Lewis and Clark noted several new species of birds and plants around Maryhill State Park, west of the Tri-Cities between Hwy. 12 and SR 14. The park features several scenic nature trails.
The Maryhill Museum of Art (509-773-3733) sits atop the rugged banks of the Columbia River overlooking several campsites where the explorers slept. It houses many Lewis and Clark artifacts, including two of President Jefferson's peace medals (only 5 of the 56 originals exist) the explorers carried with them, along with American Indian basketry, maps and journals. Open March through November.
"She Who Watches," a 10,000-year-old Native American petroglyph, is a prime attraction for visitors to Horsethief Lake State Park (509-767-1159), located 15 miles west of Maryhill. Lewis and Clark mentioned the 8-by-6-foot carving in their journals.
Fort Cascades National Historic Site features a 1.5-mile trail leading to an abandoned Indian village the Corps of Discovery sought out but never reached. Call 509-427-8911 for directions.
Thirty minutes east of Vancouver is Beacon Rock State Park, where the explorers first observed Pacific Ocean tidewater. The rock is marked with a commemorative plaque. The new Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center (800-991-2338) in Stevenson features exhibits that include nearby Lewis and Clark camp sites.
Locals suggest: Columbia River Journeys (509-943-0231) offers interpretive boat tours following the Corps of Discovery's path down the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Tours run daily April through October.
Dressed as Captain Clark, historian Keith McCoy (509-493-1883) presents "Living History: Lewis and Clark" recounting the Expedition's struggles and triumphs.
Lewis' mother, a noted herbologist who taught her son enough natural medicine that the Expedition traveled without a doctor, is brought to life by Merna DeBolt in presentations at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center (800-991-2338).
Bi-Centennial events are planned by the Skamania County Chamber (509-4227-8911). Each summer, the Camas-Washougal Historical Society (360-835-8742) presents the play "Lewis and Clark's Sojourn on the Washougal River, performed in historic Crown Park.
Click here for the final leg of the journey -- Ocean in Sight.