Fort Stevens & Peter Iredale

Distance: ~1 mile
Fort Stevens is located about 10 miles NW of Astoria, OR. I have no better way to describe the location better than: here. Fort Stevens could be better described as an outdoor museum than a hike. Fort Stevens was built near the end of the Civil War and was an active military site through WWII (1863-1947). Along with Fort Columbia and Fort Canby (Cape Disappointment), the trio formed the "three Fort Harbor Defense System" in guarding the mouth of the Columbia River. Interestingly enough, Fort Stevens was the only military site in the continental United States to receive attack during WWII. 17 Japanese artillery shells were fired at the fort June 21 and 22, 1942. 

View From South Bunker

  I don't have much advice about the actual site, other than: Explore! There are plenty of nooks and crannies to keep you busy for a couple hours.

My Favorite view is from the south bunker. Staring across from the main site, the panoramic view captures all of Fort Stevens and the mouth of the Columbia River in the distance (first photo posted).

Peter Iredale

 If you have time, check out the Peter Iredale Shipwreck. Just head south on Ridge Rd, take a right on Peter Iredale Rd, and don't stop driving until you arrive at the Pacific Coast. Not quite as historic compared to Fort Stevens. The Peter Iredale has been residing on the coast for over 100 years, crashing in late October of 1906.