Historic Sites
Fort Clatsop National Memorial
This site celebrates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition. A 1955 community-built replica of the explorers' 50'x50' Fort Clatsop is the focus of this 125-acre park. The fort, historic canoe landing, and spring are nestled in the coastal forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it merges with the Columbia River Estuary. The Salt Works unit commemorates the expedition's salt-making activities. Salt obtained from seawater was essential to the explorers' winter at Fort Clatsop and their journey back to the United States in 1806. For information call: (503)861-2471
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Preserved fossil record of plants and animals. This remarkably complete record, spanning more than 40 of the 65 million years of the Cenozoic Era (the "Age of Mammals and Flowering Plants") is world-renown. Authorized October 26, 1974, and established in 1975, this 14,000 acre park is divided into three widely separated units; the Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The monument's main headquarters is at the visitor center in the Sheep Rock Unit. There is also a park office located in John Day, Oregon. For information call: (541)987-2333
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Nez Perce National Historical Park
For thousands of years the valleys, prairies, and plateaus of north-central Idaho and northeastern Oregon were home to the Nez Perce people. Today, the 38 separate sites of the Nez Perce National Historical Park, scattered across the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana, have been designated to commemorate the legends and history of the Nee-Me-Poo (or Nez Perce) and their interaction with explorers, fur traders, missionaries, soldiers, settlers, gold miners, loggers, and farmers who moved through or into the area. The areas encompassing these sites display the great diversity of the American West -- topography, rainfall, vegetation, and scenery, ranging from the semi-arid regions of Washington, to the lush high mountain meadows of Idaho and Oregon, to the prairies of Montana. As you travel from site to site you will gradually sense the importance of the land in contributing to the rich and diverse cultural history of the Nez Perce people. Touring this park is unlike traveling in most parks, for this one is as much an idea as it is actual physical property. In some cases the idea is the stronger force, for the physical remains of the past have either disappeared or the original appearance has been greatly altered. Through the diversity of the sites and the gradual accumulation of information as you tour them, you can come to appreciate the human history of this region. Park headquarters is located in Spalding, Idaho, 11 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, with the headquarters for the Big Hole National Battlefield site 10 miles west of Wisdom, Montana. Stop at the respective visitor centers to orient yourself to the park and its story. The uniformed staff can answer your questions, whether they pertain to the history of the region and the Nez Perce or how to get around and find the services you need. Both visitor centers contain an auditorium where films and interpretive talks are given and the Spalding visitor center contains a museum of Nez Perce culture. The headquarters for the Bear Paw Battlefield site is located in Chinook, Montana and information can be obtained and exhibits viewed at the Blaine County Museum in Chinook. Interpretive shelters at Heart of the Monster (Kamiah) and White Bird Battlefield tell the story of events at each location. The shelter at White Bird presents a panoramic view of the battlefield. From this point you can get an idea of how the battle occurred and how skillfully the Nez Perce used the terrain to defeat the U.S. Army. A self-guided (primitive) hiking trail is accessible via old U.S. 95 north of White Bird. At Kamiah the exhibits explain the Heart of the Monster -- the Place of Beginning where the Nez Perce people sprang from the drops of blood squeezed from the monster's heart. An audio station recounts the legend. Self-guiding trails are present at the Big Hole and Bear Paw Battlefield sites. For information call: (208)843-2261
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Oregon Caves National Monument
Oregon Caves National Monument is small in size, 480 acres, but rich in diversity. Above ground, the monument encompasses a remnant old-growth coniferous forest. It harbors a fantastic array of plants, and a Douglas-fir tree with the widest known girth in Oregon. Three hiking trails access this forest. Below ground is an active marble cave created by natural forces over hundreds of thousands of years in one of the world's most diverse geologic realms. For information call : (541)592-2100
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Tourist Attractions
Oregon Zoo
About 1,029 specimens representing 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Of these, 21 species are endangered and 33 are threatened. The zoo is currently active in 21 Species Survival Plans. For information call: (503)226-1561
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Oregon Coast Aquarium
Find a slice of Oregon's rugged coastline, beautifully reproduced on the shores of Newport's Yaquina Bay. Meet more than 190 animal species that thrive in Oregon's unique marine habitats. For information call: (541)867-3474
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Oaks Amusement Park and Rollerskating Rink
Go rollerskating, get your kicks on some thrilling amusement rides and then enjoy a picnic at this historic park. Located on the banks of Williamette River. For information call: (503)236-9143
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Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
For information call: (541)265-2206
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Klamath Lake
Endless recreation- anchored by the city of Klamath Falls, acres of lakeside parks, Marinas and the Klamath Yacht Club testify to the high quality of sailing, fishing, and water sports. For information call: (541)884-7237
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