BY BEN NAJERA, MEMBERSHIP SERVICES ASSOCIATE
Have you heard the word about the new National Park Service App?
Many of the big-name parks have had individual apps for years, but others
typically haven’t had the time or resources to create one of their own.
Although this is the official app for all 420+ parks it’s important to
note that it is up to each individual park to create content for their park on
the app. Therefore, your experience with the content on each park may
differ and of course is being constantly updated too. In general each park
is aiming to give you the following features:
- Interactive Maps: Including points of interest, signage, waysides, etc.
- A list of all park tours with information on each.
- Amenities at different park sites.
- Things to Do lists: All the awesome variety of things you can do at the park.
- News, Alerts, Updates, etc.
- And one of the best features of the app is its focus on accessibility. If your device has a screen reader and you touch on a point of interest it will offer a full audio description of that location, object, or sign!
- All of the above is available to download for when you don’t have service on the trails.
If you want to try it out for yourself the app can be downloaded for
free from the App Store on IOS and Google Play on Androids. You
can find direct links too from the official site. Then come on out
to Fort Clatsop to try it!
When you open the app just search for “Fort Clatsop” and you’ll find
us, or if you’re nearby we’ll appear at the top automatically. Our park has
comprehensive details on our hiking trails, locations in our park, signage,
and even two self-guided audio tours.
Our first audio tour has you embarking on a voyage of discovery
learning about the historical homelands of the Clatsop people and of
Lewis and Clark’s time here, bringing you to all of the major must-see
spots here at the Fort itself. Our second audio tour, Restoring Nature,
brings you down the Netul River Trail from the Visitor Center to Netul
Landing. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask a ranger.
Hopefully this new app adds to your adventure and enhances your
experience at one of your great National Parks. Go and enjoy the outdoors!