The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park hosts its first trail run of the year on March 31, at Fort Clatsop to bid adieu to winter and greet the arrival of spring.

The Lewis & Clark Trail Series includes exhilarating events along beautiful trails through forest landscapes, complete with a welcoming and friendly race atmosphere. These events are open to walkers and runners of all ages and provide the opportunity to experience the northwest coast the way people have for thousands of years – on footpaths.

The March 31 event can be either an approximately 5k or a 10k course that feature the Kwis Kwis Trail. The 10k run will include some long steep sections. The start/finish line will be at the Fort to Sea Trail trailhead off of Fort Clatsop Road.

Participants should allow time to park at one of the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center parking lots, register at the visitor center, and then enjoy a 1/2 mile warm-up hike on the Fort to Sea Trail to the start line prior to the 10 a.m. start. No pets are allowed on the course during the event; pets leashed to people are welcome on the park trails at other times.

Register that morning from 9:00 to 9:30, at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center. The cost to participate is the purchase of a $20 Annual Park Pass that grants entry into all of the 2018 Lewis & Clark Trail Series Events. Registration is free with any pass that allows entry into all of our nation’s National Parks. Participants younger than 18 also need their parent or guardian to sign the registration form. All 5k/10k participants will get a finisher’s medal. A prize drawing will be held afterwards.

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471 or visit the park’s web site at http://www.nps.gov/lewi or find the park on Facebook at LewisandClarkNationalHistoricalPark.