Columbia Beach extends along the Pacific coastline at Fort Stevens State Park near the mouth of the Columbia River in Warrenton, anchored by the skeletal remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck. The four-masted British bark ran aground October 25, 1906, during a violent storm while sailing from Mexico to Portland, miraculously sparing all 27 crew members. Captain H. Lawrence famously declared from the beach, May God bless you, and may your bones bleach in the sands. The rusted iron ribs and deteriorating hull have fulfilled that prophecy for 119 years, creating Oregon's most photographed shipwreck. Fort Stevens State Park encompasses 4,300 acres of beach, dunes, wetlands, and forest at Oregon's northwestern corner where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific. The military installation operated from 1863 through 1947, defending the river's mouth during three wars and surviving the only mainland attack by a Japanese submarine during World War II on June 21, 1942.
Swimming at Columbia Beach proves extremely dangerous due to the Columbia River bar's notorious conditions, cold Pacific water temperatures, powerful rip currents, and absence of lifeguard services. The Columbia River bar, known as the Graveyard of the Pacific, has claimed more than 2,000 vessels and countless lives since 1792. Summer water temperatures barely reach 55 degrees, with winter lows dropping to 48 degrees. Ocean swimming remains unsafe year-round. Beachcombing rewards visitors with agates, sand dollars, and Japanese glass floats deposited during winter storms. Visitors walk directly to the Peter Iredale remains during low tide, photographing the rust-orange ribs rising from the sand against ocean sunsets. Kite flying, picnicking, and beach walks attract families to the wide sandy expanse. Nine miles of paved bicycle trails wind through the park connecting the beach, Coffenbury Lake, historic military fortifications, and campground. Birdwatchers spot snowy plovers, brown pelicans, and occasionally migrating gray whales offshore.
Access Columbia Beach via Peter Iredale Road off Highway 101 in Hammond, following signs for Fort Stevens State Park and the shipwreck. The beach parking lot accommodates 50 vehicles approximately 200 yards from the wreck, with flush restrooms and interpretive signs explaining the ship's history. Starting October 1, 2025, Fort Stevens State Park requires day-use parking permits costing 10 dollars for Oregon residents and 12 dollars for non-residents, though the Peter Iredale beach parking lot remained free as of late 2024. Beach driving permits from March 15 through September 15 prohibit vehicles from noon to midnight between the Peter Iredale access and South Jetty to protect nesting snowy plovers. Cell phone service proves reliable with Verizon and AT&T coverage. The park entrance sits two miles from Warrenton's downtown commercial district. Columbia Memorial Hospital operates 10 miles southeast in Astoria at 2111 Exchange Street providing emergency services.
Dining concentrates in Warrenton and nearby Hammond within three miles. The South Jetty Dining Room and Bar serves Pacific Northwest cuisine including Dungeness crab mac and cheese, pan-seared halibut with lemon butter, and wild mushroom risotto in a casual atmosphere. Ship Out at 104 10th Street in Warrenton prepares fish tacos with fresh rockfish, clam chowder, and fish and chips using locally caught seafood. Fort George Brewery and Public House in Astoria eight miles east brews award-winning craft beers including Vortex IPA and Cavatica Stout, serving burgers, pizzas, and Korean-style fried chicken alongside brewery tours. Buoy 9 Restaurant and Lounge at 996 Pacific Drive in Hammond overlooks the marina, preparing Willapa Bay oysters on the half shell, fish and chips, and prime rib dinners. Arnie's Cafe at 269 South Main Avenue in Warrenton cooks classic American breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy, cinnamon roll pancakes, and omelets stuffed with Tillamook cheddar. Columbia Beach's combination of maritime tragedy, military history, and dramatic Pacific coastline creates Oregon's most evocative beach destination, where the Peter Iredale's bones continue bleaching as testament to the Columbia bar's deadly power.
