WatsonsWander
  • Travel Journal
  • Our Airstream
  • Live Infographic
  • About Us
  • RV Resources
  • Contact

WatsonsWander

  • Travel Journal
  • Our Airstream
  • Live Infographic
  • About Us
  • RV Resources
  • Contact

Fort Stevens State Park

written by Amanda September 26, 2012

Our first stop in Oregon was at Fort Stevens State Park, which is located in the far northwest corner of the state where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.

Fort Stevens State Park

Oh look, we found another beach!

Fort Stevens is a huge park. And when I say huge I’m talking 500 sites situated on 10 camping loops, along with 11 cabins and 15 yurts. And that’s just the camping area. Also included in the park’s 4,200 acres is a historic military site, a freshwater lake, tons of hiking and biking trails, and of course miles and miles of beach. You would think a campground this size would feel…well kind of zooish. It really didn’t though. The way the loops are laid out was very organized and even though the campground was almost full when we showed up on Saturday afternoon it was very quiet at night. On Sunday tons of people left and by Tuesday morning we were practically the only ones left in our loop. I guess that’s pretty common at the Oregon State Parks this time of year. Full on the weekends, empty during the week. Because of that we’ve had to break our usual routine of only planning a few days ahead. On Monday I made a made a reservation for the following weekend at Cape Lookout State Park. Good thing because there were only two open sites left.

Fort Stevens State Park

Our spot in Loop O

After perusing the park review on the Wheeling It blog we choose a spot in loop O because it was the most open and sunny of the loops. We stayed in a few really dark and wooded campgrounds while in the Olympic National Park and this time we were ready for some light. Also with the temps only in the low to mid 60s this time of year the sun is kind of essential for staying warm. You can see by the photo that loop O is really open with not much privacy between the sites. While we often don’t like this kind of camping, the amount of space between each site makes up for the lack of privacy, and did I mention the sun? We walked through most of the other loops and found more trees, but not much more privacy, so I think we made a good choice.

Fort Stevens State Park

Another view of loop O on Sunday afternoon. This brand new 22′ airstream was only on it’s second trip out in the world.

The main highlight of the park is the nearly 15 miles of gorgeous sandy beach. On Sunday afternoon we followed one of the park’s well maintained walking/biking trails down to the water. After walking through some thick trees the forest gave way to dunes covered in this intriguing spiky green plant that looks like a cross between a grass and a shrub. I searched the internet but never could figure out what it was.

Fort Stevens State Park

Mysterious dune plant

A bit farther down the path the sound of the ocean rushed in, and then we were there. All traces of forest disappeared and the most beautiful stretch of wide open beach came into view.

Fort Stevens State Park

Nothing but beach

Unlike the beaches in Washington which stun you with their towering sea stacks and huge drift logs, this beach is wide open. There were a few logs scattered about against the dunes, but other than that it was nothing but sand and water.

Fort Stevens State Park

Foggy mountains off in the distance

Fort Stevens State Park

Another doggy paradise

Fort Stevens State Park

Look what I found!

Fort Stevens State Park

New favorite hobby: swim in ocean than roll in sand

Besides the beach itself, many people come here to check out the shipwreck on the shore.

Fort Stevens State Park

The Peter Iredale

The remnants of this ship have been here since 1906 when it ran aground. Today only a fraction of the hull is left stranded on the beach.

Fort Stevens State Park

Once a four-masted sailing vessel, now a rusted hull and tourist attraction

Fort Stevens is the first of many Oregon State parks that we plan to visit. The entire coast is lined with parks, some for day use and some for camping. If this first stop is any indication than we’re in for a real treat!

 

1 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Amanda

previous post
Ocean Shores, Washington
next post
Two days in Portland

You may also like

Boyd Lake- Loveland, CO

July 26, 2013

Fort Stevens + Cape Lookout

August 15, 2021

Two Weeks Fly By…

December 8, 2017

Crater Lake – Take Two

June 11, 2018

From Heron Lake to Colorado

June 16, 2014

Highlands Hammock State Park

December 19, 2014

Exploring the Columbia River Gorge

September 15, 2013

Exploring Deception Pass S.P.

September 11, 2012

Koreshan State Park

April 13, 2017

Another Week in Paradise

February 9, 2015

1 comment

Small Town Spotlight: Astoria, Oregon - Hopper Blog October 16, 2013 - 11:33 pm

[…] Fort Stevens State Park Amanda – September 26, 2012 […]

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

days on the road

About The Watsons

About The Watsons

This is the story of Tim & Amanda. Since 2012, we have traveled the U.S. while living and working from our renovated 25-foot Airstream. Follow us on our crazy journey in search of beautiful scenery, fun adventures, interesting people, tasty foods, and more…

Keep in touch

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Email

Subscribe by Email

* indicates required

Wandering Threads Embroidery

Wandering Threads Embroidery
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Email

@2017 - PenciDesign. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top