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Fort Stevens State Park Oregon

4.7
·7k reviews·, United States

Explore a historic military fort, a haunting shipwreck, and stunning beaches at this vast Oregon Coast park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance for sun and fewer crowds.

CrowdMedium
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From the viewpoint

Fort Stevens State Park Oregon

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance for sun and fewer crowds.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a historic military fort, a haunting shipwreck, and stunning beaches at this vast Oregon Coast park.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"A beautiful and clean Oregon State Park with plenty to explore for kids and pets!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Pass Info

Free parking at some sites, but a day/Oregon State Park Pass is needed for others. 🎟️

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be sandy or uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 7,366 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peter Iredale Shipwreck

Peter Iredale Shipwreck

West Beach

A hauntingly beautiful 1906 shipwreck, perfect for imaginative play and stunning photos.

Historic Batteries

Historic Batteries

Various locations throughout the park

Explore remnants of military defense from the Civil War to WWII. A tangible link to the past.

Columbia River Mouth

Columbia River Mouth

South Jetty

Witness the powerful confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Great for birdwatching.

Coffenbury Lake

Coffenbury Lake

Central park area

A serene 50-acre lake offering picnicking, fishing, and water activities.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

Oregon Coast weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes for exploring beaches and historic sites. Even sunny days can have a brisk wind!

History & Nature Blend

Fort Stevens is a unique mix of military history and natural beauty. Plan time for both the historic batteries and the stunning coastline, especially the Peter Iredale shipwreck.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best chance for sun and fewer crowds.
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Dramatic skies and fewer visitors.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The McClure Park slide is a fun shortcut to Fort George brewery when you’re in Astoria #wanderlust #pnwonderland #westcoastbestcoast #oregoncoast #astoriaoregon #exploreoregon #adventure #tiktoktravel #thingstodo #explore #travel #youngatheart #fyp #funny #funnyvideos #fun #slide #donttrythisathome
@potersnak
279.6K likes • 1.8M views

🚗 Park Pass Info

Free parking at some sites, but a day/Oregon State Park Pass is needed for others. 🎟️

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be sandy or uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Weekend trip #fortstevens #batteries #pnw #astoria #statepark #explore #coolplaces
@rae.abby
2.4K likes • 29.6K views
Exploring Fort Stevens State Park. This is my favorite beach on the Oregon Coast. The Peter Iredale Shipwreck is so magical. It makes my heart so happy. It is such a magical beach for children. My seven year old was thinking up pirate stories and legends. ❤️ • • • • • #peteriredale #peteriredaleshipwreck #oregoncoast #fortstevensstatepark #fortstevens #pnw #pnwlife #pnwonderland #pnwadventures #or...
samanthazurbrickphoto
43 likes • 3.8K views

📸 Shipwreck Magic

The Peter Iredale shipwreck is especially magical at sunrise/sunset. :camerawithflash:

🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration

Dogs are welcome at campsites and many park areas. 🐕

Would you visit this spot? 🤔 Fort Stevens, located in the Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon, was a military Civil War and World War II defense system built in 1865 to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. This was the only military fort in the United States to be fired upon by an enemy in war times. Today, the park is a 4,300 acre park with a variety of recreational activities, beaches, trails, la...
savxcreative
131 likes • 3.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Pass Info

Free parking at some sites, but a day/Oregon State Park Pass is needed for others. 🎟️

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be sandy or uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Shipwreck Magic

The Peter Iredale shipwreck is especially magical at sunrise/sunset. :camerawithflash:

🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration

Dogs are welcome at campsites and many park areas. 🐕

🚲 Bike Rentals Available

Rent bikes near the visitor center for easy exploration of paved trails. 🚲

🐋 Whale Watching Potential

Keep an eye out for whales offshore, especially in July! 🐳

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Fort Stevens State Park's unique blend of history and natural beauty, with the Peter Iredale shipwreck being a major highlight. The park is praised for its cleanliness, family-friendliness, and ample opportunities for exploration, though some note the walk to the shipwreck can be lengthy.

"What a great campground! We don't spend much time in campgrounds but we were thrilled with our experience here. Lots of walking and biking trails and the beach is just a thirty minute hike on great trails.
My favorite part of our stay was the laughter from the groups of children as they played together and rode their bicycles."

Steve Meachum

"Beautiful! So much to see and so much history. A large herd of elk was there to watch too. If you go remember to enjoy the elk from a safe distance only. Don't pit stress on them. They are strong, wild animals and can injure you!"

Jenny Trottier

"Did my self-tour of Fort Stevens State Park on the only sunny day whole staying at the campground. Plenty of military history, but I most enjoyed the shipwreck beach, the south jetty, and the beaches along the mouth of the Columbia River. Worth your time and visit. (If you are already a paid guest at the campground, all other parking permit fees in the park are covered.)"

Paul L. McClure

What People Like

Historic shipwreck
Military batteries
Beautiful beaches

What People Dislike

Long walk to shipwreck

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fort Stevens State Park is located in Warrenton, Oregon, near Astoria. It's accessible by car via Highway 101. Many visitors arrive as part of a road trip along the Oregon Coast. 🚗 TikTok

Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour. 🚌

The park is vast! Consider driving between key sites like the shipwreck and batteries, or utilize the paved trails for biking or walking. 🚲 🚶

The closest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away. ✈️

Yes, you can drive on certain sections of the beach, particularly near the south jetty. Be mindful of tides and conditions. 🚗 🌊

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A day-use permit or an Oregon State Parks annual pass is required for parking in most areas. Campground guests have their parking fees covered. 🎟️ Instagram

Fort Stevens State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the visitor center may have limited hours. 🕐

Yes, there is a day-use fee for parking. Check the Oregon State Parks website for current rates. :moneywithwings:

Exploring the historic batteries and the Peter Iredale shipwreck is free once you've paid for park access. :dollar_bank:

Permits can often be purchased at self-service kiosks within the park or online through the Oregon State Parks website. 💻

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Peter Iredale shipwreck, the historic batteries (like Battery Russell), and the views at the Columbia River mouth. ⭐ InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Kids love exploring the shipwreck, climbing on the old batteries, and playing on the beach. Paved trails are great for strollers. :family_amp: Reddit

Yes, there are several miles of hiking trails, including paved paths perfect for biking and walking. :hiking_boot:

Yes, Fort Stevens offers a large campground with various amenities, including full hookups. It's the largest campground in Oregon. ⛺ Instagram

Keep an eye out for elk, various bird species, and potentially whales offshore. 🦌 🐦 🐳

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The park itself does not have restaurants. You'll need to bring your own food or dine in nearby Astoria or Warrenton. 🍴

Astoria offers a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to breweries. Check out local recommendations for the best spots. :hamburger: :fish_cake:

Yes, there are many scenic spots perfect for a picnic, especially around Coffenbury Lake. :sandwich:

Yes, you can find grocery stores in the towns of Warrenton and Astoria for stocking up on picnic supplies. :shopping_cart:

Astoria has a strong culinary scene with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients. 🦀

📸 📸 Photography

The Peter Iredale shipwreck, the historic batteries, and the dramatic coastline at the Columbia River mouth are prime photo locations. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for capturing the shipwreck and coastal landscapes. Golden hour is magical. :sunriseovermountains: :city_sunset:

Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park. Be respectful of other visitors and any historical signage. :iphone:

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. 📷

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or at certain times. Always check park regulations before flying. :drone:

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