2471
