With breathtaking views of the hills of Astoria and the famous 4.5-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge in one direction and Ilwaco, Baker Bay and Chinook landmarks in another, the trails of Fort Columbia transport hikers to another point in time. Lewis and Clark experienced similar vistas 200 years ago when the Corps of Discovery walked these hillsides.
Fort Columbia at a Glance
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. The area was also home for the Chinook Indians and their famed Chief Comcomly.
History
Washington State Parks has released a 2-part video telling the story of Fort Columbia. Watch Fort Columbia: Guardian of the Great River, part 1 and part 2.
Hiking Trails
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. Those with adventurous minds can almost see soldiers waiting for an enemy attack which (thankfully) never arrived. An underground unit was built here for the governor and other high ranking state officials in the event of nuclear war. Enjoy touring the Fort proper and learning the its rich history.
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, you won’t encounter anyone else on the trail while you’re 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.
If the steep hike is more than you have time (or inclination) for, enjoy the Concomly, or ‘Loop’ Trail that runs between the parking area and Military Road within the Fort. This 1.5-mile trail takes hikers through dense coastal forest with a variety of local plant and wildlife varieties.
Visitor Facilities:
- Vacation houses are available for rent year-round.
- 25 unsheltered picnic tables
- The park offers an interpretive trail with information on various fort features.
- An interpretive center, open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, focuses on fort history and Chinook Native American culture.
- A Commander’s House Museum, also on the premises, is filled with era-appropriate furnishings. It’s open from 11 am to 4 pm daily. Both buildings are open to the public May 26 to Sept. 30.
Commonly Noted Flora & Fauna:
Crows or Ravens- Doves or Pigeons
- Eagles
- Gulls
- Hawks
- Herons
- Hummingbirds
- Ospreys
- Owls
- Woodpeckers
- Wrens
- Sea Birds
- Bears
- Chipmunks
- Coyotes
Deer or Elk- Rabbits
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
- Salmon
- Sturgeon
- Douglas Fir
- Hemlock
- Spruce
- Alder
- Maple
- Daisy
- Foxglove
- Rhododendron
- Rose
- Ferns
- Moss or Lichens
More Info:
- Lewis & Clark National Historical Park: Fort Columbia
- Washington State Parks: Fort Columbia
- WA State Parks: 1-888-CAMPOUT
Open year-round, dawn to dusk
