Fort Columbia State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Fort Columbia State Park is a scenic and historic park located in Washington state.
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Summary
The park covers over 600 acres, including three miles of shoreline along the Columbia River. It was once a military fortification and played an important role in protecting the Pacific Northwest during World War II.
One of the main attractions of Fort Columbia State Park is the historic fort itself. Visitors can explore the barracks, officers' quarters, and other buildings that date back to the early 1900s. There are also a number of hiking trails throughout the park, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding forests.
In addition to its historical significance, Fort Columbia State Park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, and otters. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, crabbing, and clamming in the river.
The best time of year to visit Fort Columbia State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including guided tours, ranger talks, and educational programs for children.
Overall, Fort Columbia State Park is an excellent destination for anyone interested in history, nature, or outdoor recreation. Its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and fascinating historical sites make it a must-see destination in Washington state.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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