Fort Vancouver
National Historic Site
From 1825 to 1849, Fort Vancouver was the western headquarters of
the Hudson's Bay Company's fur trading operations. Under the
leadership of John McLoughlin, the fort became the center of
political, cultural, commercial and manufacturing activities in
the Pacific Northwest. When American pioneers arrived in the
Oregon country during the 1830's and 1840's, they came to Fort
Vancouver for supplies to begin their farms.
VISITATION:
Highest in June, July and August; lowest in December and
January.
LOCATION:
North of Portland, Oregon, in Vancouver, Washington
ADDRESS:
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
612 E. Reserve Street
Vancouver, WA 98661
TELEPHONE:
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Daily, (March 1 - October 31): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Daily, winter (November 1 - February 28): 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed November 24, December 24, December 25.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Cool and rainy fall, winter and spring. Warm, mostly dry
summers. Wear comfortable sportswear with rain protection in
fall, winter and spring and walking shoes at all times.
DIRECTIONS:
Visitors traveling on I-5 (from north and south) take exit
1C, Mill Plain Boulevard, then follow brown directional signs to
fort visitor center on Evergreen Boulevard. Rangers and
volunteers at the visitor center will provide additional
information on experiencing the site.
TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: access by I-5 and various state roads; Portland,
Oregon is serviced by an international airport, and along with
Vancouver, Washington, is serviced by bus and Amtrak
stations.
In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle or foot.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Admission is charged to the fort site during the peak summer
season (early May through late September). It is $2.00 per
person or $4.00 per family. Ages 16 and under are free. Golden
Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access permits are honored and
available for sale year-round.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
A 12 minute introductory video, museum exhibits and sales
area are in the visitor center. Nine major buildings and
features have been reconstructed and appropriately furnished.
See special events section for tour details. The grounds have a
park area which has large grassy areas available for leisure and
picnicking. Picnic tables are located throughout. There is also
a covered picnic shelter and a small playground. However, there
is no camping, lodging or concessions on site. A wide variety of
hotels, motels, restaurants and grocery stores are located
nearby. Camping is available within ten miles.
Accessibility:
All park structures and facilities, excluding one building at
the fort, are accessible to wheelchairs.
Special Needs:
Parking areas are available at the fort and visitor center
for buses and visitor vehicles.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Touring the visitor center and the fort to experience life at
the fort in the mid 1800's. Picnicking and strolling on the
scenic grounds are also recommended.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for school or other groups in excess of 15
people, should be made at least
three months ahead of time. At least one month's notice and
an application for special use permits are required. Filming
permits are arranged on an individual basis (based on the size of
the project, whether it's a movie, commercial, etc., how many
park personnel will be involved and how much time will be
required). For group reservations call (360) 696-7655, ext. 17.
For additional special use permits call (360) 696-7659, ext.
14.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Stay from two-to-three hours, or up to four hours during
special events.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
Regular programs include one hour tours of the fort buildings led
daily throughout the year on the hour, and during summer months
on the half-hour as well as the hour. The blacksmith shop
provides continuous cultural demonstrations year-round, on
Thursdays through Mondays (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Daily,
continuous, cultural demonstrations are provided in other fort
buildings during the summer months and occasionally during fall,
winter and spring. Access to some buildings is available only by
participating in a tour. Other buildings and features are
available for "self-serve".
The park's visitor center shows a 12 minute introductory video,
and contains a museum/exhibit area and sales outlet which
specializes in period reproductions of trade and living items of
the mid 1800's.
Call park visitor center for additional information on programs
and exact dates of special events, (360) 696-7655, ext. 17.
VISITOR IMPACTS:
Due to the archeological sensitivity of the site, the use of
metal detectors or digging of any type is prohibited. Pets are
required to be leashed at all times and are prohibited in the
fort area. Smoking is not allowed in the fort area or other park
buildings.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Fort Vancouver NHS is an integral part of the recently formed Vancouver National Historic Reserve (1996). Also included in the Reserve, and operated by the City of Vancouver are the Marshall and Grant Houses with public facilities and small museums as part of Officer's Row, a National Historic District. Officer's Row and associated structures are restored to early 20th Century, United States Army officer's quarters. Pearson Air Museum has exhibits specializing in the historic aviation of the area. The Clark County Historical Museum is also of interest to history buffs. Directions and additional information for these are available at the visitor center.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write Park Headquarters, Fort Vancouver National Historic
Site, 612 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA 98661, or call
(360) 696-7655, ext. 17.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is part of the Columbia Cascades Cluster
Last Updated:Wednesday, 03-Mar-99 14:15:53
http://www.nps.gov/fova/