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Open Daily: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

Call Us: (800) 991-2338
             (509) 427-8211

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Address Information

Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum
990 SW Rock Creek Drive
P.O. Box 396
Stevenson, WA 98648
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Clahclehlah and the Corridor of Commerce

Those interested in the Lewis and Clark saga will not want to miss this exhibit. It provides a fascinating perspective of the Expedition based on both the archaeological and local Native American oral history. This is a unique approach which focuses on the village of Clahclehlah visited by Lewis and Clark in 1805 and in 1806. A comparison is made between the Journals and the archaeological evidence and ethnographic knowledge. Expansion of the United States trading system was a key component of the Corps of discovery. "Exploring that element of the Expedition at the nexus of one of the largest native trading centers is a fascinating approach," says MaryAnn Duncan-Cole, exhibit planning member.

The exhibit was funded by a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail Grant through the State of Washington, Washington State Historical Society and the National Park Service. An additional grant was received from USDA Forest Service/ Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. Other partners who provided technical support were the Yakama Cultural Center and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Cultural Resources Oral Histories Program. The exhibit was designed by Andre-Knowlton Associates of Victoria, B.C. The fabricator was One Plus Two, Inc. of Portland, Oregon.

This semi-permanent exhibit complements additional smaller exhibits relating to the Corps of Discovery. A bronze sculpture, "Council Fire On The Columbia," by David Manuel of Joseph, OR is a "must-see" as well as a collection of carvings. The carvings of fish, birds and mammals found in the Gorge, and first identified for science by the Corps, are displayed on the mezzanine level. A collection of books on the subject of the Expedition is housed in the Emory Strong Library and in an area of the Community Gallery on second floor. A monument installed by the Daughters of the American Revolution acknowledging the camp site of October 30-31, 1805 graces the front entry. Also, an interpretive kiosk located near the main entrance provides additional information, a map and suggested activities for the traveling L&C enthusiast.

See you on "The Trail"!