Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver was the administrative headquarters and main supply depot for the Hudson's Bay Company's fur trading operations in the immense Columbia Department. Under the leadership of John McLoughlin, the fort became the center of political, cultural, and commercial activities in the Pacific Northwest. When American immigrants arrived in the Oregon Country during the 1830s and 1840s, Fort Vancouver provided them with essential supplies to begin their new settlements.

In 1996, the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve was established to protect adjacent, historically significant historical areas. It includes Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, as well as Vancouver Barracks, Officers' Row, Pearson Field, The Water Resources Education Center, and portions of the Columbia River waterfront. The General O.O. Howard House serves as the visitor center for the Reserve, and is staffed by National Park Service personnel.

612 E. Reserve St.
Vancouver, WA 98661-3897
(360)696-7655 ex. 17 - Visitor Information
1-800-832-3599 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Portland, Oregon is served by Portland International Airport and is just across the Columbia River (about 8 miles) from downtown Vancouver, Washington.

By Car
From I-5, take the Mill Plain exit and head east. Turn south onto Fort Vancouver Way. At the traffic circle, go east on Evergreen Boulevard and follow signs to the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center.
The reconstructed fort site is south of the visitor center - follow the parkroad which connects the visitor center parking lot to the fort parking lot.

From I-205, go west on Highway 14 about six miles, then take I-5 north. From I-5, take the Mill Plain exit and head east. Turn south onto Fort Vancouver Way. At the traffic circle, go east on
Evergreen Boulevard and follow signs to the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. The reconstructed fort site is south of the visitor center - follow the park road which connects the visitor center parking lot to the fort parking lot.

By Plane
Vancouver is served by both bus and Amtrak stations.

Getting Around
Visitora may walk or drive on the park road that connects the Visitor Center and the reconstructed fort site. A wheelchair is available for use on request.

Cool and rainy fall, winter, and spring. Warm, mostly dry summers.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs

Recommended Activities
Allow one to two hours to tour the reconstructed fort site, and attend living history demonstrations in the Kitchen, Blacksmith Shop, Carpenter Shop, Bakehouse, and period garden. On summer weekends, cultural programs and evening programs are also available.