About
Length6.5 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyModerate
Typical time4 hr 30 min
TrailheadFort to Sea Trail
ParkingTo start the trail at Fort Clatsop, From Astoria, head south on U.S. Highway 101 and follow the signs to Fort Clatsop. From Seaside, head north on U.S. 101 and follow the signs. The Fort to Sea Trail starts at the Fort ClatsopVisitor Center in the picnic area. To start the trail at Sunset Beach, travel to just past Milepost 13 on U.S. 101 and turn onto Sunset Beach Lane. Drive to the Sunset Beach/Fort To Sea Trailhead parking lot. Additional parking at trail head 1 mile south of the Fort Clat...
Best season<p>While the Fort to Sea Trail is navigable in any weather, please note that rain can make the trail slick in some places and muddy in others. The boardwalk and portions of the trail west of 101 ca...
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
AccessibilitySubstrates-60% compacted " gravel, 20% boardwalk, 10% compacted dirt, 10% sand Steep slope - Asteady elevation change of 300ft from trailhead to Clatsop Ridge overlook and long length of switchbacks after the Clatsop Ridge Overlook. Narrow section of path - 32 inches Benches/rest areas: Bench between trailhead and overlook. Picnic table and benches at overlook Obstructions: After passing through the tunnel under 101 there is a section of the trail with cat...
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🏛️ Historic site

While the Corps forged its way through deep woods, muddy bogs and windswept beaches, a 6.5-mile trail now runs through much of the same forest, fields and dunes that the Corps traveled. The Fort To Sea Trail starts in the woods south of Fort Clatsop and goes to Sunset Beach on the Pacific Ocean, winding through ancestral lands of the Clatsop Indians who aided the Corps during their 1805/1806 winter stay at the Pacific. The Fort to Sea trail makes a great day hike if you have prepared well. There are sections of the trail that are steep, going both uphill and downhill, sections of the trail that can be slick and muddy, and areas without much vegetative cover. Know before you go what the weather will be like, where you are going, and how you will get back to your car (remember it is 6.5 miles ONE WAY ). There are bathrooms at the trail head, sunset beach, and about halfway through. There are no water fountains so make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. Please also plan on packing out anything you pack in as there are no trash cans along the way. Check out our safety page for more tips to prepare for your hike , and stop in at the visitor center before you go to pay the entrance fee, grab a trail map and check in with the ranger regarding any trail closures or dangerous conditions.

Tips
The entrance fee can be paid at the visitor center prior to departing. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. The visitor center parking lot is gated, and closes at 5pm in the winter and 6pm in the summer. If you aren't sure you can make it back by that time it is best to park in the lot for the trailhead just south of the visitor center lot (look for the parking symbol on the map). Your leashed dogs are welcome on the Fort to Sea trail, please pick up after them. All ages welcome, minors should be accompanied by an adult.
Location

Fort to Sea Trail

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.