You Can See 3 Historic Artillery Batteries At This State Park In Chinook, Washington
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Jessica Wick
Author
Attention, military history buffs. Situated on Chinook Point at the mouth of the Columbia River, a hidden gem of a state park is harboring one of the most intact historic coastal defense sites in the U.S. Fort Columbia State Park is a delightful place to visit, especially for those who love to explore pieces of our past.
This day-use park will take you back to the early 20th-century, and that’s not all. You can also enjoy numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and stellar views.
The fort was constructed on the Chinook Point promontory as part of a "triangle of fire" defensive strategy that also included Fort Canby and Fort Stevens.
Fort Columbia was officially decommissioned in 1947 and became the property of the state of Washington in 1950.
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The park sits along 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River, and the beaches are often quiet and secluded.
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You'll get a glimpse of what life was like during the 1940s (and beyond) here in Washington. Two of the historic homes, the Steward's House and Scarborough House, are even available for overnight rentals.
Obviously, our equipment has come a long way since this fort was active. But at the time, this was pretty advanced.
And now, all that remain of the once-active military fort is a collection of perfectly preserved buildings and equipment.
Make sure to stop by the interpretive center to learn about its rich history.
Have you ever visited Fort Columbia State Park?
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Featured Addresses
Fort Columbia, Chinook Point, Chinook, WA 98614, USA