Tour of Fort Clatsop, Youngs River Falls & Warrenton Countryside

Discover Oregon’s North Coast with a 3-Hour Small-Group Tour

This $65 per person tour from Onward Adventures offers a well-balanced mix of history, nature, and local flavor within just three hours. It’s designed for those who appreciate thoughtful pacing, scenic stops, and engaging storytelling. The tour is perfect for couples, friends, or families seeking an accessible way to explore the Oregon coast’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Starting with a visit to Fort Clatsop, the historic site of the Lewis & Clark winter encampment, the tour then takes you on a scenic drive to Youngs River Falls, a peaceful waterfall scene that’s featured in local films. The tour concludes with a relaxed overview of the Warrenton countryside, making for a memorable glimpse into Oregon’s natural and historical treasures. The tour’s small group size—max 12 travelers—ensures a personal experience, and pickup options add further convenience.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours with visits to three key locations
• Price: Just $65, booked on average 146 days in advance
• Includes: Fort Clatsop entrance fee and pickup options
• Highlights: Youngs River Falls, historic Fort Clatsop, scenic Warrenton countryside
• Physical effort: Moderate, with walking involved at Fort Clatsop and a 0.3-mile trail to Youngs River Falls
• Booking: Mobile tickets available, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance

Fort Clatsop: The Historic Winter Encampment of Lewis & Clark

The tour begins at Fort Clatsop, part of the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park just 5 miles from Astoria. Here, visitors explore a reconstructed log fort based on the explorers’ own journals, offering a window into their 1805-1806 winter stay. The site is surrounded by lush coastal forest, enhancing the sense of stepping back into history.

Guests can walk through hollow-log cabins, explore short trails, and view interpretive signs that explain how the Corps of Discovery mapped the region, made salt, and recorded wildlife. The site’s peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to imagine life on the brink of discovery, while the scenic setting adds to the overall experience. The admission fee is included within the tour price, making this a convenient, educational stop.

Youngs River Falls: A Film-Featured Cascade in the Forest

The second highlight is a visit to Youngs River Falls, located just 10 miles south of Astoria. This 54-foot waterfall features a graceful horsetail formation that drops into a tranquil forest pool, surrounded by mossy trees and vibrant fall ferns. The trail to the falls is 0.3 miles round-trip with a moderate, uneven, and slightly steep descent. Visitors should be prepared for a bit of physical effort, but the reward is well worth it.

The falls are notable for their scenic beauty and their appearances in films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III and Benji the Hunted. During the fall season, salmon might be seen spawning upstream, adding a touch of natural drama to the quiet forest setting. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a cup of locally pressed cider while taking in the view, making this stop both refreshing and photogenic.

Scenic Drive Through The Warrenton Countryside

After the waterfalls, the tour continues with a scenic drive through the Warrenton countryside. This part of the tour provides a relaxing look at rural Oregon, offering peaceful vistas and a chance to appreciate the local landscape. While the itinerary doesn’t specify exact activities here, this drive complements the earlier stops by rounding out the experience with a broader view of Oregon’s natural and agricultural scenery.

Tour Logistics: Pickup, Group Size, and Booking

The tour includes pickup options for added convenience, making it easier to fit into busy schedules. The group size is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience, and the mobile ticketing makes booking straightforward. Since the tour has a moderate physical fitness requirement, it’s suitable for most people who are comfortable walking on uneven terrain.

Booking tends to be done 146 days in advance on average, reflecting its popularity among visitors planning ahead. The tour operates in good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, travelers can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Because the tour involves walking at Fort Clatsop and a 0.3-mile trail to Youngs River Falls, participants should wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground. The scenery and interpretive signs make this a highly educational experience, so bringing a camera and notepad is encouraged.

The tour’s approximate three-hour duration is well-paced, with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The price of $65 includes all entrance fees and the convenience of pickup, providing good value for the combination of history and natural beauty explored.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What sets this tour apart is its focused itinerary that combines historical exploration at Fort Clatsop with scenic nature at Youngs River Falls. The inclusion of local storytelling and the opportunity to enjoy locally pressed cider make it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an experience that connects you to the land and history of Oregon’s coast.

The small group format fosters a personal atmosphere, and the moderate physical effort makes it accessible while still engaging. It’s especially well-suited to those who wish to learn about Oregon’s past while enjoying its natural scenery in a relaxed setting.

Final Thoughts on the Fort Clatsop, Youngs River Falls & Warrenton Countryside Tour

For travelers seeking a short, enriching experience, this tour offers a good balance of history, nature, and local character. The $65 price tag includes key admission fees and the convenience of pickup, making it a straightforward choice for those planning their Oregon coast adventures.

The stops at Fort Clatsop and Youngs River Falls are the main attractions, with the scenic drive providing a peaceful conclusion. While it’s not a strenuous tour, participants should be prepared for some walking and uneven ground.

This tour offers a convenient and engaging way to glimpse the diverse beauty of Oregon’s North Coast, especially for those interested in Lewis & Clark history or waterfall scenery. It’s a highly recommended option for a half-day adventure that enriches understanding of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup options, but specific details depend on the booking arrangements.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves some walking on uneven terrain at Fort Clatsop and a 0.3-mile trail to Youngs River Falls. It’s suitable for people with moderate physical fitness.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and possibly a jacket for outdoor stops are recommended. A cup of locally pressed cider is offered at Youngs River Falls.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.