While you might not recognize the name right away, many travelers are familiar with the iconic images of Fort Stevens State Park’s most famous site: the wreck of the Peter Iredale. This ship ran aground on the Oregon coast in 1906 and has since been reduced to a steel skeleton. Despite this, it remains a popular draw for visitors and photographers eager to explore a real shipwreck.
However, Fort Stevens State Park offers much more than just the shipwreck across its expansive 4,300 acres. It’s home to one of Oregon’s most sought-after beach campsites and is a prime spot for whale watching. From the park’s shores, you might catch sight of gray whales as they migrate south in January and north in April. With over two dozen historical buildings from the Civil War and WWII era, Fort Stevens is also rich in history.
As one of the highlights of the Oregon State Parks Department, Fort Stevens is a fantastic stop for anyone traveling along the West Coast. Before setting off, here’s some essential information, including tips on securing campsite reservations and making the most of your visit.
Fort Stevens State Park is open all year, including its campground and disc golf course. The most popular camping season spans from June to September, where daily temperatures average in the mid-60s. Even during summer, the weather here doesn’t get too warm—expect occasional rain and partly cloudy skies typical of the Pacific Northwest. Winter temperatures hover around 50 degrees, with a higher likelihood of rain. For those interested in storm watching, visit between November and late March, when the waves are at their peak.
Located on a peninsula in northern Oregon at the Columbia River’s mouth, the park is about 1 hour and 45 minutes northwest of Portland, making it a feasible day trip if you’re in the city. Nonetheless, it’s especially popular as an overnight stop for those road-tripping along the scenic Highway 101, roughly 8 hours north of Crescent City, CA, making it a perfect pause point on the way to Olympic National Park.
Since public transport in this area is limited, and rideshares from Portland can be expensive, renting a car for a few days is the best option. If you’re staying nearby in Astoria, a rideshare should cost around $25.
The park’s historical significance is evident in its name; it once functioned as a military fort. Built in 1863 and now open for tours, the site was intended to defend the U.S. during the Civil War against a potential British invasion. Although never used in combat, it garrisoned thousands of men during WWII. Guided tours, including underground ones in summer, are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Fort Stevens likely served as a settlement for the Indigenous Clatsop people due to its strategic location at the Columbia River’s mouth, though no official records confirm this. The park also marks the end of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, a significant 4,900-mile route. Today, Fort Stevens is managed in cooperation with Friends of Old Fort Stevens and Oregon Parks.
A popular, albeit unofficial, activity at Fort Stevens State Park is simply taking in the scenery. Whether you’re strolling along the shore or watching the sunset from a beach blanket, the park offers stunning views. Notably, it’s recognized for several activities:
– The park’s longest route is the 9-mile trail known as the Fort Stevens, Jetty Loop, and Fort Steven Ridge Trail, featuring paths used by walkers and cyclists. Another short walk leads to the Peter Iredale shipwreck, which is partially submerged at high tide. A favorite route is to take the 1.1-mile Trestle Bay Trail along the coast before heading to the wreck via the 1.9-mile Kestrel Dune Trail.
– The park’s lush environment is ideal for mushroom foraging, with a guide available to help identify common species. Caution is advised, as some mushrooms are toxic and psilocybin varieties, while they grow in the area, are illegal to pick.
– The museum at Fort Stevens comprises 39 historical buildings, including bunkhouses and a military hospital. A walking tour brochure is available to download or pick up on-site, and parking is convenient near the Fort Stevens Museum.
The wildlife at Fort Stevens is varied. Gray whales are frequently seen during their migration in winter and spring, with humpbacks rare sightings in late summer. The park hosts “Whale Watching Week” events to celebrate these natural spectacles. Birdwatchers will find free guided walks scheduled monthly or can independently explore the area with binoculars, utilizing apps like E-Bird for bird identification.
Disc golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course, requiring only a park entry fee of $5.
Camping at Fort Stevens may set a high standard for the area’s campgrounds. The park boasts 476 sites, most with RV hookups, and some exclusive to tents or “hike-in” sites. Reservations are suggested, especially during summer weekends, and can be booked up to six months in advance via ReserveAmerica.com. Rates start at $35 per night. For a more comfortable experience, reserve one of the park’s cabins or yurts. Cabins feature amenities like outdoor grills, while yurts, though sharing public bathrooms, offer indoor lounging space.
While the park itself is surrounded by mostly residential areas, nearby Astoria, just 9 miles away, offers more accommodation options. The town’s architecture and maritime atmosphere add to its charm. Options include the stylish Bowline Hotel, set in a repurposed cannery, and the luxurious Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa, both noted for their unique offerings and stunning views. Budget options like Motel 6 and Comfort Inn are also available.
Dogs are welcome in the park, with some cabins and yurts allowing pets for a small fee. While they need to be leashed in certain areas, they’re allowed to be off-leash on Oregon beaches outside state parks unless nesting birds prompt temporary closures.
Fort Stevens’ amenities are mostly ADA-compliant, with multiple accessible campsites, cabins, yurts, and parking options. The museum and paths are designed to be inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park’s natural and historical wonders.
