Travelling on the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon, around what is now The Dalles, the Corps of Discovery fought large rapids and rough waters. Clark described the condition of the river as rough with many rocks within the stretch of a few miles until the river widened and resumed a gentle current. By October of 1805, the group reached an area around the mouth of Mill Creek and made camp.

The Corps remained camped at Rock Fort for two days and three nights making observations of the terrain, gathering more food, and repairing their canoes for further travel. During their stay, Chinookin Indians visited and made peaceful contact with the group of explorers. In April of 1806, Lewis and Clark led their expedition back to Rock Fort on their return journey from the Pacific coast. Sergeant John Ordway marked their arrival to Rock Fort in his journal from April 15, 1806. He described the old Native American village, which lay close to their campsite, and the horses that they desperately searched for, and later found in the lower valley.

Today, tourists can travel a riverfront trail that leads to the rock campsite. Along the way, signs point out the historical markers of the area. The Rock Fort Campsite adds to the historic identity of The Dalles, Oregon.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Michelle Richoll