Hammond, Oregon - Military Batteries - Truck Tours

During the Civil War, Coast Guard military bases were built along the Oregon and Washington coasts. They were improved during WWI and WWII, and then abandoned in the 1950s. They are now run by Fort Stevens State Park -- at least the ones in this area. The batteries are fun to run around and explore. They are these old cement structures build into the sides of hills to be camouflaged from the approaching enemy. This area was actually fired on by a Japanese sub, but the batteries didn't fire back.

There are walking tours and a 1940s military truck ride/tour that you can take. The tours are $2! There are also lots of photo opportunities with old military vehicles, and an old jail that is fixed up with scenes and cells where you can lock in your friends. Great for roadside attraction fans, history or military buffs. [Jody Day, 07/24/2007]

[RA: Many of these deserted coastal defense bunkers still exist, preserved for your next Family Tetanus Outing, in state or national parks along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Typically, the metal doors have been welded shut that lead to deeper and more deteriorated chambers. Outside areas are augmented with a fence or guardrail where the clumsy are most likely to tumble off and require hospitalization.]