This 11-square-mile state park between the Columbia River and the Pacific has lots of attractions: the largest campground in Oregon, a popular picnic area at swimmable Coffenbury Lake, a collection of old artillery gun emplacements, and a broad beach with the rusting remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck. The Oregon Coast Trail follows the beach for the length of the park.

All of Fort Stevens’ main features are connected by a well-maintained trail network through the flat coastal forest. About half the paths are paved for cyclists. Described here are two hikes on quieter footpaths.

If you’re bringing kids, head for . . .

If you wish the hike were a little longer—or if you want to avoid . . .

Other Hiking Options

Paved paths extend to . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes : Oregon Coast