FORT STEVENS STATE PARK
Fort Stevens was the primary military defense installation in the three fort Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River (Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington were the other two). The fort served for 84 years, beginning with the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II. Today, Fort Stevens has grown into a 3,700 acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and recreational opportunities.
And you can help fund historic programs and restoration at the park! The Friends of Old Fort Stevens will run Wood on Wheels this summer, selling and delivering firewood right to your site. Check it out when you arrive!
Camping, beachcombing, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, an historic shipwreck and an historic military area make Fort Stevens a uniquely diversified park. A network of nine miles of bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails allow you to explore the park through spruce and hemlock forests, wetlands, dunes, and shore pine.
Coffenbury Lake has two swimming areas, a picnic area, restrooms, and a boat ramp (10 mph boating speed limit). Two other smaller lakes offer boat ramps for fishing and canoeing.
Throughout the year, you can browse through displays dating back to the Civil War at the museum, visit the only enclosed Civil War earthworks site on the west coast, and explore the gun batteries.
During the summer, watch the blacksmiths work, tour a rare 90-year old underground gun battery that served as a World War II command center, and take a truck tour of the fortifications spanning the Spanish-American War and World War II (tour available at a nominal charge).
Fort Stevens, located in Oregon, has a rich history that dates back to the Civil War era. It was initially constructed during this period as an earthwork battery and named after Isaac I. Stevens who served as Washington Territory's first governor.
The fort played a significant role throughout several wars including the American Civil War, Spanish-American war and both World Wars before it was decommissioned in 1947. During its active years, Fort Stevens underwent numerous expansions with additional batteries installed for protection against potential naval attacks.
One of its most notable historical events occurred on June 21st-22nd of 1942 when it became the only military installation within mainland United States to be directly attacked by enemy forces during WWII; Japanese submarine I-25 fired shells towards Fort Steven but caused minimal damage due to inaccurate aim.
After being deactivated post-WWII ,the area transitioned into recreational use under management from Oregon Parks & Recreation Department since late '50s . Today visitors can explore remnants of historic structures such as gun batteries or visit Military Museum which showcases artifacts related not just local history but also broader context about U.S defense system evolution over time.
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
During Discovery Season (October 1 to April 30), Fort Stevens has a limited amount of campsites available through the reservation system. RNW may not have all campsites available for reservations, but Fort Stevens will have campsites available on a first-come, first-served or drop-in basis. Additional loops will be opened, as necessary, to accommodate arriving campers.
1. Fort Stevens State Park offers various swimming options for visitors.
2. The park features freshwater lakes suitable for a refreshing swim.
3. Coffenbury Lake is popular among swimmers, with two designated swimming areas and sandy beaches.
4. Sunset Beach provides ocean-based swimming opportunities but caution due to strong currents is advised here.
5. Swimmers can also explore the smaller bodies of water like Trestle Bay or Columbia River's estuary within the park boundaries.
6. The lake area has picnic tables, restrooms and changing facilities nearby making it convenient for families.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. For those who prefer calm waters, Coffenbury Lake is an ideal spot to go canoeing or kayaking. It also has two boat ramps available for use and motorized boats are allowed but must adhere to the 10mph speed limit. The lake is stocked with trout several times throughout the year making it popular among fishing enthusiasts as well.
For more adventurous individuals, there's access to Columbia River which provides opportunities for sailing and powerboating along its vast expanse; however, this area can be challenging due to strong currents and winds so experience in navigating these conditions would be beneficial.
In addition, Trestle Bay allows small watercraft like paddleboards while freshwater lakes within the park permit non-motorized craft only such as rowboats or inflatable rafts.
Boat rentals aren't offered directly at the park itself though nearby marinas do provide them alongside necessary safety equipment ensuring all guests have safe yet enjoyable experiences on their chosen vessels.
Enjoy fishing in freshwater lakes for trout, bass and crappie. Try your luck at surfperch from the ocean beach. Cast a line into Columbia River's estuary waters to catch salmon or sturgeon. Crabbing and clamming are also popular activities on sandy shores.