Battery Pratt — Attraction in Oregon

A gem of Oregon history. Nice to see that it is finally getting some well deserved love after being virtually abandoned and vandalized for decades. The recreation of the disappearing rifle is significant, as is the painting and labeling of some of the interior workings of the battery. Especially the powder containers and the interpretive signs explaining the complex storage procedures. This is nowhere near as restored as Fort Columbia - its opposite number across the Columbia River in Washington - but the Battery Pratt presentation is much more visceral and has a true ghost town vibe. (What would truly cap off the experience would be reenactors in costume who could demonstrate just how the disappearing rifle worked.) Also visit the on-site museum to get a greater appreciation of the life and times of the fort in...

A sobering remnant of world war, this decommissioned fort still has several of the enormous anti-aircraft guns on display. A Commons area usually has Roosevelt Elk. Historical displays do an excellent job of summarizing the arc of history, from thousands of years of native American history to European colonizers and world wars. Excellent campground nearby for tents, trailers, yurts, and now cabins. Just below Battery Pratt is what must be the world's most difficult disc golf course because of the constantly changing direction of the wind. From the top of the battery you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River -- an awesome sight. Take a coat and camera -- and a few discs...

These old batteries at Fort Stevens are as amazing to see as they were as a youngster. They are ruins, however, abandoned buildings that are decaying naturally with time. The State Parks and their volunteers do a great job of maintaining what they can while staying historically informed. They can answer nearly any question you throw at them! Respect that and see these unique old structures from an earlier era before...