The immense stockade wall that forms the perimeter of Fort Vancouver is much larger than it looks as you drive by on nearby Highway 14. Take the time to stop and wander around the exterior grounds. There is much to see for free on the Fort site including the old kitchen garden, old wood “cottages” and signage that helps you understand what a hub of activity the site was for many years. It is also part of an entire complex that was a military fort in use well into the 20th century. The historic site is filled with beautiful old homes used to house the officers, old barracks for the enlisted men, parade grounds, hospital, and many additional buildings that make for a fascinating walk. For a minimal entrance fee, you can enter the interior portion of the fort and tour the interior buildings, forge, kitchen, trapping store, and homes of the residents who called this frontier fort “home.”
