Near Megler, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Lewis & Clark at Dismal Nitch

November 13, 1805

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026

1. Lewis & Clark at Dismal Nitch Marker

Inscription. Journal of William Clark
About 3 o’clock the Wind luled and the river became calm. I had the canoes loaded in great haste and set out from this dismal nitch. There We have been confined for 6 days past.

Three days earlier Clark noted that their situation was "dangerous". By the time the exertion left Dismal Nitch, they had experienced 11 day of torrential rain, high winds, extreme high tides, and little food.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. A significant historical date for this entry is November 13, 1805.

Location. 46° 14.931′ N, 123° 51.811′ W. Marker is near Megler in , Washington. It can be reached from Lewis and Clark Trail Highway (State Highway 401), on the right when traveling east. From the pull-out, take the trail west, next to the river . Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chief Skamokawa/"Great joy in camp"

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(here, next to this marker); Salmon Fortunes (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crossing the River (about 600 feet away); Dangerous Days in "Dismal Nitch" (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Mary's Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Business of Trade (approx. 2.2 miles away); In Search of Recognition (approx. 2.2 miles away); How Do These Stories Continue? (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Megler.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Columbia River Explorers (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026

2. Lewis & Clark at Dismal Nitch Marker

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 10, 2026

3. Lewis & Clark at Dismal Nitch Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.