Join us for a spectacular summer hike!

Put on your hiking boots, grab your daypack and water, and join a ranger for a tour to the ocean.  Following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, study the plants, wildlife and the dynamic ecosystems along the trail.

These guided hikes are offered Wednesday through Sunday, June 24 through September 6, 2009.  Hikers joining the ranger can park at the Sunset Beach Trailhead of the Fort to Sea Trail by 10:00 a.m. and ride the Sunset Empire Transportation District shuttle bus (free) to the Fort Clatsop visitor center or park at the Fort Clatsop visitor center. Then the hikers with the ranger will begin the 6.5 mile hike/talk to the ocean at the Sunset Beach Recreation Area arriving about 3:00 back at their cars.

Anyone planning to only join the hike for first 1.5 miles to the Overlook on Clatsop Ridge, would meet the ranger at the Fort Clatsop visitor center at 10:45 a.m. Hikers with leashed dogs are welcome to participate with this option as dogs are not allowed past the overlook.

The themes of the hikes will vary daily and include both natural and historical topics geared for all ages. Hikers should dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking footwear, and bring water and snacks or lunch.

Funding for this program is provided by the National Park Centennial Initiative. The goal of the President’s Centennial Initiative is to provide significant investment to restore and better protect national parks’ natural, cultural and historical resources and to significantly enhance visitor experiences as we count down to the National Park Service’s centennial in 2016.