Fort Stevens State Park Tours

Fort Stevens State Park featuring general coastal views, a sunset and building ruins
See a century-old fort and enjoy the outdoor setting of this park at the very end of the Columbia River.

Established during the Civil War, the stronghold in what is now Fort Stevens State Park was one of three that protected the harbors at the outlet of the Columbia River. The fortress operated until after World War II. Visit the remains of military sites and explore the pretty natural setting. Stop at the ranger station, visitor center and museum for additional information.

Pick up a pamphlet to participate in a self-guided history scavenger hunt. Contact the Friends of Old Fort Stevens to see if any guided tours are available. I

nteresting sites from old times include the Battery Russell from the early 1900s and the South Jetty. Fort Stevens is an earthworks battery built near the end of the Civil War. Cannons in place for World War I were never called on to fire. The more modern guns readied for World War II also remained unfired, even during the fort’s 1942 attack from a Japanese submarine.

Bike 9 miles (15 kilometers) or hike 6 miles (10 kilometers) on trails through the park’s forest with views of dunes and wetlands. Ride around long, narrow Coffenbury Lake and stop to swim or have a picnic. Kayak and fish at two other lakes nearby. 

Consider staying overnight at one of the many tent, yurt, cabin or RV sites. Watch for whales, seals, deer and snowy plovers here.

One park highlight is the wreck of the Peter Iredale. Head to the shoreline near the southern end of the park to see the rusting carcass of an English sailing ship that went aground in 1906 in this area of the ocean known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. All 27 crewmembers, including two stowaways, were rescued and taken care of at Fort Stevens. The wreck is approachable and very photogenic at low tide, especially at sunset.

Fort Stevens State Park is near Hammond, Oregon, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Astoria. Travel to the park from central Astoria in about 20 minutes by car or bike in roughly 45 minutes. The park never closes. There are fees for parking or camping. Make campground reservations in advance.

Reviews of Fort Stevens State Park

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 28.93258426966292%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 4.49438202247191%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.5617977528089888%
1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

ElainaS.
Feb 15, 2020

Extremely beautiful, green surroundings! We want to come back and experience the park in our RV. If you do come here though, you need to make reservations way in advance! Nature at its finest!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 14, 2019

Go early to the main part of the fort with museum. It closes at 5pm. Then drive around the whole fort and see all the artillery batteries.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 15, 2019

Shipwreck of Peter Iredale

5/5 - Excellent

TomS
Mar 11, 2019

Huge park with camping, bike trails, and beach walking.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.