Fort to Sea Trail

The trail primarily connects Fort Clatsop to Sunset Beach on the Pacific Ocean. You can start from the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center within the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Parking is available at the trailheads.

While some sections are easy, the trail is generally rated as moderate due to gradual and steep elevation changes, including tough switchbacks to Clatsop Ridge Overlook. It can be challenging for beginners, especially the full 6.2-mile one-way route. Consider shorter portions if you're new to trail jogging.

The trail offers a diverse range of surfaces. You'll jog through dark Sitka spruce woods, sedge wetlands, and cow pastures, eventually reaching rolling dunes and sandy beaches. It's mostly singletrack, with some gravel sections and boardwalks over marshy areas. Be prepared for potentially slick and muddy conditions, especially after rain.

You'll experience rapidly changing ecosystems, from dense coastal forests to open beaches. Highlights include views of the Pacific Ocean from Clatsop Overlook, a tunnel under Highway 101, and the expansive beach at Sunset Beach State Recreation Site. You might also spot wildlife like deer and elk.

The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park generally welcomes pets on trails, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please remember to pack out all pet waste.

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which includes Fort Clatsop. This fee covers access to the park's facilities and trails. You can find current fee information on the official NPS website.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but conditions vary. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Be aware that sections can be slick and muddy after rain, which is common during the wetter seasons. Summer provides warmer, drier conditions, but can also be busier.

Restrooms are available at the trailheads and approximately halfway through the trail. However, there are no water fountains, so it's essential to carry your own water, especially for the full 6.2-mile one-way journey.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Kwis Kwis Trail, Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway, and the TransAmerica Trail (Oregon). You might also encounter parts of the Fort Clatsop Road and Primitive Trail.

The trail retraces a route that members of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery might have taken in 1805-1806 to reach the Pacific Ocean from their winter encampment at Fort Clatsop. Jogging this trail allows you to follow in the footsteps of these early explorers.

The full 6.2-mile (one-way) trail can take approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes to jog, depending on your pace and how often you stop. The full 12.9-mile out-and-back journey will naturally take about twice as long.