Netul River Trail

The Netul River Trail is rich in natural vistas and history. The 1.25 mile one way trail is level and easy going from the Historic Canoe Landing to the South Netul Landing, with a steep incline up to the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center. The river is influenced by tide, so the view and the wildlife will change not just throughout the seasons, but throughout the day. 

The Netul River trail makes a great short hike. There are sections of the trail that can be slick. Know before you go what the weather will be like, where you are going, and how you will get back to your car. There are pit toilets at Netul Landing North and South and a restroom and water bottle filling station at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center. There are trash cans at the visitor center and at North Netul, but not along the way. Please practice principals of Leave No Trace. Please Check out our safety page for more tips to prepare for your hike, and stop in at the visitor center before you go, to pay the entrance fee, grab a trail map and check in with a ranger regarding any trail closures or dangerous conditions.

Details

Duration

20-60 Minutes

The Netul River Trail though one way is typically hiked out and back which will add additional time. There is no shuttle from the Netul Landing to the Visitor Center.

Activity

Hiking

The Netul River Trail is an easy hike along the beautiful Netul River that provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail is moderately steep between the canoe landing boardwalk up to Fort Clatsop and the picnic area.

Age(s)

Great for all ages!

Pets Allowed

Yes

Your leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, please pick up after them.

Activity Fee

Yes

The entrance fee can be paid at the visitor center prior to departing.

Location

Netul Landing

The Netul River Trail is 1.25 miles one way from South Netul Landing to the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

While the Netul River Trail is navigable in any weather, please note that rain can make the trail, particularly the boardwalks, slick in some places and muddy in others. Portions of the trail are also known to be under water during king tides. Be sure to check the weather before your departure. 

It is not advisable to utilize any trails at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park during periods of high wind. Downed trees are common and may make the trail difficult or impossible to pass. 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Trails are open from dawn to dusk. The visitor center parking lot is gated, and closes at 5pm in the winter and 6pm in the summer. If you aren't sure you can make it back by that time it is best to park in the lot at Netul Landing.

Accessibility Information

Trail from VC to Fort

Length: 100 yards one way

Substrates - 70% (Engineered Wood Fiber) Wood chips 3/4inch up to 3 inch; 30% Exposed concrete aggregate

Steep slope - 2%

Most narrow section of path - 32 inches

Benches/rest areas: Benches available at fort and the patios outside the visitor center.

Potential hazards: Slippery

Trail from picnic area to historic canoe landing

Length: 200 yards

Substrate - Compacted Gravel, 1/4” and smaller

Steep slope - yes

Narrow section of path - 32 inches

Benches/rest areas: Bench along path

Potential hazards: Tree roots & slippery boardwalk

Netul Trail

Length: 1.25 miles one way

Substrates - 50% compacted gravel ¼” and smaller; 30% broom finished concrete; 20% wooden boardwalk

Slope: 1%

Narrow sections of path: 32 inches

Benches/rest areas: Bench along path

Potential hazards: Muddy, flooded, high winds, downed trees, slick boardwalks

Though the Netul River Trail is not designated as wheelchair-accessible, motor scooters can be borrowed from the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center front desk to travel from the visitor center to the Historic Canoe Landing. Motor Scooters are not suggested to go all the way to the Netul Landing due to insufficient battery charge. For specific inquiries please e-mail the Lewis and Clark NHP Accessibility Contact or call [phone].

Netul River Trail

Dennis Adams