Military and maritime history buffs, take note! Fort Columbia State Park is considered one of the most intact historic coastal defense sites in the U.S. 

Constructed between 1896 and 1903, renovated during World War II and de-commissioned in 1947, this day-use park on Chinook Point near the mouth of the Columbia River will take you back to the early 20th Century. 

Fort Columbia’s small size and the historic integrity of its buildings give visitors an intimate feel for what life must have been like during its active years. Stroll amidst officers’ homes, artillery batteries and two 6-inch, rapid-fire, World War II-era guns that are among six still in existence. The guns were transferred to the park in 1994 from a U.S. Navy facility in Newfoundland. Peruse the park’s interpretive center for artifacts, photos and stories about exploration, the fur trade and the military community on the Columbia. 

In addition to its historical significance, the area offers bird watching, miles of forested hiking trails and secluded beaches. Two of the restored buildings are available for rent; these vacation houses are perfect for family reunions and retreats.

State Parks Tagged With: Chinook