Last updated: January 22, 2021
Thing to Do
Self-Guided Tour: The Spruce Mill Trail
NPS Photo
It may seem like a wide-open field now, but during World War I this was the location of a bustling Spruce Mill. The Spruce Mill was operated by the Spruce Production Division, a branch of the US Army that nationalized the lumber industry during the war to ensure that the Allies would have enough lumber to build airplanes. From 1917 to Armistice Day, Sitka spruce lumber from the forests of the Pacific Northwest was brought to this massive mill - both industrial and military - to be readied for airplane factories on the East Coast and in Europe.
Today, the Spruce Mill Trail connects two of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's most iconic attractions: the reconstructed Fort Vancouver and Pearson Air Museum. Along the way, metal markers indicate spots where you can learn more about the wartime history of this area with the information below.
On this self-guided walking tour, take a step into the past and stand where the world's largest Spruce Mill once stood!
There are two trailheads to enter the Spruce Mill Trail. Begin walking from eastern entrance near Pearson Air Museum (from the entrance to the museum, walk west across a helicopter landing area towards the trail), or begin walking from the western entrance located near Fort Vancouver (from the fort gates, follow the trail to the left). To more easily begin the tour with "Stop 1," we recommend starting this tour from the trail entrance near Pearson Air Museum.
Parking is available at the Pearson Air Museum and fort parking lots during operating hours. Street parking is also available.
During operating hours, you can also request a printed booklet version of this self-guided tour from the national park rangers at Pearson Air Museum.
Today, the Spruce Mill Trail connects two of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's most iconic attractions: the reconstructed Fort Vancouver and Pearson Air Museum. Along the way, metal markers indicate spots where you can learn more about the wartime history of this area with the information below.
On this self-guided walking tour, take a step into the past and stand where the world's largest Spruce Mill once stood!
Getting Started
See a map of the tour route and read information for each tour stop here
There are two trailheads to enter the Spruce Mill Trail. Begin walking from eastern entrance near Pearson Air Museum (from the entrance to the museum, walk west across a helicopter landing area towards the trail), or begin walking from the western entrance located near Fort Vancouver (from the fort gates, follow the trail to the left). To more easily begin the tour with "Stop 1," we recommend starting this tour from the trail entrance near Pearson Air Museum.
Parking is available at the Pearson Air Museum and fort parking lots during operating hours. Street parking is also available.
During operating hours, you can also request a printed booklet version of this self-guided tour from the national park rangers at Pearson Air Museum.
Details
Duration
20-40 Minutes
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are permitted on the trail, but must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please pick up and dispose of pet waste. Garbage bins are located at the eastern trailhead near Pearson Air Museum. Learn more about bringing pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
Accessibility Information
The Spruce Mill Trail is paved and has minimal inclines. It is wheelchair accessible. ADA parking is available in the Pearson Air Museum and Fort Vancouver parking lots.
If you are accessing the trail from the eastern trailhead near Pearson Air Museum, you will need to navigate either stairs or a curving, downward-sloping ramp to the museum's entrance, and then cross an asphalt-paved area to get to the trailhead.
If you are accessing the trail from the western trailhead near Fort Vancouver, the paths to the trailhead are mostly straight, paved with decomposed granite, and have no incline.
If you are accessing the trail from the eastern trailhead near Pearson Air Museum, you will need to navigate either stairs or a curving, downward-sloping ramp to the museum's entrance, and then cross an asphalt-paved area to get to the trailhead.
If you are accessing the trail from the western trailhead near Fort Vancouver, the paths to the trailhead are mostly straight, paved with decomposed granite, and have no incline.