Last updated: February 21, 2017
Thing to Do
Survey a Chinook Trade Village
![Film camp youth learning about surveying at Middle Village](/common/uploads/cropped_image/primary/A0C45D4D-1DD8-B71B-0B8E64A65A5CB42A.jpg?width=1300&quality=90&mode=crop)
This site across the Columbia River in Washington state holds a wealth of history in just under 8 acres. Middle Village - Station Camp has been an important archaeological resource for learning about the trading practices and cultural history of the Lower Columbia Chinook. This location was also significant to the Corps of Discovery as a brief campsite and survey point during November 1805. Later in the 19th century, the site was a stop on the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company’s narrow gauge line and named McGowan after P.J. McGowan bought the land. McGowan church was constructed in 1904 and still stands today, renamed to St. Mary’s Church in the 1960s. In present day, Middle Village - Station Camp, focuses on the Chinook Indian Nation history, as well as telling the story of early contact, the Corps, and the town of McGowan.
Details
Duration
20-30 Minutes
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
At the site you can explore the paths taking you to interpretive plaques, viewing platforms, replica Chinook canoes, and a traditional-style Chinook cedar plankhouse frame. On the viewing platforms, enjoy views of the river and sand bars, Astoria, Saddle Mountain, Astoria-Megler Bridge, and pretend to be Captain Clark surveying the mouth of the Columbia.
Pets Allowed
No
Due to the cultural nature of this site we ask that you do not walk your dogs at this unit of the park.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Middle Village - Station Camp
Middle Village is just a few miles West of Clark's Dismal Nitch, a few miles west after the Megler Astoria Bridge, before Fort Columbia State Park.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
Paths and platforms at this unit are weelchair accesible.