Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, this state park was the campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. The Heritage Trail and Interpretive Center illustrate the remarkable story of the two explorers and highlights the role of their interpreter, 17-year-old Sacagawea.
Lewis and Clark camped here for two days near a large Sahaptian Village in October 1805 on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. For the first time on their trip, they could identify their location. They noted they were at the "great forks" already known to early European explorers. On their return trip in April 1806, Lewis and Clark traveled through present-day Benton County and again stayed near the present-day Sacagawea State Park near Wallula Gap as it is known today. The site affords exquisite views of the joining of these two great rivers, and the Sacagawea Interpretive Center features a large display of Native American tools.
For more information, visit Sacajawea State Park.
Area Birding
284 acres of deciduous trees, river shallows with cattails, shrub-steppe uplands. Dramatic design and color highlight spring plumage of Wood Ducks in slough, Yellow-rumped Warblers in willows, iridescent Black–billed Magpies in sage. Western Meadowlark sing atop bushes. Fall features “fishermen”: American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants. Common Loons and Common Goldeneyes spend the winter, along with Bald Eagles who perch high in trees while Downy Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers forage lower on trunks.
From center, walk by river, and on ADA path. Check park trees. Walk to boat launch and take informal 1-mile trail north. From park gate, return 0.3 mile on park road; trail leads to view of Great Egret rookery on Columbia River island. Bonus: At park – Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center honoring Sacajawea. At corner of Sacajawea Park Rd and Hwy 12 – Ainsworth Historical Marker. From Hwy 12 at milepost 294.4, turn south onto Sacajawea Park Rd. Drive 1.8 miles (veer left at Y) to park. Spring and fall, drive to interpretive center parking. In winter, park on right at gated entrance and walk into park. Order the Sun & Sage Loop Map of the Great Washington State Birding Trail.
