Fort Columbia State Park

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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.

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