Survey a Chinook Trade Village

This site across the Columbia River in Washington state holds a wealth of history in just under 8 acres. Middle Village - Station Camp has been an important archaeological resource for learning about the trading practices and cultural history of the Lower Columbia Chinook. This location was also significant to the Corps of Discovery as a brief campsite and survey point during November 1805. Later in the 19th century, the site was a stop on the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company’s narrow gauge line and named McGowan after P.J. McGowan bought the land. McGowan church was constructed in 1904 and still stands today, renamed to St. Mary’s Church in the 1960s. In present day, Middle Village - Station Camp, focuses on the Chinook Indian Nation history, as well as telling the story of early contact, the Corps, and the town of McGowan.

Details

Duration

20-30 Minutes

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

At the site you can explore the paths taking you to interpretive plaques, viewing platforms, replica Chinook canoes, and a traditional-style Chinook cedar plankhouse frame. On the viewing platforms, enjoy views of the river and sand bars, Astoria, Saddle Mountain, Astoria-Megler Bridge, and pretend to be Captain Clark surveying the mouth of the Columbia.

Pets Allowed

No

Due to the cultural nature of this site we ask that you do not walk your dogs at this unit of the park.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Middle Village - Station Camp

Middle Village is just a few miles West of Clark's Dismal Nitch, a few miles west after the Megler Astoria Bridge, before Fort Columbia State Park.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Paths and platforms at this unit  are weelchair accesible.