This Sprawling, Coastal Oregon State Park Offers Cozy Campsites And Scenic Recreation

Some of Oregon's most underrated state parks are known for their breathtaking beauty, ranging from coastal bluffs and mountains to desert canyons. Among them all, Fort Stevens State Park stands out for its fascinating history and endless outdoor recreation. Stretching across 4,300 acres, this park is located on the northern end of Oregon near the mouth of the Columbia River. You can walk along the sandy beaches scattered with shipwrecks, wander through forests, and explore the remains of a 19th-century military fort.

Fort Stevens State Park is a 20-minute drive from Astoria via US Highway 101. You can also drive to the park from Portland, which is about 95 miles away. If you are flying in, you will land at the Portland International Airport (PDX). Then rent a car or get a taxi for the two-hour drive to the park. Fort Stevens State Park was built in 1863 as part of a series of forts that protected the Columbia River during the Civil War 1863. It remained active through World War II, making it one of the few military installations in the US to be fired upon by a foreign enemy when a Japanese submarine hit the area in 1942. When the war ended, the government ceased all military operations. The Oregon State Parks took over the park in 1975 and started restoration. Fort Stevens is also a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts with iconic sights like the Peter Iredale shipwreck, a relic from the 1906 sailing vessel, forests, and wildlife habitats.

Fort Stevens State Park is one of the best bucket list camping destinations along the Oregon Coast. With about 500 campsites, the massive public campgrounds cater to various needs. Whether you prefer tent camping or want to park your RV in a full-hookup site, there's plenty of space. The campground also has about 11 cabins, with outdoor grills and decks, and 15 yurts with bunk beds and shared bathrooms for a comfortable camping experience. Campers will find modern restrooms with showers, a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables. Aside from camping, Fort Stevens State Park is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. For instance, Coffenbury Lake, located within the park, is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

For fishing enthusiasts, the 50-acre freshwater lake is a fishing hotspot with opportunities for catching different types of fish, including rainbow trout, steelhead, and largemouth bass. Anglers can set up a fishing line from the shore or launch a non-motorized boat on the ramp and try their luck deep inside the lake. For those who are into trailblazing, Fort Stevens has nine miles of hiking and biking trails through forests, dunes, and marshland. Most of the hiking trails in the park are classified as easy to moderate, allowing both beginners in the game and experienced hikers to tackle them. The 2.5-mile Coffenbury Lake Trail is a family-friendly loop that goes around the lake. For a more adventurous excursion, cycle through the 2.8-mile Battery Russel Trail. This moderate trail leads to the remnants of the park's World War II forts. Beach lovers will find miles of sandy shoreline, perfect for beachcombing or relaxing as you soak in the panoramic ocean views. Along the beach, you will see the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, left in 1906.

A short drive from Fort Stevens State Park is Astoria, Oregon's charming coastal City and the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. The city is a great place to learn more about the region's maritime history and experience the cultural charm. Start your adventure by climbing the Astoria Column, a 125-foot tower with murals depicting Oregon's early history, and enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River. While accessing the column is free, you have to climb about 164 steps to get to the top. If fine dining is your thing, Astoria is also one of the best destinations in Oregon to enjoy some tasty treats and sample craft beers, thanks to the many breweries and eateries that call the city home.

A case in point is Fort George Brewery. It has three locations in a single setting, featuring a pub, restaurants (both upstairs and downstairs), and a Lovell Taproom. The downstairs section welcomes walk-ins and the menu includes burgers, land food like vegan Nashville chicken, seafood, and beverages like premium ginger beer and root beer on draft. Bridgewater Bistro is another notable dining option. The eatery's menu features items like pasta Alfredo, a variety of salads, and Hungarian mushroom soup. Pair the food with your favorite wine, beer, or cocktails from the drinks menu.

Head about 15 miles south to Seaside, where you'll find a lively coastal town with sandy beaches perfect for families. Kids can play volleyball on the sand, toss a frisbee, fly kites, or build sandcastles. Marine life enthusiasts can also visit the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. While it is privately owned, Seaside Aquarium is open to the public, and you can discover sea urchins, octopus, and starfish.