Fort Stevens State Park
Where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, history and nature intertwine at Fort Stevens State Park. This 4,300-acre coastal wonder is Oregon’s most storied park—home to a Civil War-era fort that defended the river for 84 years, the haunting skeleton of the Peter Iredale shipwreck, and one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds with over 500 sites.
From the South Jetty where you can watch massive cargo ships navigate the treacherous Columbia Bar, to the underground bunkers of a WWII command center, Fort Stevens delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else on the Oregon Coast. Add 15 miles of trails, Coffenbury Lake for swimming, and miles of wild beach—this is a place where you could easily spend a week and still leave wanting more.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121 |
| 🗺️ Region | Northern Oregon Coast / Clatsop County |
| 📐 Total Area | 4,300 acres |
| 🏖️ Beach Access | Miles of Pacific beach + Columbia River shore |
| ⏰ Hours | Day use & camping year-round |
| 📅 Fort Established | 1863 (Civil War era) |
Day-Use Fees
| Permit Type | Oregon Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Daily Parking | $10 | $12 |
| 📆 Annual Pass | $30 | $50 |
Day-use permits required at Coffenbury Lake and Historic Military Site. Camping receipt serves as valid day-use permit during your stay.
Peter Iredale Shipwreck
The park’s most photographed attraction—the skeletal remains of a four-masted steel barque that ran aground in 1906.
| Shipwreck Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🚢 Ship Name | Peter Iredale |
| 📅 Wreck Date | October 25, 1906 |
| 🏗️ Built | 1890 in Maryport, England |
| 📏 Original Length | 285 feet |
| ⚓ Route | Salina Cruz, Mexico → Portland, OR |
| 📷 Claim to Fame | Most photographed shipwreck in North America |
| 🕐 Best Viewing | Low tide; sunrise/sunset for photos |
| 📍 Access | Peter Iredale Beach parking area |
Historic Military Site
Fort Stevens guarded the mouth of the Columbia River for 84 years—from the Civil War through World War II.
| Fort History | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Established | 1863-1864 (Civil War) |
| 📛 Named For | Isaac I. Stevens, Civil War general & WA Territory governor |
| 🎖️ Significance | Only Civil War-era earthen fort on West Coast |
| 💣 WWII Attack | Shelled by Japanese submarine (June 21, 1942) |
| 🏠 Active Service | 1863-1947 (84 years) |
What to See
- 🔫 Gun Batteries – Massive concrete fortifications
- 🕳️ Underground WWII Command Center – Guided tours available
- 🏛️ Fort Stevens Museum – Military artifacts & history
- 🎖️ Historic Barracks – Preserved military buildings
- 🔭 South Jetty Observation Tower – Watch ships enter Columbia
Camping
One of the largest public campgrounds in America—over 500 sites!
| Site Type | Qty | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Full Hookup | 174 | Water, electric, sewer (36 pull-through) |
| ⚡ Electric + Water | 302 | Electric & water hookups (11 pull-through) |
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 6 | No hookups; primitive |
| 🏠 Deluxe Cabins | 11 | Heated; full amenities |
| 🛖 Yurts | 15 | Year-round; heated |
| 🥾 Hike-In Primitive | 9 | Secluded; no vehicles |
⚠️ Book Early: Reservations open 6 months in advance. Summer weekends sell out fast!
Trails
15 miles of multi-use trails through forests, along the beach, and around Coffenbury Lake.
| Trail/Area | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🏞️ Coffenbury Lake Loop | 2.0 mi | Swimming lake; easy paved path; boat ramp |
| 🌲 Paved Bike Paths | 15 mi total | Perfect for families; connects all areas |
| 🏖️ Beach Trails | Varies | Access to Peter Iredale & South Jetty |
| 🥾 Oregon Coast Trail | Through-hike | Northernmost trailhead of the OCT |
Coffenbury Lake
| Lake Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏊 Swimming | Designated swim area (summer) |
| 🚣 Boating | Non-motorized boats; boat ramp |
| 🎣 Fishing | Stocked trout; bass; bluegill |
| 🦆 Wildlife | Elk, deer, beaver, waterfowl |
Beach & Wildlife
- 🏖️ Beach Access – Miles of Pacific beach; vehicle access near Peter Iredale
- ⚠️ Seasonal Restrictions – Parts of Columbia River beach closed Mar 15-Sep 15 (Snowy Plover nesting)
- 🦌 Wildlife – Elk and deer frequent the park; beaver in wetlands
- 🐦 Birding – Excellent for shorebirds, especially during migration
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers; fewer crowds; birding | Beach restrictions begin Mar 15 |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Peak camping; swimming; best weather | Extremely busy; reserve 6 months ahead |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Storm watching; elk rut; quieter | Beach restrictions end Sep 15 |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Dramatic storms; solitude; yurts/cabins | Wet but atmospheric; shipwreck photos |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Peter Iredale shipwreck?
Yes! It’s freely accessible on the beach year-round. The skeletal remains are most visible at low tide. For the best photos, visit at sunrise or sunset. The beach parking area is well-signed within the park.
What’s the story behind the shipwreck?
The Peter Iredale was a British four-masted steel barque that ran aground on October 25, 1906, while sailing from Mexico to Portland. All 27 crew members survived. The ship was originally 285 feet long—now only the rusted bow section remains, making it one of the most photographed shipwrecks in North America.
Was Fort Stevens really attacked during WWII?
Yes! On June 21, 1942, a Japanese submarine (I-25) shelled Battery Russell—the only attack on a mainland U.S. military base since the War of 1812. The shells caused no damage, and the fort did not return fire to avoid revealing its position.
How far in advance should I book camping?
For summer weekends, 6 months in advance. Reservations open at midnight exactly 6 months before your arrival date. Weekdays and off-season have more availability, but the campground is popular year-round.
Can I drive on the beach?
Yes—vehicle access is allowed in designated areas near Peter Iredale Beach. However, be aware of soft sand and tides. Seasonal restrictions apply to parts of the Columbia River beach (Mar 15-Sep 15) for Snowy Plover protection.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on leash in most areas, including camping and trails. However, they’re restricted on the Columbia River beach during Snowy Plover nesting season (Mar 15-Sep 15).
Plan Your Visit to Fort Stevens State Park
Explore Oregon’s most historic coastal park—from the iconic shipwreck to Civil War bunkers to one of America’s biggest campgrounds.
📍 Address: 100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121
🌐 Official Website: Oregon State Parks – Fort Stevens
📞 Park Info: (503) 861-3170 ext. 21
🏕️ Reservations: Reserve America | 1-800-452-5687
