10 Best Things to Do at Fort Stevens State Park

Best Things to Do Fort Stevens State Park

Often regarded as the most scenic stretch of the coast, Fort Stevens State Park sits at the very tip of northwest Oregon. Once used as a military base, Fort Stevens now features one of the largest campgrounds in the country as well as a never-ending list of outdoor activities. Read on to learn about the best things to do at Fort Stevens State Park.

Best Things to Do at Fort Stevens State Park

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Visiting Fort Stevens at the Oregon Coast

Best Things to Do at Fort Stevens State Park

Learn About the Wreck of the Peter Iredale

Walk along Clatsop Beach to get a look at the historic shipwreck of the Peter Iredale, one of many ships that fell victim to the treacherous waters along this stretch of the coastline back in the early 1900s.

Built in England in 1890, the Peter Iredale was a four-masted steel vessel owned by a British shipping firm called Iredale & Porter. The Iredale left Mexico bound for Portland, where it was scheduled to pickup cargo en route to the United Kingdom.

Treacherous weather conditions made the journey challenging, and as the Captain approached the mouth of the Columbia River (one of the most dangerous river bar crossings in the world), he requested guidance from the pilot.

Wreck Of Peter Iredale 1906 FSDM — Peter Iredale shipwreck. Coe photo.

However, while awaiting navigational advice, a volatile current ran the ship ashore at Clatsop Beach. The impact was so powerful three masts snapped upon impact. Luckily, nobody aboard was seriously injured, but the captain deemed the ship unusable and abandoned it.

Over the years, the structure fell victim to unforgiving natural elements, deteriorating until all that remained was the rusted wreckage visible today.

Visiting the Peter Iredale is one of the most popular things to do at Fort Stevens State Park, especially for families with kids. It’s fun to watch kids get excited about the shipwreck, while overhearing parents tell the story.

Historic Military Site Fort Stevens State Park

Explore Fort Stevens Historic Area

Fort Stevens Historic Area & Military Site was military installation that guarded the Columbia River for 84 years. Built towards the end of the American Civil War, touring the area is one of the best things to do at Fort Stevens State Park.

The reason? Fort Stevens was the only military instillation in the continental US attacked during World War II. During the visit, you’ll get your fill of interesting military displays. I highly suggest touring Battery Russell, one of nine batteries at Fort Stevens, which was active for 40 years (from 1904-1944).

Together, with Fort Columbia and Fort Canby (in Washington), these three forts created a Triangle of Fire and made it challenging for enemy boats to sneak up the Columbia River during the war.

Local’s Recommendation: If you’re interested in a guided tour while visiting Fort Stevens State Park’s Military Site, connect with the Friends of Old Fort Stevens. Or, you can learn more about the Bombardment of Fort Stevens.

Swing by the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Located a mere 20-minutes from the park, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a highlight of visiting Fort Stevens State Park.

Founded in 1962, this maritime museum has a national reputation for being one of the best in the country, largely thanks to the large scope of the collection. The collection is so impressive, in fact, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is the official state maritime museum for Oregon.

The musuem was founded by Rolf Klep, an avid marine collector who launched a public fundraising campaign to convert the Old Astoria City Hall into a public museum for his collection. The campaign was successful and the Columbia River Maritime Museum opened to the public in 1963.

Things to do Fort Stevens State Park Oregon coast

Relax at the Beach

I’m hardly the first to tell you that spending a day relaxing at the beach is one of the best things to do while exploring the coast. Whether your definition of enjoyment means lounging on long stretches of sandy shores or getting your heart pumping through sport, you’ll find something fun to do.

Comb the sand in search of discarded crab shells, sand dollars, and agates while keeping a lookout for migrating Grey Whales as they feed close to shore.

From kayak tours at Trestle Bay (sea kayaking is definitely a thrilling activity to add to your bucket list), to hiking 15 miles of trails that wind through the park, there’s never a shortage of fun things to do at Fort Stevens State Park.

Enjoy a Picnic at Coffenbury Lake

A peaceful respite from the powerful Pacific Ocean, fresh-water Coffenbury Lake spans 5 acres and is well-stocked with rainbow trout. This is the perfect place to go fishing, but if you’re not into fishing, fret not.

The lake has plenty to offer! Try your hand at paddle-boarding or kayaking, unless hiking and birding is more your speed. There’s also a ton of picnic tables around, giving you a chance to enjoy a slow afternoon at the banks of the lake.

I often visit Coffenbury Lake to see heron and elk, if you enjoy watching wildlife, you might want to read: Where to Find Wildlife at the Oregon Coast.

Check Out the South Jetty Observation Tower

The South Jetty Observation Tower is often overlooked by visitors, but I think it’s worth a stop. Offering unparalleled ocean views, this is one of the best things to do at Fort Stevens State Park with kids (play a round of “I Spy” from the tower).

Watch waves crash against the jetty or take a stroll during calm weather. Bring binoculars if you’ve them because seals are all but guaranteed year-round, and whales are known to hang out in the area during winter migration (December).

Another cool thing about the jetty is getting a chance to see the mouth of the Columbia River, which dumps into the Pacific Ocean. Rugged, wild and striking, this meeting point is significant (waves exceed 40 feet some days!), which is why seeing it first hand is one of the most popular things to do at Fort Stevens State Park.

Consider Camping at Fort Stevens State Park

Boasting one of the largest campgrounds on the Oregon Coast, camping is one of the most popular activities at Fort Stevens State Park, but not without reason.

Even though this campground has 300 tent sites and 150 RV sites, it’s a well known commodity and the campsites fill up fast, especially during the summer months.

Hot showers, running water and flushing toilets are provided to campers alongside an amphitheater that swells with restless kiddos while parents plan the day’s events.

Further Reading: 12 Epic Campgrounds at the Oregon Coast

Visiting Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Clatsop Oregon

Visit Lewis & Clark’s Winter Encampment (Fort Clatsop)

While visiting Fort Stevens State Park, I suggest swinging by Fort Clatsop, a replica of Lewis & Clark’s winter encampment recreated using notes from the expedition journals, how cool is that?

Lewis & Clark spent a miserable (and wet) winter collecting supplies, making leather, preparing salt, drafting maps and completing journals. The duo chose this location for its proximity to the ocean and ample hunting opportunities.

Clark hand sketched the site plans and construction began December 1805. The fort was named after a nation of native Americans who resided near the area (the Clatsop Nation).

Seeing the fort where Lewis & Clark hunkered down for a stormy winter is without a doubt one of the coolest things to do at Fort Stevens State Park. The spot is a gold mine for history buffs (and kids too). Study the fort, explore the interpretive center and sign up for the ranger-led walk through.

Explore Astoria

Perhaps best known as the filming location for The GooniesAstoria is often considered one of the most charming coastal cities in Oregon. But, between you and me, it’s not technically a coastal town because it sits at the mouth of the Columbia River, but try telling that to a local.

Perched at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, the town was established in 1811 as a fur trading post. At which point it became the first permanent American settlement on the west coast. The town is chock-full of maritime history, top-notch restaurants and some of the best breweries at the Oregon coast.

Further Reading: 10+ Amusing Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon

Visiting Fort Stevens State Park Best Things to Do (Post Summary)

In sum, here’s a roundup of the best things to do at Fort Stevens State Park. I hope this guide is helpful for anyone planning on visiting Fort Stevens State Park, enjoy!