Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

The center stands high on the cliffs of Cape Disappointment State Park, 200 feet above the pounding Pacific surf. A series of mural-sized timeline panels guide visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of Corps members themselves.

Exhibits include:

• Thomas Jefferson’s influence on the organization and direction of the Expedition’s observations and activities
• A summary of the Expedition’s experience on the Missouri River and Rocky Mountain portions of their voyage
• A focused interpretation of the Expedition’s discoveries and experiences along the Columbia River with special attention given to the Corp’s arrival at the mouth of the Columbia River and their overland journey to the shores of the Pacific Ocean

The second floor of the Interpretive Center is devoted to giving visitors an overview of the varied history at Cape Disappointment after Lewis and Clark – including exhibits on the two lighthouses found within the park, the military’s presence including the Coast Guard, and changes to the natural environment.