Cabin Camping in Fort Stevens, OR
One of my "Oregon Coast Bucket List" item is to camp in a cabin. So, I've been trying to book a cabin at Fort Stevens on a weekend for some time now. I was on a wait list last year and the only weekend available was the week of summer camp for the kids. This year I planned to be away for mother's day and for me to be at the coast, near an ocean is the best kind of getaway this mother needs with her cubs. I did have to book it in January to make sure we get the cabin I wanted.
Day ONE: Surprising, weather for our coast. Clear skies and temps into the 80's. Our friends and family came just for the day to soak in the sun that we haven't seen in Portland, however, were severely sunburned. So, yeah, we were surprised. We spent the day on the ocean till we could get our key and check into the cabin, and take a break from the sun.
Ok, the cabin surprised us as well. I rented a deluxe cabin, number K10 - its the best one there. I'm posting a video below on a walk -though.
After checking in and setting up out site, hanging up the hammock and starting the fire and getting dinner on the grill. I prepped all our meals ahead of time, so all we had to do is get the chicken and veggie kabobs on the grill and done. Then went on a mile hike to see the Peter Iredale ship wreck. It's a popular attraction here on the Oregon coast. It's the last ship wreck that will be allowed to rest on the shore, must see before it rusts and gone forever.
We finished the day with s'mores over the fire and called it a night.
Day TWO. We explored the Historic Civil War Fort of Fort Stevens and the four Batteries that were stationed around. The Fort was used in two world wars, and now stands as a memorial to all who sacrifice for our freedom. So, there is a strange beauty in the graffiti walls, building remains, and just the story of this countries heroes. I loved it. We took the first tour offered on the "beast". This big military- off the road truck. The boys were so excited. The tour is about 45 min and is only $6 per adult, $4 per kid 8-12 years old and the littles were free. So, we rode around as the tour guide told us all about the fort and batteries and the men that served there. After the tour, we hung out at the museum/visitor's center for a bit and walking through the grounds. I love that a lot of the areas are open to explore. Be prepared to walk a lot if you plan on visiting. Wear comfy shoes, and bring a jacket. We went back to the cabin for lunch and to nap the little guy. Then headed to the South Jetty, it's parking lot C. There's an Observation Tower that you can see where the Columbia river meats the Ocean. We took a walk up the Jetty. I can't describe how beautiful it was. On the way we saw a bald Eagle just hanging out below us. That was the closest I've ever seen in the wild. I wish I had a different lens on my camera to get better shots. After this long hike and stopping to play in the sand and climb the rocks. Then, we headed back to the cabin for dinner. After dinner we headed back out. Went to the tip if the park to the Wildlife Viewing Bunker and down to the Trestle Bay beach area, where the boys built a fort and we stayed till it was too cold and headed back to the cabin.
Day THREE: I didn't mention that the boys went fishing with Vlad in the mornings before I was awake with the baby. They fished at the Coffenburry Lake that was about half a mile away form the cabin. So this morning my oldest son, Simon, made the fish on the fire and we had it for breakfast. He was so proud of his catch and I was proud of my boy for cooking and cleaning it all by himself.. After that we went on a bike ride to Battery Russell historic site. Took some time exploring it and headed back on the trail. There's a little marker off the trail that leads to two old military platoons. These were pretty cool. We got back to the cabin, had lunch, cleaned up, packed up, and checked out of the cabin by 1pm. We went back to the beach area to spend the rest of the day there. There's a little beach access area between Lot C and Lot D, that cars are able to drive on to the beach and park. Again, my boys loved this so much. including my husband. We found a perfect spot and the boys began to build a fort (has to happen when drift wood is in sight). It was low tide and little pools of water were left for the boys to play in. We had such a good time. We pack a little portable one burner range with a propane tank, we take it everywhere with us. We made chili and hotdogs on it for dinner. As the sun began to set we headed home.
I wish we did one more day to hike more trails and explore the other lakes in the park. We'll have to come back and camp here again. I do recommend renting a cabin here. I wouldn't recommend tent camping at the coast because it gets cold and windy here and the sand all over the tents. I cant even imagine. If you have an RV, totally go! There really is so much to do and see.
Tips:
- Pack variety of clothes, short, sandals, jackets, and hats. The weather is kinda crazy here. On the last day we were wearing hats and rain coats because in rained in the morning, then we were in shorts and tanks mid day, and ended in jeans and sweatshirts an beanies by evening.
- Pre prep all meals before going. This will save so much time to prep and clean up. I love to come camping and just enjoy, not spend half the day cooking. Have everything in zip lock bags, and easy meals.
- Bring bikes if you can. We borrowed a bike rack from friends. You can find one on Offer Up as well.
- Oh! bring bug spray! I love the one from Doterra, it's called Tarra Shield.
- As well as Sunscreen.
Camping must haves: I'll post tent camping essentials when we go tent camping. we always bring a portable propane single burner.
Click on images to shop. **
Hammocks are a must in the outdoors. Click on image to shop.
Pop up sun tent is so easy ans quick to set up. This is the one we have.
French press. People, I live in Portland, I need coffee. Good coffee. even camping. And, I love this copper tone french press.
I got this bag for my son to travel with. It's the perfect size for him. And great quality for the price!
Little bit of fashion from the getaway.
Oren's little jumpsuit if from Zara. They are sold out, but click Zara for similar. I shop for the boys at Zara, Gap and Target and hand -me- downs, I'm very open to those.
My blue dress and the railroad jacket from Target, Click here , click here hat Click here , and I have this H&M sweater in three colors Click here ( there are two colors for the spring season).
