fort simcoe state park

I love Fort Simcoe especially as Great Grandpa used to be caretaker after the military left. Several of my relatives have lived there. Anyway, it quite well demonstrates the period of Yakima history which it portrays. We used to always do our Easter picnics there as it is a pretty place with plenty of room for roaming around and for young kids to release energy.

We were in Yakima for a birthday road trip and we googled some state parks and other things to do outdoors. With a GPS is was fairly easy to find. The grounds are gorgeous and you can tell whoever is in charge of keeping it up really cares about it. The bathrooms were nice and clean and it was a great experience overall. If you're in Yakima, it's worth stopping by!

Drove all the way out to visit the park and found closed due to bear activity.There were no closed signs on the posted signs on the way. Surely somebody could have put signs out to let people know not to waste a 50 mile drive out and then back.

I can remember going for field trips in the 1960's for school and campfire girls.had fun back then.

Yes, Fort Simcoe is off the beaten path,and yes, it is a little difficult to find, but these days of the google maps and gps, there should be no problem.I usually find myself at Fort Simcoe when few other folks are here.I love walking around the officers quarters a nd peering in the windows. The rooms are period pieces...a look back at a different time.Set on the Yakama lands, it is also a reminder that unsettled times between the government and native Americans took place here in Washington state.Beautiful grounds ring your lunch and enjoy the history.

Went out looking for the bears that frequent the area in the fall for the nuts and fruit on the trees! Got a couple of shots before they ran back into the woods.

Although this is a bit off the beaten path. It is well worth it especially for history buffs. Lots of buildings and the grounds are beautiful!

This historic fort is in a very rural area. You have to know where you are going to get there because the signs on the roads in the area sometimes get knocked down.The original officer's homes are present on the edges of the parade field. Acess to view is limited, so you might want to call ahead to see if they will be open. There is a small museum, but it too is not always open.Several other buildings have been rebuilt, such as a barracks and a guard tower. There are areas for picnics and family gatherings. A rest room is available. A play area for children is also available.

Really enjoyed the history and old buildings here. Nice that you are able to walk through the structures. Great spot for a picnic or lunch break. Discover pass is required. The only thing my group was a bit concerned about...the bear warning sign upon entering the park. Didn't bother me...but my mom & sister were very aware of their surroundings during our tour of the fort.

This is one of those little known places in the history of the west. If you are interested in Washington state history,or the West, and/or Native American history this is a great place to visit. I had wanted to go here for years and finally did it! I was plesantly suprised at how pretty this place is. If you have some extra time this is worth the trip!

First, this place is in the middle of nowhere. The drive from Yakima seems longer than it is because of all the small towns you have to drive thru on the way there.But it's worth it! This is a fairly well preserved example of a US Fort from the 1800's. There are a few homes where the generals or officers lived, several of which are sometimes open & display period furniture, decor & kitchen items. There is a square log structure used for defense complete with holes in the side walls for gun fire. A small cemetery is a short walk from the main grounds. Another large log structure served as the mess or banquet hall. Probably 30 feet wide by 50 feet long with a 15 foot ceiling & a central fireplace & chimney. The main field is adorned with a actual cannon from the fort.For the kids, there are a few playground items near a nice tree'ed area off the parking lot, and a few picnic tables for general use.I've visited this place over a dozen times as a youngster, a teenager, as well as in my 20's & 30's. It's a great, historic place to visit from April thru October, as I'm not a fan of driving that far out of town in snow & eastern WA does get a fair bit most years.I hope you get a chance to enjoy it.