Discover Warrenton: Water, Trails, and History

Travelers choosing Warrenton as a destination can plan around different interests: trails through town, activities on the water, and military history. The Warrenton Waterfront Trail runs for 4.7 miles through Warrenton. Near town, the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. These offer two distinct points of reference: a specifically named route and a coastal landscape feature.

Trails and Activities on the Water

The length of the Warrenton Waterfront Trail gives you a specific figure to help plan a route through Warrenton. At Carnahan County Park in Warrenton, the activities mentioned are available at the motorboat-free north end of Cullaby Lake: you can paddle, swim, or fish there. The “motorboat-free” designation applies to this northern end of the lake. This information can help you decide which activity to focus on—paddling, swimming, or fishing.

Fort Stevens State Park also offers activities on the water, but with a different focus: ranger-led kayak tours are offered at Coffenbury Lake in summer. There are also two picnic areas with swimming access, restrooms, and a boat ramp. When comparing the options, the main points to consider are the type of activity and the season: paddling, swimming, and fishing are available at the north end of Cullaby Lake; at Coffenbury Lake, there is a guided kayak tour in summer. If you plan to take the tour, check the current schedule before your trip.

Nature and Military History at Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park is the northernmost starting point of the Oregon Coast Trail. The park is also home to the Columbia Shore Disc Golf Course. Alongside water activities, the trail and disc golf provide additional themes to consider when planning your trip.

The military museum and information center feature military exhibits year-round. The park is also home to the only earthen fort from the Civil War era on the West Coast. In summer, underground tours are offered through a gun battery that served as a command center during World War II. The historical connections therefore span from the Civil War era to World War II; the underground tour is seasonal and takes place in summer. Those interested in military history can choose between the year-round exhibits and the seasonal guided tour.

A day-use parking permit has been required for all day-use areas of Fort Stevens State Park since October 1, 2025. Check the rules before your visit. The historical exhibits, summer tours, and water activities offer different starting points for planning your trip, with clear differences in season and type of activity.

Find a Hotel for Your Trip to Warrenton

If you’re looking for a hotel in Warrenton, first decide which themes matter most for your trip: a route through town, activities on the water, or history.

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