If you’re looking for a chance to relax while savoring the beauty of the Oregon Coast, visit Warrenton. Warrenton preserves its small-town quiet in the midst of busy marinas, recreational areas and historical attractions. Campers – from recreational vehicle owners to the bike and tent variety – can find a place to stay in Warrenton, at Fort Stevens State Park or one of the nearby private establishments. Fort Stevens has a yurt village available for overnight rentals.

At Fort Clatsop National Memorial see a replica of the fort built by the Lewis and Clark expedition when the explorers camped there in the winter of 1805-06.

Fort StevensFort Stevens State Park possesses fascinating military history. One hundred forty-three years ago, Union soldiers stood watch over the mouth of the Columbia River from Fort Stevens. Eighty years later, on the night of June 21, 1942, Fort Stevens gained distinction as the only military installation in the continental United States to have been fired on since the War of 1812. A Japanese submarine roaming offshore that night fired 17 shells at the fort. There was no damaged inflicted, and Fort Stevens did not fire back.

The park includes 20th century gun batteries and an excellent history museum. Every summer, historical re-enactment groups put on battles and maneuvers sure to thrill military enthusiasts.

Hike or bike on one of the park’s numerous trails through groves of trees and miles of sand dunes.

Don’t miss the Peter Iredale shipwreck, the skeleton of a British bark that ran aground in 1906.

Fort ClatsopFort Clatsop National Memorial is one of the North Coast’s most popular historic attractions. Nearly 200,000 people visit each year, and no wonder. It’s an outdoor museum that makes history fun.

Built by the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the winter of 1805-1806, Fort Clatsop was the first U.S. military post west of the Rocky Mountains and the first habitation built by Americans along the Pacific Coast.

The fort replica provides living history demonstrations throughout the summer, in which park rangers dress in buckskins, to show what life might have been like for those early explorers.

There are exhibits with several Lewis and Clark-era artifacts inside the memorial. Outside there is a picnic area and hiking trails.

Fishermen’s Memorial Lighthouse ParkAt the main intersection in downtown Warrenton is Lighthouse Park. This park stands in memorial to the men and women who worked in the fishing industry. A huge rusty anchor used in the 1860s, netted by a fisherman 12 miles off Tillamook Head, and a mid-20th century mounted harpoon gun, complement the little lighthouse. The gun was rescued from the scrap heap of a local business. The interpretive center houses artifacts, photos and artwork chronicling decades of fishing off the mouth of the Columbia River. For more information, call (503) 861-7225.

Warrenton Waterfront TrailWalk at a leisurely pace along the four-mile trail for the chance to see the Columbia River Estuary and many of the town’s chief industries. Try to spot some of the wildlife that call the region home. This flat trail can be reached at various points along Warrenton’s waterfront.

Pick up a pamphlet, with a map of the trail, at the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, located in the parking lot of Youngs Bay Plaza, along U.S. Highway 101.

Cullaby LakeLooking for the choice location to water ski on the North Coast? Go to Cullaby Lake. Beginning kayakers, canoers and sail boarders, don’t despair. The lake is also a good site for you. You’ll also find picnic, volleyball, fishing, hiking and horseshoes facilities, plus a boat dock at the lake. Gear and accessories are available from rental shops in Warrenton and Astoria. To get to Cullaby Lake, head south on U.S. Highway 101 toward Seaside. Just past Warrenton, signs mark the Cullaby Lake turnoff on the left side of the road.

Youngs River FallsFollow Lewis and Clark’s footsteps on the trail to the 65-foot waterfall. Once there, relax and enjoy a picnic. The trail to the waterfall has been improved with the addition of steps.

Interpretive panels at the site tell the story of the Corps of Discovery.

To visit Youngs River Falls, travel east on Oregon Highway 202 to Olney and turn right at the sign directing you to the nearby waterfall.

EVENTSCrab and Seafood

Warrenton has an annual Crab Feed in January and is a co-sponsor of the Astoria-Warrenton Crab and Seafood Festival held April 22-24 this year at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds.

’50s Cruise Reunion

Drive your hot rod down to the coast for the Lower Columbia Classics at Camp Rilea in Warrenton. The event features restored cars for a classic cruise and reunion April 23.