Fort Stevens State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Fort Stevens State Park is a popular destination located in the state of Oregon, not Washington.
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Summary
The park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and beachcombing. With 4,200 acres of land, Fort Stevens State Park is Oregon's largest state park and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
There are several points of interest within the park, including the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, which can be seen at low tide on the beach. The Fort Stevens Historic Area also provides visitors with a glimpse into the park's military history and the role it played in defending the Columbia River. The Battery Russell and Battery Mishler are two military structures that visitors can explore.
Some interesting facts about Fort Stevens State Park include that it was once a military installation during World War II and that it was the site of a Japanese submarine attack in 1942. The park also features an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that wind through the forest and along the coast.
The best time to visit Fort Stevens State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
In summary, Fort Stevens State Park is a must-visit destination in Oregon, offering visitors a wealth of recreational activities, historical sites, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking to camp, hike, or simply relax on the beach, there's something for everyone at this stunning state park.
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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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Fort Stevens State Park Campground
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Cape Disappointment State Park Loop D
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Cape Disappointment State Park Loop A
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