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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
The Palouse Region
Lewis Clark Trail State Park
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Lewis Clark Trail State Park © Heather Parsley
Lewis Clark Trail State Park © Heather Parsley
Lewis Clark Trail State Park © Heather Parsley
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Down the Trail © Peggy Jennings
The trails are marked an surrounded with greenery.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Flowers on the trail © Peggy Jennings
Pretty flowers cover the trail in the spring breeze.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Wildflowers © Peggy Jennings
Beautiful wildflowers are plentiful.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Birds in the Grass © Peggy Jennings
Robins are seen cavorting in the grass.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Playground © Peggy Jennings
Along with the picnic facilities, a playground offers entertainment for kids.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Trail Through the Woods © Peggy Jennings
All of the trails are well-maintained and clearly marked.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park South Entrance © Peggy Jennings
The sign at the south entrance tells visitors about the parks history.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Camplite © Peggy Jennings
A secluded campsite offers table and grill along with privacy.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Footbridge © Peggy Jennings
A lovely concrete bridge leads across a creek
Lewis Clark Trail State Park © Peggy Jennings
Building houses visitors activities and reat rooms.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park © Peggy Jennings
Lewis Clark Trail State Park North Entrance Sign © Peggy Jennings
On the north side of Highway 12, the park has campsites with privacy and beauty.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Picnic Area © Peggy Jennings
Grills and tables are availble for picnics and are near the trails too.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Flowers amidst the greenery © Peggy Jennings
Lush growth is a characteristic of this park
Lewis Clark Trail State Park White Flowers Amongst the Greenery © Peggy Jennings
White wildflower serve to accent the lush green growth.
Lewis Clark Trail State Park Wooded Trail © Peggy Jennings
Stately pine trees line many of the trails.
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LEWIS CLARK TRAIL STATE PARK
LEWIS CLARK TRAIL STATE PARK
36149 U.S. 12
Dayton, Washington   99328
(lat:46.2884 lon:-118.0725) map location

Phone: 509-337-6457
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is a 37-acre camping park with 1,333 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Touchet River. The park is a rare treasure of old-growth forest and river in the midst of the surrounding arid grassland.
Nature of the Area
"Long-leafed" ponderosa pine still grow here, as Lewis and Clark recorded in their journals. The ponderosa are old-growth trees, as are the cottonwood that abound in the park.

Periodic flooding gives the park its marked riparian character. Flooding lays down sediment and slows competition from weedy species, allowing the unusual vegetation of pine trees in the midst of arid grassland.

Another contributing influence to the existence of the pines is the park's very wet, almost "rainforest" mini-climate. The narrow piece of Touchet River valley, on which the park is built, constricts airflow and causes moisture to remain in the park.
History of the Area
The park is located on the historic Nez Perce trail that extends from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Remnants of the trail can be observed near the park.

The explorers Lewis & Clark (for whom the park is named) passed through the property in 1806 and commented on the unusual character of the vegetation.

The park was originally homesteaded by the Bateman family in 1864 and was the site for neighboring farmers' post-harvest picnics and games. Homesteading began in the region in 1859. Some of the original homestead sites still remain.

Woolly mammoth fossils have been found near the park. The woolly mammoth fossil is the official fossil of Washington state.

In 1996, catastrophic flooding occurred, laying down a million cubic feet of sediment in the park. Two additional major floods happened within the year. Periodic flooding is characteristic of riparian (river-related) terrain, and gives the park its distinctive character.

The day-use-area restroom was constructed in 1934 from 10,000 stones acquired from theTouchet River. The day-use-area kitchen shelter was also built in the 1930s and exhibits features of that period.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has 24 standard campsites, which can fit RVs, including motor homes. They are available April 1 - October 31, and are reservable from May 15-September 15.

Two teepees are available April 1 - October 31, and are reservable from May 15-September 15. The teepees are 16 feet in diameter with a rubber mat ground cover and can sleep up to eight people each. No cooking or flames allowed inside the teepees. Pets are allowed inside the teepees but must be on leash at the site.

GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS
The park provides two group camps that accommodate approximately 50 people each. Group Camp 1 is tent only, Group Camp 2 may accommodate tents or limited RVs. No hookups are available. Fees vary with size of the group.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Touchet River, known for its rainbow trout. Other species include whitefish and steelhead. The river is open year-round with a catch limit imposed on certain fish types during specific seasons. Fishing gear includes fly rods or spinning tackle but requires a valid license.


Location
Lewis Clark Trail State Park is located near Walla Walla, Pasco

Picnicking
The park provides two kitchen shelters with electricity, along with six sheltered reservable by calling the park office at (509) 337-6457. The park offers 50 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served.
Trails
1. Lewis and Clark Trail: This is the main trail in the park, following along a portion of the historic route taken by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition across America.

2. Touchet River Loop: A scenic 3-mile loop that takes hikers through lush forests alongside the beautiful Touchet River.

3. Forest Grove Pathway: An easy half mile walk perfect for families with young children or those looking for a leisurely stroll among towering trees.

4. Wildflower Way Trail: During springtime, this path becomes adorned with vibrant wildflowers making it an ideal spot for nature photography enthusiasts.

5. Birdwatcher's Bliss Track: As its name suggests, this pathway offers excellent opportunities to observe various bird species native to Washington State Park area.

6. Pine Ridge Hike: It's slightly challenging due to steep inclines but rewards you with panoramic views from atop pine-covered ridges.

7. Riverside Ramble Route: Perfect choice if you want close encounters with river wildlife as well as enjoy picnic spots near water bodies within state park boundaries.

8. Blue Mountain Peak Climb: For experienced climbers seeking adventure,this strenuous hike leads up towards summit offering breathtaking vistas over entire region.

9. Sunset Stroll Lane: Ideal short evening trek where one can witness stunning sunsets against backdrop of majestic mountains.

10. Campground Connector Trails: These are smaller trails connecting different campgrounds throughout park providing convenient access points into larger hiking network.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 27 Camping with cats by Heather_P
park review stars; one to five Great place to camp by the Touchet River. Amazing sunset one night. Hiking trails are easy for the adventure cat to take a walk. Good cell reception. Nice shade with tree cover.
August 14 This has become our yearly family campin by LAllen& Fam
park review stars; one to five My daughter,& I found this place pretty much by accident back in 2008, & now we come here every year. My son& I came here last year(2011),& he feel inlove with the place. I recommend this camping area to everybody I know. It has to be the best place, with quiet surroundings, pleasant attendants, & just a n all around peaceful, & beautiful place
July 8 A very peaceful place! by pegbent
park review stars; one to five This park is very green and feels very private even with people around. It is an unexpected oasis in an interesting area!
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Directions
Located 25 miles northeast of Walla Walla, Wash., in the southeastern corner of the state.

From theTri-cities: Go south on Highway 12 and turn left (east) onto Highway 124. At Waitsburg, turn right at stop sign and then turn immediately left onto Coppei Ave. At next stop sign, go straight onto Highway 12. Continue east 4.5 miles to park entrances (day-use on right, and camping on left).

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Washington State Parks

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