Judge it by the views and you'll call it Fort Gorgeous.

And on a gorgeous summer day like today, it's simply WOW. I paddled out to Fort Gorges today, picnicked at the highest viewpoint and snapped a few digi-pix.

Situated in the middle of Portland's outer harbor, Fort Gorges dominates the seascape. This massive granite structure was erected to protect Portland from naval attack -- an imposing remnant of 19th-century history. Nowadays Fort Gorges is deserted by the military, but it's one of the most popular half-day (or much less) sea kayaking destinations in Maine.

Paddling between East End Beach and Fort Gorges.

Best launch point is Portland's East End Beach, just off the Eastern Prom. Launching from the beach itself is free. Just point your boat toward the big granite mass and paddle. Figure 15 or 20 minutes.

At low tide, there's plenty of room to land. At high tide, there's a tiny cobble beach with room for a few kayaks.

Fort Gorges is a popular destination for paddlers.

The fort is open to the public at no charge. Just walk in and you'll find an informational sign, located in what used to be a parade ground inside the walls.

The open space inside the fort was once a parade ground.

The long wall (the one you walked through) once housed the soldiers. The cannon emplacements were in the other walls. You can walk through the interior. It's spooky.

You can walk through the interior -- here a long hall formed by several cannon emplacements.

Climb to the top and enjoy the incredible views. The city of Portland lies west, Peaks Island lies southeast, and Casco Bay Lines' yellow-bird ferries constantly shuttle between the two. Lots of other pleasure boats and shipping constantly moving about, too. I like a picnic lunch here!

When done touring the fort, re-launch your boat and either return to East End, or better yet, continue on to Peaks Island or some other destination.

When you're finished touring the fort, simply re-launch your kayak.

Continue or return, you've had a simply Gorges-eous trip!

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