FORT COLUMBIA STATE PARK
Fort Columbia State Park is a 593-acre day-use historical park with 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. The park celebrates a military site that constituted the harbor defense of the Columbia River from 1896 to 1947. The fort was fully manned and operational through three wars. The area was also home for the Chinook Indians and their famed Chief Comcomly. Fort Columbia is one of the few intact coastal defense sites in the U.S. The park provides beautiful views of the Columbia River estuary. An interpretive center, an observation station and five miles of hiking trail through mature forest are additional features of this park. Two historic buildings are available for vacation rental.
Fort Columbia is one of the few intact coastal defense sites in the United States. Fort Columbia was built from 1896 to 1904 to support the defenses of the Columbia River. The fort was constructed on the Chinook Point promontory because of the unobstructed view. Fort Columbia was declared surplus at the end of World War II and was transferred to the custody of the state of Washington in 1950. Since then it has been a state park. Twelve historic wood-frame buildings still stand on the premises.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has no camping.
Fort Columbia State Park is located near Astoria
The park has 25 unsheltered picnic tables, available first-come, first-served.
1. Scarborough Hill Trail: This is a 2-mile round trip trail that offers stunning views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean from atop Scarborough Hill.
2. Chinook Point Loop: A short, easy loop around historic Fort Columbia with interpretive signs about its history during World War II.
3. North Head Lighthouse Pathway: An accessible paved path leading to an iconic lighthouse on the park's western edge offering panoramic ocean views.
4. Battery Harvey Allen Trail: It takes you through forested areas before reaching old military installations known as batteries which were used in WWII for defense purposes against potential enemy invasions via sea routes.
5. Ridge Viewpoint Trails: These are several small trails branching off from main paths providing elevated viewpoints over surrounding landscapes including river, forests and coastal lines.
6. Fort To Sea Trail: Although it starts at neighboring Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, this popular 13 mile (round:trip) hike passes through Fort Columbia State Park en route to Sunset Beach.
7. Historic Buildings Walk: Short walkways connecting various historical buildings within fort area such as commander's house or barracks giving insights into past life at fort.
8. Battery Murphy Nature Loop: Easy walking nature trail winding among trees near battery installation sites showcasing local flora fauna along way.
9. Bell's Overlook Spur: Small spur off one of primary hiking trails taking hikers up hillside towards Bell's overlook point where they can enjoy sweeping vistas across mouth of mighty Colombia River.
The park offers an interpretive trail with information on various fort features.
Interpretive center: Focuses on fort history and early exploration and settlement culture.July hours:11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays,11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.August hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.September hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays-Mondays.
The Commanding Officer?s House is filled with era-appropriate furnishings.Summer hours: August through Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays-Mondays and on special arrangement.
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Harrier. Other birds include American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. The park is also home to various songbirds such as sparrows, warblers and finches.
Located two miles west of the Astoria Bridge on Hwy. 101 in Chinook, Wash. in Pacific County.
From Seattle:Take I-5 south, then SR 8 west, then U.S. Hwy. 101 south. Park is two miles west of the Astoria Bridge in the town of Chinook.
From Portland:Take I-5 north, then SR 4 west, then SR 401. Park is two miles west of the Astoria Bridge on U.S. Hwy. 101 in the town of Chinook.