Fort Columbia State Park

Fort Columbia State Park


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

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. Hikers of all ability levels will enjoy meandering the roads and paths of the Fort, viewing restored gun emplacements and batteries, historic barracks and the Fort Columbia Interpretive Center. Visitors unwind while picnicking on the rolling green lawn among flowering shrubs and towering firs. Experienced hikers can enjoy some of the best hiking in the region. The Scarborough Trail begins at the parking area and winds steeply through dense forest to a summit elevation of 767 feet in just 1.2 miles. Chances are, guests won't encounter anyone else on the trail while making this hike and taking in some of the most stunning views of the area. Continue from the summit, winding down the mile-long Military Road trail back to the fort. The 600-foot Military Spur connects the two trails for those who don't wish to go all the way to the summit. 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 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.

Facilities: Fort Columbia State Park provides restrooms.

Reservations: Reservations are not accepted for Fort Columbia State Park.

Best Time To Visit: Fort Columbia State Park is open during the summer from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Winter hours are from 8:00a.m. to 5 p.m. Vacation houses are available for rent year-round.

Fees: No fees are charged.

Accessibility: Handicap accessibility is not provided.

Rules: Overnight camping is not permitted.

Directions: To reach Fort Columbia State Park from Long Beach start out going west on 3rd St NE toward Oregon Ave N. for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto WA-103 for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto US-101. Continue to follow US-101 for 2.3 miles. Turn right onto US-101 Alt. for 0.6 miles. Turn left onto US-101 for 8.9 miles. Stay straight to go onto WA-401 for 0.9 miles. Turn left for 1.7 miles. Turn slight left for 0.2 miles. Turn right for 0.6 miles. Turn slight left for 0.4 miles. Warning: There are .44 miles between your ending location and the end of your driving directions. Use maps to get from your ending location to the end of your route. End at Fort Columbia State Park.

Address

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

7150 Cleanwater Lane

P.O. Box 42650

Olympia, Washington 98504

Phone
General: (360) 902-8844

Website

Email this page to a friend!

Back to Longview