I didn't do a lot of research for this park after reading a review saying the shipwreck was mostly covered. We may not have gone to the park, except that they sell the 5-day coastal pass. The Lewis & Clark Nat'l Park didn't sell them and we wanted to use the pass there. Since we were there, we decided to do a quick tour. We were pleasantly surprised by how much of the shipwreck was visible. Turns out that it varies, depending on the seas/shifting sands. We also lucked out because pelicans travel through the coast in September, and a huge flock was hanging out by the shipwreck while we were there. Since we were in the park, we went to other sections. The jetty observation tower was closed (renovations?), but I was glad to be able to see a lighthouse across the water at Cape Disappointment (best to view with a strong zoom or binoculars). The small museum in the historic district is interesting; wish we'd had more time; same with all the old bunkers/cannons/military remnants.

As avid photographers, my partner and I headed to Fort Stevens State Park to get some shots of the Peter Iredale. It was a Sunday evening and I expected the place to be someone relaxing. It was not. We had to park a good distance down the road and walk up to the beach, which was still packed. I guess I didn't quite get that the wreck was right at a big parking lot/beach entrance, so there were a bunch of people all around the wreck at all times. I did manage some good photos, but was a bit disappointed that I didn't do enough homework to know that you go there very early to get the best shots and sunset shots at the wreck are probably always busy in the summer. Still cool to see it in person though.

Lot C (south jetty) and lot D (Columbia river beach access areas are under construction. But in a lot D, the wildlife viewing bunker is still open. And very nice quiet area especially for picnic with children.