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Washington State Parks

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Washington
Wine Country Region
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park
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FORT SIMCOE HISTORICAL STATE PARK
FORT SIMCOE HISTORICAL STATE PARK
5150 Fort Simcoe Road
White Swan, Washington   98952
(lat:46.3426 lon:-120.8366) map location

Phone: 509-874-2372
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park is a 196-acre, day-use heritage site and is primarily a historic preservation effort. Due to its historic significance, Fort Simcoe was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 1974. Camping is available at Brooks Memorial and Yakima Sportsman state parks.

In 1956, Fort Simcoe was leased to Washington State Parks by the Yakama Nation on a 99-year lease for historic preservation.
History of the Area
Fort Simcoe is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War forts in the west. Military history buffs should put it on their bucket lists.

Located on the Yakama Indian Reservation, between rolling hills, small farms and tiny towns, the fort has a unique sense of remoteness - and a beauty that makes it worth the drive.

Once a Yakama Nation camping area, the rich, fertile region sparked discord between the tribes and Euro-American settlers, prompting the U.S Army to construct a fort there in 1856. Fort Simcoe's military history was short-lived, however. Closed as a fort in 1859, the site was handed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under which it became a boarding school for Yakama children.
Passes
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.


Location
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park is located near Yakima

Trails
1. Fort Simcoe Interpretive Trail: This is a 0.5-mile loop trail that takes you around the historic fort, offering information about its history and significance.

2. Signal Peak Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike of approximately 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of nearly 500 feet; it offers panoramic views from the top including Mt Adams and Yakima Valley.

3. Wildlife Viewing Area Trails: These are short trails leading to various wildlife viewing areas within the park where visitors can observe local fauna in their natural habitat.

4. Nature Walks Pathways: Easy walking paths through diverse ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, meadows which offer opportunities for bird watching and plant identification.

5. Campground Access Trails: Short pathways connecting different campgrounds inside the state park providing easy access between them while also serving as mini hiking routes themselves.

6. Historic Orchard Walking Route: An educational walkway passing by old apple orchards planted during early settlement times at Fort Simcoe showcasing agricultural practices back then along with beautiful blossoms during spring season.

7. Pioneer Cemetery Hiking Trail: It's a small but significant path leading towards pioneer cemetery giving insights into lives lost during initial years after establishment of this historical site.

8. Simcoe Creek Fishing Access Paths: Several footpaths lead down to banks of creek flowing across State Park allowing fishing enthusiasts direct access.

9. Fort Wall Encircling Track: A flat track encircles entire perimeter wall surrounding original military outpost, ideal for leisurely walks or jogging sessions amidst serene surroundings.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 5 went there may 5 2014 it was not open.
park review stars; one to five I pay taxes in wa I even buy a discover pass this is one of MY parks and I would expect it to be open, very disappointed, you can bet I will never go back there again
October 1 Well worth it.
park review stars; one to five Very well maintained and worth the drive and time to visit.
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Washington State Parks

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