We began our exploration of the fabulous Oregon coast at the top – at Fort Stevens State Park at the mouth of the Columbia River, which divides Washington from Oregon.

The Fort features plenty of wooded hiking trails and campsites, as well as long stretches of wild beaches…… a shipwreck……access to the South Jetty where the Columbia meets the Pacific Ocean……elk……and the remains of the fort, built towards the end of the Civil War and active from 1863 through 1947.  Fort Stevens was one of three built to protect the Columbia River entrance with large batteries of canons and big guns.It’s a fascinating place with so much to do – we had a ball.  We walked along the beach, watched the Coast Guard practicing in the river……spotted sandpipers and pelicans and cormorants, and savored the views.