Columbia River South Jetty Observation Tower

Nice big parking lot with a restroom. You can access the jetty, which is very walkable on the beach end, but becomes increasingly treacherous as you go out to sea. Great spot for spotting sea lions.

If you're going to "do" Fort Stevens State Park, then you should include the South Jetty observation and / or walk out some on the rocky jetty itself to take in the view and power of the ocean surf. Small kids should not be allowed out on the jetty without in-hand adult supervision and not beyond the point where careful walking path obviously stops, and only boulder striding and angular, deep rock-hopping is required. I did not go as far out on the jetty as I had hoped, because a sea otter was sunning itself on top of the jetty rocks ahead of me, and I did not want to disturb it (though I hung out with it long enough to zoom in for its natural poses....). (Note inspired by people approaching from behind me: please do not be a "touron." PLEASE do not disturb the wildlife! Enjoy and admi

Fun adventure to the south jetty. Gorgeous views. Large parking lot. We saw lots of birds and even got to see an Orca.

The Columbia River South Jetty Observation Tower is a compact but rewarding lookout at Fort Stevens State Park that gives you sweeping, 360° views where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean — a fantastic spot for ship-watching and coastal photography. It takes a bit of driving to reach (a short detour off Highway 101 to Jetty Road), with parking near the Fort Stevens/Lot C area and a brief walk and stair climb up to the platform. The vantage point makes the powerful Columbia River Bar and the open ocean feel very immediate — bring a windproof jacket and a camera, especially on clear days or during dramatic tides. One practical note: the tower and adjacent jetty have been closed for rehabilitation at times, so it’s a good idea to check current park or Corps of Engineers notices before

Great view .... not as much beach combing opportunities as I was hoping for. I would t say it was disappointing but it just want what I was looking g for .... instead go to area a. But fishing was more prevalent at the end of the road where we ended up.