Fort Columbia Historical State Park

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Military and maritime history buffs, take note! Fort Columbia State Park is considered one of the most intact historic coastal defense sites in the U.S. 

Constructed between 1896 and 1903, renovated during World War II and de-commissioned in 1947, this day-use park on Chinook Point near the mouth of the Columbia River will take you back to the early 20th Century. 

Fort Columbia’s small size and the historic integrity of its buildings give visitors an intimate feel for what life must have been like during its active years. Stroll amidst officers’ homes, artillery batteries and two 6-inch, rapid-fire, World War II-era guns that are among six still in existence. The guns were transferred to the park in 1994 from a U.S. Navy facility in Newfoundland. Peruse the park’s interpretive center for artifacts, photos and stories about exploration, the fur trade and the military community on the Columbia. 

In addition to its historical significance, the area offers bird watching, miles of forested hiking trails and secluded beaches. Two of the restored buildings are available for rent; these vacation houses are perfect for family reunions and retreats.

Park features

Fort Columbia Historical State Park is a 618-acre, day-use historical park located within Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park. The park sits along 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Chinook Point, the setting of this historic fort, is within the accustomed territory of the Chinook Indian Nation and is designated as a National Historic Landmark for its historical significance over three centuries.

Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.

PARK WI-FI SERVICE


Link to Washington State Parks WiFi information page Opens in new window
Free, high-speed Wi-Fi access is available in limited coverage areas at Fort Columbia. For more information on coverage areas and hours of service at Fort Columbia and our growing list of parks with Wi-Fi service, visit our parks Wi-Fi page.

  1. Activities
  2. Vacation houses
  3. History

ADA amenities/facilities

  • Restroom

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. 

Picnic & day-use facilities The park has 10 unsheltered picnic tables, available first come, first served.

Activities

Trails

  • 2.5miles of hiking trails

Other activities & features

  • Bird watching
  • Museum
  • Wildlife viewing

Interpretive opportunities

The park offers a self-guided interpretive historic walk with information on various fort features and site history. Interpretive panels near the gun batteries include historic photos and blueprints.

THE INTERPRETIVE CENTER IS CLOSED FOR 2022

The Interpretive Center focuses on Fort Columbia’s history, including the topics of early exploration, fur trade and westward settlement. The Fort Columbia Interpretive Center is open daily July 1 - Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Commanding Officer’s Historic House is filled with era-appropriate furnishings and provides interpretation on the history related to the former house occupants. The house is currently closed.

Additional information