The coastline between Cape Scott, Canada and Oregon’s Tillamook Bay was once known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific” due to its harsh weather and rocky shores. The Peter Iredale Shipwreck, located near Fort Stevens just west of Astoria, is a standing example of this time in history.
The shipwreck is just bare bones now, but it was once a 275-foot-long, four-masted steel barque sailing vessel out of Liverpool, England. The wreck occurred October 25, 1906 as the ship struggled through a storm on its way to the mouth of the Columbia River. Luckily, no ghosts haunt the ship remains – the entire crew made it safely to shore.
The ship was so embedded in the sands by coastal storms that it ended up being stripped down for scrap instead of being towed back to sea. All that remains is the bow, a few ribs and a couple of masts. Today the weathered and fossilized remains are lodged in sand on the Clatsop Spit, now a playground and curiosity for Oregon beachcombers.
Interesting fact: Captain Lawrence's final toast to his ship was: "May God bless you, and may your bones bleach in the sands."
Admission to Fort Stevens State Park requires a $5 day use parking pass or annual Oregon State Parks permit.
Learn about more of the history at Fort Stevens Park: www.shareoregon.com/things-to-do/en/listings/124928-underground-battery-mishler-tours-fort-stevens-state-park
Rick
9 years agoWe LOVE Fort Stevens State Park, and this is just one of the interesting features. Simply hanging out on and walking down the pristine beaches and bluffs and enjoying the crashing waves, birds, etc. can't be beat, too. :)