2014 columbia views
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Columbia Views
10 hotspotsour must-see quick trips p. 4
pLAY!explore our lakes, rivers, beaches p. 18
nw oregon & Sw waShington
2014 travel planner
free
Cresap Bay campground
Lake Merwin, Lewis river
52 Weekend Adventures
volcanos, hikes, festivals & more
p. 6
A supplement of The Daily News
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2014Local Events
PAA Annual Spring Art Show Apr 25-27World’s Largest Garage Sale May 23-26Annual NW Garlic Festival June 14-15Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade July 4Art in the Park July 4PAA Starving Artist’s Sale July 5 Music in the Gardens July 19Jazz and Oysters Aug 17Labor Day Book Sale Aug 30-Sep 2
Aug 30Rod Run to the End of the World
Sep 6 and 7PAA Annual Fall Art Show Oct 10-13
Oct 10-11Nov 29 and 30
If you are looking for a weekend close to nature, activities that the entire family will never forget, festivals or events nearly every weekend of the year, beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, walking trails and seafood that can’t get any fresher, then treat yourself to SW Washington’s Ocean Park Area. Discover the history, festivals, food and wildlife that made the region where the Columbia River meets the Pacific famous.
SW Washingto�’� Beac� an� Ba�Ocea� Par� Are�
Ocean Park Resort Gary McGrew, Broker Surfside Inn
Jack’s Country Store Westgate Cabins/RV Park Willapa Bay Interpretive Center
www.opresort.com/html/app12.html360.665.4585
www.McGrewCrew.com360.783.2831
www.surfsideinnHOA.com800.347.8182/360.665.2000
www.okiesthriftway.com360.665.5222
www.Jackscountrystore.com360.665.4989
www.vacationwestgate.com360.665.4211
www.portofpeninsula.org/oysterhouse.html
(360)665-4547www.bank of the pacifi c.com
360.665.4585
Head to the coast! The Ocean Park Area awaits!
Head to the coast! The Ocean Park Area awaits!
Ocean Park Area Chamber of CommerceLearn more about us at www.opwa.com/html/app6.html
or call us toll free 888.751.9354
If you would like to go to our website, send us an email, call us, or get driving directions to the Ocean Park Area without typing, please go to your
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From every direction in the Lower Columbia
region the views ... are outstanding.
Mount St. Helens. It’s been 34 years since its eruption changed the local landscape — and the
volcano became the main tourist attraction in the Lower Columbia area. The harsh but beauti-ful landscape around the volcano has plenty of
competition for sightseeing here, however.
Our rivers. Follow the route of Lewis and Clark, who spent the winter of 1805-06 near Astoria. Drive west along the broad Columbia River, which meets the Pacific Ocean near towns
fresh with sea breeze that have become popular tourist destinations. Ocean landscapes range
from miles of flat, sandy beach to towering cliffs topped by solid lighthouses that are still in use
more than a century after they were built.
Our towns. The region’s small towns offer their own delights, and most put on family-oriented festivals during the summer. This guide helps you plan for those festivals and many more of the region’s natural and man-made pleasures.
Mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches and more. each page will help you unlock the magic
of the lower Columbia.
360° STAFFPublisher RickParrishEditor EvanCaldwellAssociate editors RievaLester DominicBaez R.D.Hight AndreStepankowsky RyanHorlenPhotographers BillWagner RogerWerth EvanCaldwell TomPauluWriters TomPaulu BrendaMcCorkle SarahGrothjanAdvertising managers SteveQuaife MichelleCarr MarianneChambersGraphic artists BarbaraChapman MarcMonge DiannAbbott JoleneWilliamsonAd layout designer BobCrismanAddress TheDailyNews P.O.Box�89 770��thAve. Longview,WA986��Phone 800-�4�-4745Websites TDN.com TDN.com/ColumbiaViews
Advertise �60-577-�55�
ColumbiaViewsispublishedbyTheDailyNewsanddistributedthroughoutSouthwestWashingtonandNorthwestOregon.CopiesareavailableatselectbusinessesanddestinationsthroughouttheregionandatTheDailyNews.©ColumbiaViews,�0�4TheDailyNews,aLeeEnterprisespublication.
welcome
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
on the CoverKaylee peterson
at lake Merwin
4
ThistownupriverontheColumbiaisloadedwithluresfortourists,too.It’sameccaforwindsurfers,hikersandsightseers.>> Page 62
Withitscove-shapedbeachesandforestedheadlands,it’sagemontheOregoncoast.AccesstheparkthroughCannonBeach,atrendyshopping-orientedtown.>> Page 58
Thisbeautifulhallbuiltin�9�5wasextensivelyreno-vatedseveralyearsago.TheItalianRenaissancedecorlooksnicerthanever.>> Page 34
ThoughitrequiresadriveallthewayaroundMountSt.Helens,thisisthebestplacetowitnessthevolcano’s�980devasta-tionofshatteredtreesandscorchedearth.It’salsothebestplacetoseeSpiritLake.>> Page 12
MountSt.Helensisthemostfamousattractionintheseparts,andJohnstonRidgeisthebestplacetolookintothevolcano’scrater,whichisjust�milesaway.TheJohnstonRidgeObservatory(visitorcen-ter)offersindoorexhibitsandanoutdooramphithe-ater.>> Page 10
bestPlaceswhereyouneedtogo
Hood RivER EcolA STATE PARk
columbiA THEATRE
Windy RidGE JoHnSTon RidGE
Ecola State Park at cannon beach
FishtheKalamaRiver
>> Page 18
Shop,relaxandkayakinWahkiakum
County>> Page 48
area getaways
5
OneoftheprettiestriversintheregioncaneasilybeseenfromturnoutsalongtheKalamaRiverRoad,whichparallelsit.Riveraccessforanglersandswimmersisrelativelygenerous.>> Page 42
Notone,buttwolighthous-es—plusanoutstandingmuseum—areamongtheattractionsatthis�,000-acrepark.Visitorscanexplorebeaches,hikethroughwoodsandtourtheoldlighthousekeepers’house.>> Page 54
ThelongestcaveopentothepublicintheNorthwestismorethan�miles.The¾-milewalktothelowerendisrelativelyeasy,andrangersleadtoursandrentlanterns.>> Page 12
Theterm“quaint”isover-used,butCathlamet,atownperchedabovetheColumbiaRiver,reallyis.Youcanseethesightsinanhour’sstroll.JustafewmileswestofCathlamet,thewaterfrontvillageofSkamokawaissmaller—andequallyquaint.>> Page 48
FewcitiesofthissizecanpackinasmanytourismattractionsasAstoriadoes—andtheColumbiaRiversceneryisgreat,too.Astoriaoffersseveralout-standingmuseumsandareplicaofwhereLewisandClarkstayedonewinterisnearby.>> Page 50
kAlAmA RivER cAPE diSAPPoinTmEnT
STATE PARk
APE cAvE WAHkiAkum counTy
ASToRiA
ExploreandlearnatJohnstonRidgeObservatoryatMountSt.Helens.>> Page 10
Listeningtosealionsbarkisoneofthemany,manythingstodoinAstoria.>> Page 50
Gosurfing...orjustwatchatthebeautifulCapeDisappointmentStatePark.>> Page 54
6
Week 1: Tobeatthepost-holidaydoldrums,gototheBroadwayGalleryat�4�8CommercefortheFirstThursdayreception,thisoranyothermonth.
Week 2: Bynow,there’susuallyenoughsnowattheMarbleMountainSno-ParksouthofMountSt.Helensforsnowshoeing,cross-countryskiingandsnowmobiling.
Week 3: Agoodplaceforamid-winterhikeisSeaquestStatePark,whichhas6milesoftrails.>> Parks.wa.gov
Week 4: Grabapairofbinocularsandgobird-watching.GoodlocalspotsareWillowGrove,thepondsneartheoldTrojanNuclearPowerPlantnearRainierand,believeitornot,theoldLongviewsewagelagoonsatCoalCreekRoadandOceanBeachHighway.
Week 5: Anglers,huntersandboatersflocktothePacificNorthwestSportsmen’sShow,heldinearlyFebruaryatthePortlandExpoCenter.>> Thesportshows.com/pnwss
Week 6: Thisone’sdependentonsnow,butifthere’sarecentlow-elevationsnowfall,headupSpiritLakeMemorialHighwaywithsledsorsnowshoes.Parkataturnoutandenjoytheslidingfun.
Week 7: Agoodplaceforahikethat’snearbyisCampWilkersonnearVernonia.
Week 8: SeveralhundredelkcongregateontheJewellMeadowsWildlifeAreainwinter.>> dfw.state.or.us
Week 9: Withadecentsnowpackandlongerdays,Marchisagoodmonthforcross-countryskiingorsnowshoeingattheUpperWindRiverRecreationAreanearCarson.
Week 10: LastyearwasthefirsttimeinfouryearsthatsmeltdippingwasallowedintheCowlitzRiver.ThesmeltusuallyarriveinMarch.
Week 11: VisitMultnomahFallsontheOregonsideoftheColumbiaRiverGorgenow,asspringrainssendwatergushingoverthe6��-footcascade.
Week 13: Thepeakofthespringchinookfisheryusu-allyoccursinlateMarch.AnglersinboatsandalongtheColumbiaRivertryforthemost-prizedsalmonrunontheriver.ThefisheryusuallyclosesinearlyApril
Week 14: SpringisthebesttimeoftheyearforhikingintheColumbiaRiverGorge,whenthewildflowersareblooming.SeePage6�formore.
January february march
area getaways
7
Week 15: Inthepastdecade,aboutadozenwiner-ieshavesprungupinthearea.Theyoffertastingsonweekends.Formoreinformation,seePage�8.
Week 16: Tiptoethroughthetulips.TheWoodlandTulipFestivalfeaturesfieldsofbrightbloomsandconcerts.>> Lewisriver.com/tulipfestival
Week 17: TheHuldaKlagerLilacGardensinWood-landareabloomfortheannualLilacFestival,whichrunsApril�9toMay��in�0�4.>> Lilacgardens.com
Week 18: ThetraditionalopeningofthetroutfishingseasonisthefourthSaturdayinAprilinWashing-tonandOregon.Thoughmostlakesareopenyear-aroundthesedays,they’reheavilystockedwithtroutforthis“opening”weekend.
Week 19: KokaneefishinginLakeMerwinisusuallygoodinMay.Theselandlockedsockeyesalmonareparticularlytasty.You’llneedaboattoaccessthefishery.>> Wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/735/
Week 20: CheckouttheTDN.comSpotlightenter-tainmentcalendarforconcertsandplays.Mid-Mayisusuallyoneofbusiestseasonsforlocalentertain-ment.
Week 21: TheCrown-ZellerbachTrail,aone-timeloggingroad,climbsgentlyformilesoutofScap-poose,Ore.It’sagoodplacetowalkorrideabicycle.>> Rideoregonride.com
Week 22: LatespringandearlysummerarethebesttimesoftheyeartoclimbMountSt.Helens.It’seasiertowalkupthevolcano’ssouthflankoversnowthanrocks,whichappearbymidsummerasthesnowmelts.>> Mshinstitute.org/index.php/climbing
Week 23: ThisisagoodtimeofyeartohikeoutBoundaryTrailNo.�fromtheJohnstonRidgeOb-servatory,whilethesoilisstillrelativelymoistratherthandusty.Formoreinformation,seePage�0.
Week 24: Oceansalmonfishingseasonsshouldbeinfullswingbynow.CharterboatsoperateoutoftheIlwacodocks.
Week 25: ThesummerfestivalseasongetsintohighgearinJuneandcontinuesthroughsummerinmanyofthetownsacrosstheregion.Forafulllist,seePage�0.
Week 26: ConsideraguidedkayakingtriponMerwinReservoir.Noexperienceisrequired.>> cascadepackandpaddle.com/kayak.html
april may June
Hike, climb and explore the volcano.
Forguidedtours,field
seminarsandsummerprogramsforallages,seemshinstitute.org
8
Week 27:Longview’sGo4thFestivalatLakeSacaja-weaisathree-dayevent,withvendors,acardboardboatregattaand,ofcourse,fireworksonthegloriousfourth.
Week 28:Longview’sConcertsattheLakeseriesonThursdaynightsoffersamixoffamilyfriendlygenres—plusit’sfree.ThescheduleappearsonPage�5.
Week 29:HiketoNorwayPass,oneoftheclassicviewsofMountSt.HelensoverSpiritLake.
Week 30:SpendadayexploringAstoria.Forsugges-tions,seePage50.
Week 31:VisitApeCanyononthesoutheastsideofMountSt.Helens,wherethetraildropspast(andcrossesover)severalwaterfalls.
Week 32:Augustisthebestmonthtohikethehighcountry,withwildflowersreplacingsnowdrifts.Con-siderahikethroughtheParadisemeadowsatMountRainierNationalPark.>> nps.gov/mora
Week 33:TheBuoy�0seasoninthelowerColumbiaRiverisahotspotforsalmon.Therunisparticularlystrongthisyear.
Week 34:Foragoodfamilybicycleorwalkingexcur-sion,checkoutthe8.5-mile-longDiscoveryTrailfromIlwacotoLongBeach.Shortersectionsarepossible.
Week 34:Foronelastweekendofcamping,headtoCapeDisappointmentStateParknearIlwacoorFortStevensStateParkwestofAstoria.
Week 35:HuckleberriesshouldbeinbloomalongroadstrailsintheGiffordPinchotNationalForest.Grabyourbuckets.
Week 36:Thepremierebicyclerideoftheseason,TheTourdeBlast,climbsupSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.It’sonSept.��in�0�4.>> tourdeblast.com
Week 37:Tourseveraldozenartgalleries,mostlyinLewisCountyduringSouthwestWashingtonARTrails.>> Artrailsofsww.org/studio-tour-a-gala
Week 38:TheIndianHeavenareasoutheastofMountSt.Helensoffersdozensoflakesandstreamsamidrollingopencountry.IndianHeavenismosquitohellinsummer,sovisitingisbestafterthefirstfrost.
July august september
area getaways
Relax here. VistaParkinSkamokawaistheplacetobeinthesummer!PAGE 48
Week 39:Themonsoonseasonwillarrivesoon,soenjoyalastdrydayofwalkingalongthebeachatCannonBeach,Ore.SeePage58.
Week 40:ThebiggesthuntingdayoftheyearcomesonthesecondSaturdayofOctober,whenthousandsofhunterstrytheirluckduringthemodernrifledeerseason.Ifyou’renotahunter,it’sagoodtimetostayoutofthewoods.
Week 41:TheCedarCreekGristMillnearWoodlandshowshowgrainwasgroundintheolddays.>> Cedarcreekgristmill.com
Week 42:TogetanideaofhowmembersoftheLewisandClarkExpeditionlivedduringthewinterof�804-05,visitFortClatsopnearAstoria.>> nps.gov/lewi/index.htm
Week 43:LocalgroupsscareupsomefunwithHal-loweenhauntedhouses.SeeTDN.comfordetails.
Week 44:ThemodernrifleelkhuntingseasonstartsinearlyNovember.
Week 45:Bazaarseasonisinfullswing,withlocalartisanssellingtheirgoods,whichmakegoodholidaygifts.WatchTDN.comforafulllist.
Week 46:Eveniftherainshavesetin,there’splentytoseeinindoorAstoria.Formoreinformation,seePage50.
Week 47:EnoughsnowusuallyhasfallenbynowfordownhillskiareasatMountHoodandWhitePasstobeinfullswing.
Week 48:ThefirstweekendofDecemberisusu-allyoneofthebusiestoftheholidayseason,withLongview’sChristmasParade,Kelso’sTreeLightingandseveralconcertsandotherfestiveevents.LookforafulllistonTDN.comonThursdays.
Week 49:ThousandsofpeopleflocktotheJourneytoBethlehem,are-enactmentofJesus’birth,attheKelso-LongviewSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.It’sDec.��-�4,�0�4.
Week 50:WintersteelheadfishingisusuallygoodinDecemberontheCowlitzandotherlocalrivers.
Week 51:Lion’sIslandatLakeSacajaweaandthestreetsaroundthelakearereliableplacestoseethousandsoftwinklingholidayseasonlights.
Week 52:ForachangeofpacefromNewYear’sEveparties,runorwalktheYear-to-Yearrun.>> CowlitzValleyRunners.com
october november december
9
MountSt.Helens’eruptiononMay�8,�980,killed57peopleandpermanentlychangedthelocallandscape.Sincethen,thevolcanohasspawnedawealthoftourismattractions.ThebestviewsintothecraterarefromSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,whichhasfour visitor centers.Southofthevolcanoistheclimbingroute,afascinatingcaveandadramaticcanyon.TotheeastisthebreathtakingWindyRidge.
Stare inside
the crater
Just5milesupSpiritLakeMemorialHigh-way,thisisn’tjustaplacetolearnaboutthevolcano;it’soneofthemostimpressivepublicbuildingsintheregion.Youcaneasilyspendaneducational90minutesseeingeverythingatcowlitz county’s largest museum.Itofferslessonsingeology,historyand,ofcourse,volcanology.Hours:9a.m.-5p.m.dailyMay�6throughSept.�5and9a.m.-4p.m.atothertimes.Summerhoursmaybeextended.Cost:$5adults,$�.50ages7-�7,$�5perfamily.>> Parks.wa.gov/245/Mount-St-Helens-Visitor-Center
mount st. helens
viSiToR cEnTERmounT ST. HElEnS
Here,you’llfindexpandedexhibitsandtheFire mountain Grill restaurant,alongwithagiftshop.Insummer,HillsboroAviationoffershelicoptertours.Thecostis$99perpersonandup,dependingonduration.Thecenteris�7milesupthehighway.Admissionisfree.It’sopen9:�0a.m.to6p.m.>> Hoffstadtbluffs.com
Learnaboutthepre-eruptionforestandhowthecompanysalvageddownedtimber.Weyer-haeuserlost20,700 acres of timber toMountSt.Helens’fury.TelescopesofferviewsofelkbelowintheToutleValleybelow.There’salsoagiftshopandplayground.�0a.m.-4p.m.sixdaysaweekMay9throughLaborDay.ItwillbeclosedonThursdays.Admissionisfree.>> Mountsthelens.com/Forest-Learning-Center
viSiToR cEnTERHoFFSTAdT bluFFS
lEARninG cEnTERWEyERHAEuSER FoREST
�0
SinceColdwaterLakeopenedtothepublicin�99�,it’sbeenopenforkayakers, canoers and boats withelectricmotors.CascadePack&PaddleofArielofferspaddletripsonthe750-acrelake,alongwithhikingtrips.>> cascadepackandpaddle.com
Atthenearbymount St. Helens Science and learning center, you’llfindscienceprogramsoperatedbytheMountSt.HelensInstitute,mshinstitute.org.Thefacilityisopentothepublicfrom�0a.m.to6p.m.SaturdaysandSundays.>> mshslc.org
ThisboaststhebestviewpointintoMountSt.Helens’craterattheendofthehighway,54milesfromI-5.The observatory sits atop a 1,000-foot-high cliff,addingtothedrama.Atheater,volcanomodelandexhibitsongeologyawaitvisitors.The�50-seatamphitheaterhostsrangertalks,juniorrangerprogramsandatleastthreeeveningconcertsthisseason.TheEruptionTrailoutsidemakesa¾-mileloop,orcontinueontheBoundaryTrailforasmanymilesasyouhavetimeandenergyfor.Hours:�0a.m.-6p.m.everydayfromMay�0throughlatefall.Cost:$8forpeople�6andolder.FreeadmissiononMay�8,June7,June�4andSept.�7.>> fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm
lAkEcoldWATER
obSERvAToRyJoHnSTon RidGE
360.749.2034 • gardensatstillmeadows.com
MT. ST. HELENS
BESTGARDENS
CASTLE ROCK WASHINGTON
9 Water Features • Meditation AreasGift Shop • Nursery
Conveniently located for beginning or ending your Mt. St. Helens adventure.
��
��
climb above
the crater
mount st. helens
15000 Spirit Lake Highway, Milepost 27
Phone 360-274-5200www.mtsthelensinfo.com
4703
37
SpiritLakeMemorialHighwaymaygetmostoftheglory,butdon’toverlookthesouthernapproachtoMountSt.Helens.Becausethesouthsidedidn’tsuffermuchdevastation��yearsago,there’sactuallymuchmoretodohere.
��
ClimbingMountSt.Helensisrelativelysafeinsummermonths.Between��,000and��,000peoplehavereceivedclimbingpermitsandmorethan80percentmakeittothesummit.Toreachthetoprequiresclimbing4,500feetofelevationin5miles.Stronglegs–butnotechnicalclimbingexpertise—areneeded.Permits($�5)arerequired.Getthematmshinstitute.org
climbinG mounT ST. HElEnS
OneofthemanynaturalwondersofMountSt.Helensisactuallyunderground.Avolcaniclavaflow�,000yearsagosculptedApeCave,aseriesofamazingcavernsandpassagesafewmilessouthofthevolcano.At��,8�0feetinlength,ApeCaveisthelongestlavatubeinNorthAmerica.It’sthree-quartersofamilefromthecaveentrancetothelowerend,arelativelyeasyroute.Foralongeradventure,headuphillfromtheentranceforabout�½miles,climbingovernolessthan�7pilesofrock.(Thecaveisopenyear-round,thoughrememberthatinwinter,thetrailbackfromtheupperexitisoftencoveredwithsnow.)ToreachApeCave,driveeastofCougaronLewisRiverRoad(Road90)for7milesandturnleftontoRoad8�.TurnleftagainontoRoad8�0�.GuidedtourswillbegivenfromthelastweekinJunethroughLaborDay.
APE cAvE
About�,500yearsago,lavafloweddownacanyonafewmilesfromMountSt.Helens,forminggiantblobsasbigasthree-orfour-storybuildings.Theretheysat,largelyun-noticed,untila�980volcanicmudflowdowntheMuddyRiverscouredoutthecanyon,ex-posingdramaticcliffs,lavaformationsandchurningwaterfallsthathadbeenhidden.Nowasystemoflooptrails�½mileslong,someofitwheelchair-accessible,servesthecanyon.TakeRoad90eastofCougarfor7miles,thenturnleftontoRoad8�.Con-tinueanother��milestotheendofRoad8�.
lAvA cAnyon
ThisviewpointareaboastsgreatviewsofSpiritLakeandthevastpumiceplainextendingtowardthepeak.Thedrivetherepassesthedramaticlinebetweengreentimberandtreessplinteredbythe�980eruption.Gettingthererequiresabout�00milesofdrivinground-tripfromtheKelsoarea.TakeInterstate5northtoHighway��,thengoeasttoRandle.ThentakeForestroads�5and99towardWindyRidge.
Windy RidGE
�4
hiking
SouTH coldWATER TRAilAnotherhikeoffSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,thisroutestartsnearthelowerendofColdwaterLakeandclimbs�.�milesuptheridgeeastofthelake,gaining�,�00feet.Muchoftherouteisonoldloggingroads.Thetrail(��0A)passesloggingequipmentthatwasblownoffthehillsidebythevolcano’sforce.Abigshovelliesupsidedown,asoberingreminderofthe�980eruption’spower.
GoAT mounTAin TRAilAsteeppathclimbstosometop-notchalpinecountryinarelativelyobscurepartofMountSt.Helenscountry,��milesnorthofthevolcano.GoatMountainTrailNo.��7startsfromRoad�6��,nearRyanLakeintheupperGreenRiverValley.Fromelevation�,�00feet,thetrailgains�,000feetinfewerthan�miles.Ittraversestheridgeforabout�miles,thendipstoDeadmansLake.
HARmony TRAilThisistheonlytrailthatgoestotheshoreofSpiritLake.TheviewacrossthelakeincludesHarry’sRidgeandtheforebodingpeaksoftheMountMargaretRidge.There’saviewintothecraterfromhere,too.TheHarmonyTrailNo.��4startsneartheendofRoad99.Itdescendsfor�miletothelake.
noRWAy PASSYou’veprobablyseenaphotoofthevolcanotakenfromNorwayPass.It’sbecometheclas-sicimageoveradeepbayofSpiritLaketothesteamingcrater,7milesaway.NorwayPassisarelativelyeasy�-milehike,withan800-footel-evationgain,onaportionofBoundaryTrailNo.�.EnergetichikerscancontinueasthetrailclimbstoMountMargaret.ThehikestartsattheNorwayPassTrailheadonRoad�6,whichis�milesnorthofRoad99.
boundARy TRAilThesinglemostspectacularhikenearMountSt.HelensistheBoundaryTrail,whichstartsattheJohnstonRidgeObservatory.Day-hikerscangoasfarastheyhavethetimeandenergyfor,rangingfromanhour-longstrolltoa��-mileroundtriptrektothesummitof5,7�7-footColdwaterPeak.Backpackerswithpermitscanstayovernightatdesignatedcampsites.Forreservations:recreation.govor877-444-6777.Forthefirst�½mileseastoftheJROvisitorcenter,thetrailstaysneartheedgeofJohnstonRidge,whichisat4,�00feetelevation.Thenthetrailcutsacross“TheDevil’sElbow,”asteepsideslopeofpumiceandnot-very-stableearth,withdrop-offsthatcanbedisconcerting.
TRumAn TRAilTheTrumanTraildescendsthroughadeeplyerodedvalley,pastapaletteofcolorfuldepos-its.ItflattensoutonthebroadpumiceplainbetweenSpiritLakeandthevolcano,withbreathtakingviewsrightintothecrater.It’sabout�½milesfromtheBoundaryTraildowntotheSpiritLakearea,agoodturn-aroundpointforaone-dayhike.
HummockS TRAil 229Aloopof�.�mileswindsthroughtheharshlandscapeofthehummocks,debrisdepositedbythemudflowdowntheToutleRiverValley.Today,it’salandofmarshespopulatedbybirdsandamphibiansamidthedriedpumicehills.Elevationchangeisabout�00feet,soit’saneasierfamilyhikethantheBoundaryorTrumantrails.ThetrailheadisacrossthehighwayfromColdwaterLake,onthewaytotheJohnstonRidgeObservatory.
You can head out every day for
weeks in the Lower Columbia area
and not hike all the trails.
�5
FoRT To SEA TRAilModerndayexplorerscanhikeatrailthat’sclosetotheoriginalroutetheLewisandClarkExpedi-tionfollowedfromFortClatsoptothePacificOcean,westofAstoria,Ore.TheForttoSeaTrailwindsfor6milesthroughforestandpasture,endingupatabroadsandybeachthat’smuchlikewhatCapt.WilliamClarkandhismensawin�807.
GnAT cREEkTrailsgobothdirectionsfromtheOregonDepartmentofFishandWildlife’sGnatCreekHatcheryandCampground,whichis�5mileswestofClatskanieonHighway�0.Thelowertrailgoesfor�¼milesalongthepeacefulcreektoacampgroundandanothertrailhead.Fromthehatchery,theuppertrailclimbspastwater-fallsandpassesthroughsomeoldgrowthbeforedead-endingafterabout�miles.
AviewfromtheeastsideofMountSt.HelenslookingsouthatMountHood.
�6
wildlife
The forests and fields of the Lower Columbia region hold thousands of deer, elk and other wildlife. Grab your camera and binoculars and head to these hot spots.
The5,��8-acreRidgefieldWildlifeRefugeisabird-watcher’sparadise,withupto�00,000waterfowlspendingthewinterthere.Manyotherspecies,fromsand-hillcranestosparrows,canbeseen,too.Therefugehastwohikingtrailsandadesignateddrivingroute.There’salsoanauthenticreproductionofaChinookIndianplankhouse,muchliketheonesLewisandClarksaw.It’sopenonsummerweekends.Toreachtherefuge,takeExit�4fromI-5andheadwest�.7milestothetownofRidgefield.TurnleftonSouthNinthAvenue,followingthesignsfortherefuge’sRiverSUnit.Admissioncosts$�.>> fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges
mount st. helens Wildlife area
ThisToutleRiverValleysiteisoneofthebestplacesintheLowerColumbiaregiontoviewelk—andagoodplaceforasummerhike.Theareaabout�5mileseastofthetownofToutle,includes6,500acresrangingfrommudflowsonthevalleyfloortodensewoodsonsurroundingslopes.Insummer,afewhundredelkliveinthewildlifearea,andwalkingorridingahorseamongthemisallowed.Dogsarenot.JanuarythroughApril,whentheelkpopulationcanswelltomorethan500,theareaisclosedtopublicaccesstopreventtheelkfrombeingdisturbed.Anytimeofyear,youcanseetheelkwithbinocularsfromtheWeyerhaeuservisitorcenteratMilepost��.5onSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.Walk-inaccessisviathe��00log-gingroadatMilepost��ofthehighway.It’sabouta700-footdropintothearea—sosavesomeenergyfortheclimbbackout.>>wdfw.wa.gov
ridgefield national Wildlife refuge
�7
White-tailed deer refuge
TheJewellMeadowswildlifeareamanagedbytheOregonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeisagreatplacetoadmireelk,especiallyduringwinter.TheODFWtakescareofmorethan�00Rooseveltelkatthe�,940-acrewildlifearea,whichisaboutaone-hourdrivefromLongview.ThesitehasfourviewingareaswithparkingandpicnictablesoffofHighway�0�.Toreachtherefuge,takeHighway�0westfromRainierfor�6milestoClatskanie.HeaduphillonHighway47for��milestoMist.GowestonHighway�0�for�7milestoJewell,thenanothermileon�0�totherefuge.
JeWell meadoWs
TheJuliaButlerHansenRefugefortheColumbianWhite-TailedDeertotalsmorethan6,000acresofpasture,tidalswampsandsloughsalongtheColumbiaRiverbetweenCathlametandSkamokawa.Therefuge’smainpurposeistoprovideasanctuaryforColumbianwhite-taileddeer,whicharelistedasendangeredonthefederalEndangeredSpeciesList.Youmightgetaglimpseofthesmalldeer,thoughanongoingprogramoftreeplantinggivestheanimalsbettercoverandmanyhavebeenmovedtotheRidgefieldrefugetoensuretheirsafetyiftheHansenrefugefloods.Limitedhuntinghasreducedtheelkpopulationtoaround�5,farfewerthaninpastyears,thoughtherearemorethan60speciesofbirds.Thebestwaytovisitistodriveorridebikesonthepeacefulroadsthatringtherefuge.OnealongtheColumbiaRiverwashedoutseveralyearsagoandwon’tberebuilt,socheckatrefugeheadquarterstoseewhat’sopen.Thenationalwildliferefugeis�mileswestofCathlametonHighway4.>> fws.gov/jbh
�8
TheCowlitzRivermaycutthroughthecountyofthesamename,butnotmuchofitcanbeeasilyseenfromroads.ThebestplacetostrollalongtheCowlitzisnearCastleRock,wherebroad,mostlypavedtrailsfollowbothsidesoftheriver.AptlynamedRiversideParkinLexingtonhassomeriverfootage,asdoestheCookFerryTrailnearCastleRock.InKelso,ariverfronttrailfol-lowstheCowlitzfornearly�miles,thoughaccessislimited.(SeemoreonlocalmountainbikingtrailsonPage��.)Longview’sGerhartGardensParkoffTennantWay(Highway4��)hasashortriverbeach,whichgetslargerwhentheriverdropsinsummer,exposingmoresand.
TheKalamaisarguablytheregion’sprettiestriver—andtheonewiththemostpublicaccess.Apublictrailfollowstheriver’slowermileorsointheKalamaindustrialarea,offHendricksonRoad.Toreachotherscenicspots,justdriveupKalamaRiverRoad,whereaboatlaunchandwell-wornanglers’trailsofferaccess.GiffordPinchotNationalForestTrailNo.��8followstheupperfewmilesoftheriver,northofCougar.It’saccessedfromForestServiceRoad8�.Explorerscanwalkintoanabandonedcamp-groundandfindtheKalama’ssourceasitgurglesoutofanaturalspring.>> fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/home
This95-milelongriverstartsonMountAdamsandflowseastallthewaytotheColumbianearWoodland...andmuchofitsshoresareacces-sibletothepublic.DrivingLewisRiverRoad(Highway50�)fromWoodland,you’llcometoaboatlaunchinabout5miles.ThelowerLewishasthreedamsthatformhugereservoirs:LakeMerwin,YaleReservoirandSwiftReservoir.Allhavepicnicgroundsandboatlaunchesoper-atedbyPacifiCorp,whichalsooperatesfourcampgrounds.Forinformation,seelewisriver.com.Abovethereservoirs,theLewisflowsfreelythroughthewoodsintheGiffordPinchotNa-tionalForest,overaseriesofgushingwaterfalls.
local rivers
Clockwisefromleft,fishtheKalama,seethecoveredbridgeontheGraysandkayaktheLewis.
ItflowsoffMountSt.Helensandisoftenmuddy,thoughseveralplacesalongitmakeforpleasantsummermeandering.TheToutle’sconfluencewiththeCowlitzispopularwithanglers.Startingabout�5mileseastofCastleRock,SpiritLakeMemorialHighwayfollowstheToutleforastretchordetourforseveralmilesonSouthToutleRoadtoHarryGardnerPark,wherethere’saccesstotheothersideoftheriver.Insummer,hikers,mountainbikersandhorseriderscanwalkfromSpiritLakeHighwayabout�milesdownRoad��00,justeastoftheHoffstadtCreekBridge,toawildliferefugewithmoreriveraccess.
Sounditout:E-loke-o-man.It’sthehotspotinWahkiakumCountyforsalmonandsteelheadanglersorforkayaking.Someofthebestpublicaccessisnearstatefishhatcheries.TheBeaverCreekHatcheryisabout6milesupElocho-manRiverRoad,withtheElochomanHatcheryanother4milesupstream.TheriverflowsintotheColumbiaattheJuliaButlerHansenRefugeforColumbiaWhite-TailedDeer,afewmileswestofCathlametonHighway4.
TuckedawayinwesternWahkiakumCountyyou’llfindtheonlycoveredbridgeinWashingtonstillinuse.GraysRiverisabout4�mileswestofLongviewonOceanBeachHighway.ShortlyaftercrossingtheGraysonthehighwaybridge,turnleftonLoopRoadtoreachthecoveredbridgeandthelowersectionoftheGrays.BackroadswindalongthelowerGraystowhereitflowsintotheColumbia.Fromthehighway,ShannonRoadheadsnorthforafewmilesalongtherivertoafishhatchery.
Grabsometubesandjump
inourriversfor More in the
CaStle roCK area, See page 40
More stories and photos about these unique rivers at TDN.com/rivers
�9
�0
Fishing flows through the soul of the Lower Columbia region. Here’s a sampling of fish just dying to leap at your lure.
local rivers
Pacific Salmon Charters
• Salmon• Halibut • Tuna
• Bottom Fish • Bait and Tackle Furnished
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1-800-831-2695
On the Long Beach Peninsula
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2.6 MillionSalmon
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Largest RunSince 1938
��
ChinooksalmonreturntotheColumbiaRiverinthreeannualruns.SpringchinookcomeprimarilyMarchthroughMay,thesummerrunfollowsinJuneandJuly,andthefallchinookcomemostlyinAugustandSeptember.CohosalmonreturntotheriversprimarilyAugustthroughNovember.Oceansalmonseasonsvaryfromregiontoregion,startingasearlyasMayinplaces.SeasonsusuallylastuntilatleastLaborDay.
Thesefishgrowtomonstrousproportions(theminimumsizelegaltokeepis�8inchestothefork).Unlikesalmonandsteelhead,sturgeoninthelowerColumbiaRiverareself-sustaining,withnoneplantedfromhatcheries.Thisyearwillbethelastwhenanglersareallowedtokeepsturgeonbecauseofthedecliningnumbersoffish.ThesturgeonseasonsaredifferentupstreamanddownstreamoftheWaunapowerlinesnearCathlamet.Forthelatestregulations,checkwithatackleshoporatwdfw.wa.gov.Anglerswhohaveboatsdothebest.Ifyoudon’thaveyourown,guidesandlowerrivercharterboatoperatorswillbehappytotakeyou.Sturgeonalsoarecaughtbyanglerscastingfromshore.ManytrytheirluckfromthesideofOceanBeachHighwaywestofLongview.TheColumbiaRivernearMegler,alongHighway40�,isalsopopularwithbankanglers.
Thoughsimilartosalmon,steelheadareactuallyrainbowtroutthatspendmostoftheirlivesintheocean.Theyreachupwardof�0poundswhentheyreturntospawn.Localrivers,includingtheCowlitz,Lewis,Kalama,WoodlandandElochomanareamongthosefavoredbysteelheadanglers.ThemainstemColumbiaalsoisamajorsourceofsteelhead.TheyswimupstreaminawinterrunthatstartsinNovem-berandrunsintoApril,andasummerruncomesfromMayintoAugust.
Thesearen’tnearlyasbigadealaroundhereastheyarefarthereast.ButCowlitzCounty’sSilverLakeisoftencalledthebestbasswaterinWesternWashington.ItannuallyproducessomeofthebiggestlargemouthcaughtanywhereinthePacificNorthwest.Thebestbassfishingthereisinthespring,thoughthelakeisopenyear-round.OtherwarmwaterfishthatcanbecaughtinSilverLakearecrappie,bluegill,catfishandperch.
TheDepartmentofFishandWildlifeplantshundredsofthousandsofrainbowandbrowntroutinarealakesinthespringandearlysummer.Trout-stockedlakesareagoodplacetointroducesmallfryofthehumanvarietytofishing.SomeofthemostpopularlocallakesareSacajaweainLongview,KressnearKalamaandHorseshoeinWoodland.SwiftReser-voirnearCougaralsogetsplantedheavily.
Fish nearly year-round on the kalama
��
bike & skate
TheWestsideRiverfrontTrailstartsattheNorthCountyRecreationFacilities.Apavedtrailzipspasttheboatlaunch,thenbecomesgravelasitpassesunderthehighway.ThetrailcontinuessouthpasttheCastleRockFairgrounds,crossesWhittleCreekona55-foot-longmetalbridge,andleadstoanetworkofolddirtroads.Ontheeastsideoftheriverisapavedwalkingpath(seemoreaboutitonPage40)andaparkformountainbikerstopracticetheirskills.It’slinkedtoanetworkofroughtrailsondredgespoilsnorthoftown.
castle rocK trails
The�.5-mileCookFerryTrailmeandersalongthewestsideoftheCowlitzsouthofCastleRock,neverfarfromCookFerryRoad.The8-foot-widegraveltrailisservedbythreeparkinglots,eachnamedafterafishthatpopulatestheCowlitz.Toreachthesouthernmostlot,namedChinook,driveone-thirdmilealongCookFerryRoadfromWestSideHighway.MidwayistheSteelheadparkinglot,whichhasacompostingtoilet.ThetrailendsattheSmeltlot,whichisaccessiblebyCamelotDrive.
cooK ferry trail
Thisdike-toppathwindsmorethan�milesinWestLongview,paralleltoPacificWay.AgoodplacetoenteritfromistheLongviewUnitedMethodistChurchparkinglotat�0thandPacificWay.MarchthroughJuly,waterfowlnestalongthepath.Aboutamilefromthestart,youcometo�8thAvenue.ThepathcontinuesafewhundredyardsandthenhitstheMintValleyGolfCourse.ByridingonPacificWay,it’spossibletopickupthetrailagainwestof4�ndStreetandcontinuetoCoalCreekRoad.
pacific Way trail
ThetrailfollowingthewestsideofColdwaterLakehasbeeninplacesincethe�980s.In�0��,itopenedtomountainbikes.TheportionofLakesTrail���opentobikesgoesabout5milesalongthelake,whichnarrowstoaprettyfjord-likecanyonatitsupperend.Mountainbikersarealsoallowedonthe��0AtrailontheeastsideofColdwaterLake.
coldWater laKes trail
mountain biKe trails
kelso Rotary Skate Park isa�0,000-square-footconcretestructureinasmallparkatthecornerofMinorRoadandBurchamStreetinNorthKelso.FromI-5Exit�9(AllenStreet)taketheeastfront-ageroad(KelsoDrive)northforoneblock.
Woodland Skate Park inHorseshoeLakeParkhasavarietyofstepsandramps.FromExit��ofI-5,headwestablocktoLake-shoreDriveandturnleft.
cloney Skate Park onWashingtonWayinLongviewincludesaspine,pyramid,6-footquarterpipeandsnakerun.
Winlock Skate Park isnexttoWinlockMillerElementarySchool.
Rainier Skate Park isonWestAStreetalongtheColumbiaRiver.Itfeaturespre-fabstructuresatopblacktop.
castle Rock Skate ParkisalongtheEastsideRiverfrontTrail,attheendofThirdAvenue.
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OneofthemostpopulartrailsinSouthwestWashington,LewisRiverTrail��isknownas“therollercoaster”becauseofitsend-to-endundulations.Thetrailparallelstheriver,travelingthroughluxuriantold-growthforestandofferingeye-pop-pingcanyonviews.LeaveonecaratthelowertrailheadoffRoad90�0andtakeanothertotheLowerFallsCampground,fartherupRoad90.Directions:FromInterstate5,takeLewisRiverRoad(SR50�)eastfromWoodland5�.�milestoRoad90�9.Takealefton90�9anddrive0.8tothelowertrailhead,justbeforetherivercrossing.
leWis river trail 31
ThisadventureopenswithspectacularviewsoftheMuddyRiverLaharthatrolleddownthesoutheastsideofMountSt.Helensduringthe�980erup-tion,thenclimbsthroughold-growthforest.TheascentendsatApeCanyon,whichoffersbroadvistasofMountAdamsandtheSmithCreekBasin.It’s9.5milestoaseriesofwoodensteps,whichareaturning-aroundpoint.An-other�milesonaloggingroadwilltakeyoutotheWindyRidgeviewpoint.Direc-tions:FromInterstate5,taketheLewisRiverRoad(50�)eastfromWoodlandfor�4milestoRoad8�.Go��milesonRoad8�totheApeCanyontrailhead.
ape canyon trail 234
��
Masthead RestauRant
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Good Food & Fine ales since 1971
www.MastheadRestaurant.com1210 Ocean Beach hwy.
Longview • 577-7972
Voted Best Local Restaurant nine Years Running
•13 specialty salads•16 awesome Burgers•halibut Fish & Chips
•16 Beers on tap•Outdoor dining
�4
road biking
Therideonthisemeraldriverisrelativelyeasyandoffersscenicriverviews.However,thewind-ingroadhasnarrowshouldersinplaces,soit’snotagoodplaceforchildrentoride.Startatthegravelpark-and-ridejustsouthoftheintersectionatKalamaRiverRoadandOldPacificHighwaySouth.TraveleastupKalamaRiverRoadfor�0milesandturnaroundwherethepavementends,attheWeyerhaeusergate.
Kalama river road
Agreatworkout,this�0-milelooptravelsupSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.Lowtrafficandrollinghillsmakethisrideenjoyable,andthesceneryisnice.Thehighwayhasgoodroadshoulders,althoughTowerRoad,whichgetslesstraffic,isn’taswide.Theridebeginsatthepark-and-ridewestofI-5atExit49.RideeastonSpiritLakeMemorialHighwaytoTowerRoad,andturnleft.TowerRoadloopsaroundbacktoSpiritLakeHighway,atwhichpointriderswilltravelrighttogobacktotheparkandride.
toWer road loop
Thisquick,rejuvenating�0-milerideisgreatwhenyou’reshortontime.Theridefeaturesmoderate,rollinghillsandlowtrafficonroadswithgoodshoulders.StartatRiversideParkoffofWestSideHighwayandtravelsouthtoSparksDrive.TravelovertheI-5overpasstoOldPacificHighwayandturnlefttogonorth.AtHeadquartersRoad,turnleft,re-crossI-5,andthengoleftonPleasantHillRoadandbacktoOldPacificHighwayNorth.BackatSparksDrive,turnrightoverI-5toWestSideHighwayandbacktoRiversidePark.
leXington-headQuarters road
Seattle-to-Portland
bicycle classic:This
isthe�4thyearcycling
enthusiastshavebeen
ridingtheSTP’s�00-mile
spanbetweenthecities.
Upto�0,000participants
makethejourneyeach
year;thisyear’srace,
July��-��,isofficially
soldout,thoughitmaybe
possibletoregister.
>> Cascade.org
Wanna race?Tour de blast: Thenewerand
localraceclimbsfromToutle
LakeHighSchool’sparking
lotupMountSt.Helensasfar
asJohnstonRidgeviewpoint
—8�miles.However,begin-
ningorintermediatecyclists
canchooseshorterridesat
��or54miles.Theracehas
beenmovedtoSeptember
inhopesofprimeweather
—Sept.��thisyear.
>> Tourdeblast.com
�5
This�6-mileloopisnotfortheweakofthigh.Itoffersseveralclimbsanddescentswithsomerollinghills.However,it’sascenicrideandtrafficislowtomoderate.StartatWillowGrovePark.TurnrightoutoftheparkonWillowGroveRoad,thenleftonWillowGroveConnectionRoadtoDikeRoad(orcontinueontocompletethe6-milerideWillowGroveloop).CrossOceanBeachHighwaytocontinueonCoalCreekRoad,righttoWoodsideDriveandontoDelameterRoad,thentoGarlock.TurnrightonGarlocktoHazelDellRoad,andturnleft.RidetoDelameterRoad,andtakealeftbackontoDelameterRoadtowhereyoustarted.
coal creeK-delameter loop
Thisisarelativelyflatridesuitableforallridelevels.Bikerscanchoosethelength,goingasfarastheychoose;theridede-scribedhereisabout�8miles.Niceroadshouldersmostofthewayandlowtrafficaddtotheride’sease.Beginatthepark-and-rideatSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,onthewestsideofI-5.RiderightoutoftheparkinglottothesecondlightandturnrightontoOldPacificHighwayNorthtoBarnesRoadtoGeeGee’sTruckStop.PedaloverI-5toJacksonHighway,turnlefttoRayParkjustsouthofToledo.
castle rocK-toledo
Thisfun�8-mileloopisfilledwithbeautifulvalleyviewsandlong,gradualclimbs.SomerollinghillsandaswiftdecentonHeadquartersRoad.BeginatRiversideParkinLexington,offWestSideHighwaynorthofKelso.PedaloverI-5onSparksDrivetoOldPacificHighwayNorth,turnlefttoBondRoad.GotoPowellandturnleft,thentakeanimmediaterightonDorothytoSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.GotoSouthSilverLakeRoad,turnrightonSouthSilverLakeRoadandtraveluntilDavisSpur.TakeDavisSpurtoHeadquartersRoadandturnright.EnjoytheridedownHeadquarters.
leXington-spirit laKe-headQuarters
Formore,checkouttheselocalbikeshops:Bob’s Bike Shop is at 1111 hudson St. in longview. 360-425-8520Canyonview Cyclery is at 1051 14th ave. in longview. 360-200-5550
�6
art & music
The area’s visual beauty isn’t just mountains and rivers. Statues and stained glass perk up the local landscape, and local artists display their works in many galleries and businesses.
In�0��,ninesculptureswereinstalledalongfourblocksofCommerceAvenuecenteredonBroadway,joiningseveralothersthathadbeentheresince�0��.GuidedtoursaregiveninconjunctionwithFirstThursdayeventsattheBroadwayGallery.
commerce avenuesculPtures
broadway Gallery: Thiscooperativegalleryshowstheworksofits�0members.Hours:�0a.m.-5:�0p.m.Mondays-Fridays,�0a.m.-�p.m.Saturdays.�4�8Com-merceAve.,Longview.broderick Gallery:WorksfromEngland,CubaandSouthAfricaalongwithownerGeorgeBroderick’spaintings.�4�6CommerceAve.Hours:�0a.m.-5p.m.Tuesdays-Saturdays.broderickgallery.com.longview Public library:TheKothGalleryfeaturesexhibits
ofworksbylocalartistsfallthroughspring.Hours:�0a.m.-8p.m.Mondays,TuesdaysandWednesdays;�0a.m.-5p.m.Thursdays-Saturdays.�600LouisianaSt.mcThreads Wearable Art boutique: HandmadejewelryandfiberartbyLindaMcCord.Hours:��a.m.-5p.m.Tuesdays-Wednesday,��a.m.-7p.m.Thursdaysorbyappointment.��06Broadway.>> mcthreadswearableart.com
lower columbia college Art Gallery:Exhibitsbyvisiting
artiststhroughtheschoolyear.Hours:�0a.m.-6p.m.Mondays-Tuesdays,�0a.m.-4p.m.Wednesdays-Thursdays.InLCCRoseCenter.Teague’s interiors: Longviewdecoratingbusinessfeaturesregularexhibits.��67CommerceAve.,Longview.Tsuga Gallery: Workfrommorethan�0localartists.70MainSt.,Cathlamet.Hours:��a.m.-5p.m.ThursdaysthroughSaturdaysandnoon-4p.m.Sundays.
art galleries
The area’s visual beauty isn’t just mountains and rivers. Statues and stained glass perk up the local landscape, and local artists display their works in many galleries and businesses.
The area’s visual beauty isn’t just mountains and rivers. Statues and stained glass perk up the local landscape, and local artists display their works in many galleries and businesses.
�7
concerts at the laKeThisyear’slineupforconcertsatLakeSacajaweainLongviewincludestributestoJohnnyCashandTheCars,aswellascountry,bluesandrockacts.Concertsrunfrom6to8p.m.ThursdaysatMartinDock,wherelistenersmaysetuplawnchairs.Serviceclubsprovidelimitedfoodandpeoplebringtheirownpicnics.
July�0:Folsom Prism,modernlookandtributetoJohnnyCash.July�7:Shake it up,Carstributeand’70sand’80srockhits.July�4:Elliot Randall & the deadmen,Americana/country.July��:The Twangshifters,rockabilly,bluesandrockandroll.Aug.7:daniel kirkpatrick & the bayonets,rockandroll.Aug.�4:Ants in the kitchen,blues,soulandrockandroll.
Grab your six-string and head out to the
mount St. Helens bluegrass Festival in
Toledo, Aug. 8-10
Thebuildingfeaturesa5�5-seatauditorium,a��5-seattheater,arehearsalhallandanartgallery.ItofferssweepingexpansesofwoodpanelingandamuralbynationallyrecognizedpainterLucindaParkerinthelobby.TheWollenbergAudito-riumisconsideredthebesthallformusicperformanceinSouthwestWashington,withstate-of-the-artacousticsthatcanbeadjustedbymovingoverheadpanels.Thesmaller,��5-seatCenterStageauditoriumforplayshasa“thrust”configuration,withseatsonthreesidesofthestage.
lcc rose center
Thisisoneofthearea’sforemostarchitecturalgems,builtin�9�5andrenovatedin�009.WithitsItalianRenaissancestyle,chandeliersandintricateornamentationandgrillwork,whatisnowtheColumbiaThe-atreforthePerformingArtsrepresentstheeleganceofaneralongpast.>> columbiatheatre.com
columbia theatre
�8
like a fast-growing vine, wineries are sprouting in southwest Washington. more than simple places to swirl samples near the wine barrels, the wineries range from rustic to elegant. some have live music and events.
Roland Wines’ tastingroomoccupiesanoldgasstationat�4�4ColumbiaHeightsRd.inLongview.Tastingstypicallyincludefourpours:RosedeSoleia,adryrosemadefromthesangio-vesegrape;Dolcetto,alightandfruityred;LaChansondeRoland,ablendofmerlot,cabernetandcabernetfrancgrapes;andSolsticeSyrah.5to8p.m.Wednesdaysand�to5p.m.SaturdaysandSundays.>> Rolandwines.com
Harmony Winesfocusesonlocallygrown,organicfruitsuchasberriesandcherries.Thewineryalsoproducesthreewhites:pinotgrisfromtheCowlitzBarvineyardonWestSideHighway,char-donnayandGewurztraminer.��a.m.-7p.m.daily.555KrollRd.,CastleRock.>> Harmonywineswa.com
mount St. Helens cellarsisattheCrossroadsPlaza,��54MountSt.HelensWay,atI-5Exit49inCastleRock.Severalofitswineshavevolcano-orientednames,suchasSpiritLakeColdwaterRiesling,Dog’sHeadRedandKickAshRed.Noon-6p.m.Fridays-Sundays.>> Mtsthelenscellars.com
capstone cellars hasbeenmakingwinesince�00�;thevintagesareoftenservedatlocalevents.Tastingscanbearrangedbycontactingthewinemakers.4�05PacificWay,Longview>> Capstonecellars.com
bethany vineyard isanoasisofeleganceintherollinghillsafewmileseastoftheI-5Ridge-fieldexit.Visitorscansitoutsidebyasmalllake;concertswithcatereddinnersaresometimesheldthere.Thewinerygrows�8varietiesofgrapesandpurchasesthreegrownintheColumbiaRiverGorge.Noon-6p.m.FridaysandSaturdaysandnoon-5p.m.Sundays.4��5NE�59thSt.,Ridgefield.>> Bethanyvineyard.com
Heisen House hasarusticfeel,withthetast-ingroominaconvertedmilkingparlorwithopenwalls.Nearbysitsthe�898farmhousewherethewinery’sownerslive.Theysometimeshavebandsinsidetheoldrenovatedbarnduringtastings.Thewinesservedincludeadrymuscat,adryroseandtempranillo,aheartySpanishred.Noon-5p.m.SaturdaysandSundays.�8005NE�7�ndAve.,BattleGround.>> Heisenhousevineyards.com
Rusty Grape —actuallyacafe—canbeacozyplaceonaFridaynight.Eveninwinter,theroomfeatureslivemusic,pizzaandtastingsfromthewineries’ninevarieties.Insummermonths,sipperscansitoutsideandwatchmovies.ItfeaturesablackberryPort.Withitsmini-restaurant,thewineryisopenfrom4-9p.m.WednesdaysandThursdays,noon-�0p.m.FridaysandSaturdaysandnoon-6p.m.Sundays.�67��N.E.��9thSt.,BattleGround.>> Rustygrape.com
wine & golf
THREE RivERS GolF couRSE
����S.RiverRoad,KelsoPublic;Dailyrate:$��for�8holes;$�7forseniors.Features:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,liquor,food.>> Threeriversgolfcourse.com
lonGviEW counTRy club4�CountryClubDrive,LongviewPrivateFeatures:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,ban-quetfacility,liquor,food.>> Longviewcountryclub.net
minT vAllEy GolF couRSE400�PennsylvaniaSt.,LongviewPublic;Weekends$�5,$�4afternoon.Features:Proshop,golflessons,club-house,liquor,food.>> Mint-valley.com
�9
COME SEE WHAT EVERYONE’S
TALKING ABOUT
A WHOLE NEW LOOK & FEEL!
NEW
360.423.4653
GET A SECOND ROUND FREE
SkylinE GolF couRSE�0RandallDrive,CathlametPublic;Features:Golflessons,clubhouse,liquor,food.
SuRFSidE GolF couRSE��508JPlace,OceanParkPublic;$�8for9holesand$��for�8holes;seniors$�5for9holesand$�8for�8holesMondaythroughThursday;juniors$�0Features:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,liquor,food.>> Surfsidegolfcourse.com
lEWiS RivER GolF��09LewisRiverRd.,WoodlandPublic;$�5weekdaysand$45weekends/holidaysfor�8holes;$�0weekdaysand$45weekends/holidaysforseniorsandjuniors.Features:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,banquetfacility,liquor,food.>> Lewisrivergolf.com
�0
JunEJune 5: ThirteenNightsontheRiverinColumbiaViewParkinSt.Helens.EveryThursdaythroughAug.�8.>> sccchamber.org
June 7:AnnualInternationalFestivalattheCowlitzCountyExpoCenterinLongview.>> ethnicsupportcouncil.org
June 14: WaikikiBeachConcertSeriesatCapeDisappointmentStatePark.FreeconcertseveryotherSaturdaythroughAug.��.>> funbeach.com
June 13-29: AnnualAstoriaFestivalofMusic.>> astoriamusicfestival.orgJune 14:AnnualBeachChowderRun/WalkinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com
June 14-15:AnnualNorthwestGarlicFestivalinOceanPark.>> opwa.com
June 19-22: WoodlandPlanter’sDayswithparade,rides,frog-jumpingcontestandclassiccarshow.>> lewisriver.com/plantersdays
June 20-22:ScandinavianMidsummerFestivalatClatsopCountyFairgrounds.>> astoriascanfest.com
June 21:AnnualKiwanisParadeinSt.Helens.>> sccchamber.org
June 27-28:WinlockEggDaysinWinlock.June 27-28:DoggieOlympicGamesinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com
June 28:HeritageDaysCruiseCarShowatClatskanieCityPark.>> clatskanie.org/cruisers.html
JulyJuly 2-4:Go4thCelebrationinLongviewwithparade,streetfair,kidsactivitiesandfireworks.>> gofourthfestival.org
July 2:AnnualGreatCardboardBoatRegattaatLakeSacajaweainLongview;�0�4themeis“Sports.”July 4:ClatskanieHeritageDaysFestivaland4thofJulyParade.July 4:OldFashioned4thofJulyParadeinOceanPark.>> funbeach.com
July 4:IndependenceDayFireworksontheBeachinLongBeach.>> funbeach.comJuly 4-5:4thofJulycelebrationinSt.Helens.>> sccchamber.org
almost every summer weekend, a family-oriented community festival is going on somewhere in the lower columbia area. so plan your excursions to watch everything from frog-jumping to fireworks. and the best part: most are free.
MusiC on the
Mountain
ConCert series
JUNE�8Science!
JULY�6cody beebe and the crooks
AUG.�0daniel kirkpatrick
festivals
��
July 4:FourthofJulyParadeinWarrentonandAstoria.>> oldoregon.com
July 4: Vernoniaparadeandfireworks.>> vernoniachamber.org
July 5:IndependenceDayFireworksatthePortofIlwaco.>> funbeach.com
July 9-13:ToledoCheeseDays.July 10-13: RainierDaysinthePark.>> rainierdaysinthepark.com
July 10-Sept. 13:ShanghaiedinAstoriaatAstorStreetOpryCompanyPlayhouse.>>seasideor.com
July 11-13:AnnualWinlockPickersFestatWinolequaPark.>> winlockpickersfest.com
July 12:KalamaRiver-to-RiverRunChallenge.July 16-20:AnnualSandSationsandCity
SandSationsinLongBeach.>> funbeach.comJuly 16-20:ColumbiaCountyFairandRodeoinSt.Helens.>> columbiacountyfairgrounds.comJuly 17-19:CastleRockFair,withparade,vendors,youthactivities,musicandmore,atCastleRockFairgrounds.July 18-20:KalamaCommunityFairandParade.July 18-20: NapavineFuntimeFestivalwithparadeandcarshow.July 19-20:ClamshellRailRoadDaysattheColumbiaPacificHeritageMuseuminIlwaco.>> funbeach.com
July 19-20: BaldEagleDaysinCathlametwithparade,trolleyridesandstreetfair.>> wahkiakumchamber.com
July 19:MusicintheGardensontheLongBeachPeninsula.>> funbeach.com
July 20: WoodenBoatShowinCathlamet.July 24-27:CowlitzCountyFairandRodeoatthefairgroundsinLongview.>> cowlitzcountyfair.comJuly 25-27:MaritimeHeritageFestivalatthemarinainSt.Helens.July 25-27:FinnishAmericanFolkFestival,afestivalthatisheldeveryotheryearinNaselle.July 26-27:AnnualLongBeachRodeo,PeninsulaSaddleClubinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com
July 26: RuntotheRockCarShow,CastleRock.July 28:MountainManiaFunRun,CastleRock.July 29-Aug. 2:ClatsopCountyFairatthefairgroundsinAstoria.>> clatsopfairgrounds.com
Clockwise from left, check out the Mount St. helens Bluegrass festival in toledo,
aug. 8-10; longview’s go 4th celebration includes a log-rolling competition; and
thunder Mountain pro rodeo takes place during the Cowlitz County fair, July 25-27.
��
AuGuSTAug. 1-2:OregonTunaClassicinIlwaco.>> funbeach.com
Aug. 1-3: AnnualVernoniaFriendshipJamboreeandLoggingShow.>> vernoniachamber.org
Aug. 1-3:ClatskanieBluegrassFestivalatClatskanieCityPark.>> clatskaniebluegrassfestival.wordpress.com
Aug. 1-10: ClarkCountyFairatfairgroundsinRidgefield.>> clarkcofair.com
Aug. 2:KalamaBluesFestival.Aug. 6-10:AstoriaRegattaMaritimeMagicinAstoria.>> astoriaregatta.org
Aug. 7-10:AnnualLoggersJubileeinMorton.>> loggersjubilee.com
Aug. 8-10: CathlametCorral,annuallongboardracesinCathlamet.>> wahkiakumchamber.com
Aug.8-10: MountSt.HelensBluegrassFestivalinToledo.>> washingtonbluegrassassociation.org/2014fest
Aug. 8-10: AnnualSeasidebeachvolleyballtournament.>> seasidebeachvolleyball.com
Aug. 12-17: SouthwestWashingtonFairinChehalis.>> southwestwashingtonfair.net
Aug. 14-16:WahkiakumCountyFairattheWahkiakumCountyFairgroundsinSkamokawa.Aug. 15-16:Blues&SeafoodinIlwaco.>> funbeach.com
Aug. 16:LongviewSquirrelfestattheCivicCenter.>> facebook.com/LVSquirrelfest
Aug. 17: UntouchablesCarshowinKalama.Aug. 17:AnnualJazzandOysterscelebrationinOysterville.>> funbeach.com
Aug 18-24:WashingtonStateInternationalKiteFestivalinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com
Aug. 22-24:ChehalisGarlicFestandCraftShow.>> chehalisgarlicfest.com
Aug. 23:Hood-To-CoastRelaystartingatMountHood,endinginSeasideseasideor.comAug. 23:HubCityCarShowinCentralia.>> chamberway.com
Aug. 23: AnnualUniqueTinCarShowandSwapMeetwithcontrolledcruisetofollowinLongview.>> uniquetin.com
festivalshop on over to the beloved frog-jumping contest at toledo Cheese Days, July 9-13.
Fromtop,rollonovertotheCathlametCorrallongboardracesAug.8-�0,GreatCardboardBoat
RegattaatLakeSacajaweaonJuly�inLongviewandseethe
CowlitzIndianPowWowonSept.�0atToledo
HighSchool.
��
Aug. 23:AnnualWings&Wheels�0�4atScappooseIndustrialAirPark.>> sccchamber.org
Aug. 23-24:ThreshingBee,anold-timetractorpullinToledo.Aug. 30: Buzzard’sBreathChiliCook-offattheElochomanSloughMarinainCathlamet.>> wahkiakumchamber.com
Aug. 30:AnnualChinookArtFestival.>> funbeach.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 1:CivilWarre-enactmentatFortStevensStatePark.>> visitftstevens.com
SEPTEmbERSept. 4-7:WheelsandWavesCarShowinSeaside.>> seasideor.com
Sept. 5: SlowDragatthePortofIlwaco.>> funbeach.com
Sept. 6-7: RodRuntotheEndoftheWorldcarshowinOceanPark.>> funbeach.com
Sept. 13-14:HighlanderFestivalinKelso.kelso.gov/visitors/highlander-festivalSept. 20: CowlitzIndianPowWowatToledoHighSchool.Sept. 20:AnnualScappooseSauerkrautFestival.>> scappoosecommunity.org
ocTobERoct. 1-nov. 15:WildMushroomCelebrationontheLongBeachPeninsula.>> funbeach.com
oct. 3-4:ColumbiaRiverCountryDays,atvariouslocationsaroundWahkiakumCounty,toincludeaslow-movingparade,piesocial,farmer’smarketandGraysRiverCoveredBridgeauctionanddinner.oct 11-12:AnnualCranberrianFairattheColumbiaPacificHeritageMuseumandCranberryMuseumontheLongBeachPeninsula.>> funbeach.com
oct. 11-12:OneSky,OneWorldKiteFestivalinLongBeach.oct. 10-13: PeninsulaArtAssociationFallShowinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com
oct. 17-18:WaterMusicFestivalconsistsofthreeconcerts.>> watermusicfestival.com
�4
LongviewwasnamedtotheNationalRegisterofHis-toricPlacesin�985becauseit’soneofthenation’sfewplannedindustrialcities.Severaldowntownbuildingswerenamedtotheregister,includingtheColumbiaTheatreforthePerformingArtsandtheBigFourFurni-tureBuildingat���9CommerceAve.,builtin�9�4andnowarestaurant.TheColumbiaRiverMercantile,atthecornerofCommerceAvenueandBroadway,functionedasLongview’sfirststoreandastheheadquartersoftheLong-BellLumberCo.whenitwasbuiltin�9��.It’sbeenrestoredtoresemblewhatitlookedlikeinthecity’searlydays.Insidearegiftshopsandarestaurant.
a cluster of historic build-ings around longview’s civic center and on nearby commerce avenue are among the city’s at-tractions. but make sure to play in the city’s parks.
lake Sacajawea ParkistoLongviewwhatCentralParkistoNewYorkCity.Thislong,skinnybodyofwaterwithitsbroad,greenlawnsistheplacetobewhenthesunisshining.Its4-milegraveledpathisthebestrouteintowntowalkorrun.Troutarestockedinthelake,makingitattractiveforyoungfolkswithfishingpoles.Its60acresholdnolessthan��9speciesoftrees.Inthefall,theleafcolorsshouldn’tbemissed.NeithershouldthebeautifulJapaneseGardensatthenorthendoftheparkandtheSolarSystemWalk,createdbythelocalastronomyclub.
Willow Grove Park isafavoritesiteforlaunchingboatsontheColum-biaRiver,swimmingandpicnicking.Onsummerevenings,kiteboarderscanbeseen,too.The60-acreparkboastspicnictables,firerings,amile-longasphalttrail,abeachvolleyballareaandmilesofscenery.Theparkisopen5a.m.to�0p.m.insummer.ToreachitfromOceanBeachHighway,turnsouthontoWillowGroveConnectorRoadandthenrightontoWillowGroveRoad.
Gerhart Gardens Park isa�4-acreparkontheCowlitzRiverthat’spopularonhotsummerdays,whentheriverleveldropstoexposebroadsandybeaches.Familiescanenjoyusingthepicnictables,horseshoepits,basketballhoops,sandvolleyballcourtandplay-groundequipment.There’salsoaboatramp.GerhartGardensisthehomeofthecity’sonlyoff-leashdogpark,athree-acre,fencedareaattheentrancetothepark.Theparkisat�00FreedomRd.,offofTennantWay,justwestofI-5Exit�6.
longview civic circlemakesitswayaroundR.A.LongPark,passingthehistoricLongviewPublicLibrary,MonticelloHotelandpostoffice.ThecirclewasdesignedaspartofR.A.Long’splannedcity,pointingtravelerstodowntown,theindustrialareaandresidentialareas.Youcanreachthecirclebytaking�5thAvenuetoWash-ingtonWay.HeadwestonWashingtonWayandfollowthecirclearound.
longview
CatchaCowlitzBlackBearsgame.Thiswood-batsummerleagueplaysitshomegamesatDavidStoryFieldinLongview.Ticketsstartat$6to$8.>> cowlitzblackbears.com
HiSToRy
�5
Longview...where you can truly appreciate the beauty and splendor of the Pacific Northwest.
Qualityof Place
Qualityof Place
360.442.5004 www.mylongview.com
Mint Valley Golf Course
Longview named one of the top ten prettiest towns
in America by Forbes - March 29, 2012.
JapaneseGarden
LakeSacajawea
TheTriangleShoppingCenter,thebusiestgeneral-purposeshop-pingareaintown,isbyOceanBeachHighwayand�5thAvenue.ItfeaturesApplebee’srestaurant,RossDressforLess,Michael’s,LaneBryantandmore.Withdozensofindependentlyownedbusinesses,downtownLongviewboastsalotofcharacter.It’sachangingshoppingscene,withnewbusinessesspringingupfromtimetotime.TheprincipaldowntownintersectionisCommerceandBroadway,whichamongotherthingshastheColumbiaRiverMercantile,withgiftshops,officesandabakery.Strollthroughdowntownandyou’llfindapetstore,agallery,antiqueshopsandrestaurants.At��thAvenueandHudsonStreetisthehomegrownBob’sSportingGoods,thelargestoutdoorsstoreintheregion.
OneofLongview’sclaimstofameis
beinghomeoftheworld’sfirstsquirrel
bridge,thenutty narrows bridge.It
wasdesignedin�96�tosparethelife
ofspasticsquirrelswithapenchantfor
playingchicken.Inrecentyears,the
squirrelfrenzyhasspread:twomore
bridgeshavebeeninstalledonthe
streetsnearLakeSacajawea.AndLongviewnowboaststhe
annualSquirrelFest,thisyear
onAug.�6.
That’s nuts!
SHoPPinG
WillowGrovePark
�6
KelsoishometoThreeRiversMall,thelargestenclosedshoppingmallinCowlitzCounty.NexttoI-5,themallisanchoredbyMacy’sdepartmentstoreandJ.C.Penney.TheKelsoPublicLibraryishousedina��,6�7-square-footspaceinthemall.Libraryhoursare�0a.m.to8p.m.MondaysandTuesdaysand�0a.m.to5p.m.WednesdaysthroughSaturdays.Restaurantsandamovietheaterarenearthemall.>> threeriversmall.com
kelso
A wee bit ’o history
“TamO,”asthelocalssay,isa4�-acreparkalongtheCoweemanRiver.Theparkhasseveralballfieldsandbasketballcourts,nottomentionhorseshoepits,aplay-groundandpicnictables.Manypeopleenjoyawalkorbikeridealongthegraveledpathatopthepark’sdike,whichrunsalongtheriver.TheparkisthesiteoftheannualKelsoHighlanderFestival,picturedbelow.Grabyourkilt,it’sSept.��-�4thisyear.It’salsothesiteofStanRisterStadium,whichseats500baseballenthusiasts.
TheCowlitzCountyHistoricalMuseumfeaturespermanentexhibitsontheearlydaysofthisarea,includinganauthenticpioneercabinandreplicasofageneralstoreandloggingbunk-house.Specialexhibitsrotatethroughonehall—acurrentonefocusesonthehistoryofpoliceinthecounty.Ashopincludesagoodcollectionofbooksaboutregionalhistory.Themuseum,405AllenStreet,isopenTuesdaysthroughSaturdaysfrom�0a.m.to4p.m.Admissionisfree;donationsarewelcome.>> www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum
AthrivingtownbeforeLongviewwasevenbuilt,Kelso’shistoryfiguresintoseveralattractions.ScottishlandsurveyorPeterCrawfordarrivedintheCowlitzValleyareain�847andregisteredthefirstdonationlandclaimontheCowlitzRiver.HefoundedthecityofKelsoin�884.
coWliTZ counTy HiSToRicAl muSEum THREE RivERS mAll TAm o’SHAnTER PARk
�7
CatchsomeairatRotary
SkateParkateastofInterstate5off
ofBurchamStreet
HiSToRic doWnToWn
Complimentary Continental Breakfastwith Fresh Waffl es
Free Wireless Internet • Guest Laundry Elevator • Exercise Room • DVD Players • Heated Indoor Pool & Spa Jacuzzi & Family Suites • Full
Kitchen & Kitchenette Easy Access I-5 • Near MallBusiness Center • Meeting Room
360-414-5953501 Three Rivers Drive, Kelso WA 98626
4703
33
TheKelsotrainstationhasbeenalongstandingcenterpiecetodowntownKelso.Thestationwasbuiltin�9��andrenovatedin�996.Thestation,onFirstAvenue,hasseveralshopsandoffices,aswellasaplacetowaitforAmtraktrains.NearbyisKelsoCityHall,whichfeaturesaloftylobbyandhistoricalartifactsfromtown,suchasagiantwheel-liftfromtheoldAllenStreetBridgeandanantiquestained-glasswindowfromPeter’sRestaurant,whichusedtobeacrossthestreetandhasnowreopenedasabarbecuerestaurant.DowntownbusinessesincludeCostLessAutoParts,severaltaverns,aMexicanrestaurantandtheKelsoTheaterPub.Thetheatershowsmoviesthattendtogetoverlookedbythelocalcineplexesandservesbeer,wineandpizza.
CatlinRotarySprayParkatthecornerofCowlitzWayandMainStreet.Open�0a.m.to9p.m.
HighlanderFestival
isSept.��-�4thisyear
�8
to Castle Rock, Silver Lake, Toutle, and Kid Valley
HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS
1254 Mt. St. Helens Way NE Castle Rock 360-274-8920
DREW’SGROCERY
Stop by on your way to
Mt. St. Helens
1316A Mount St. Helens Way NECastle Rock, just off exit 49
360-274-8583
by local artists & authors
Reservations: (360) 274-9060
470347
Castle Rock Pharmacy117 1ST ST. SW, CASTLE ROCK
360-274-8211
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR 48 YEARS
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
MOST MAJOR INSURANCE ACCEPTED
SOUVENIRSPOSTCARDS GIFTS
�9
Welcome to Mt. St. Helens & Bigfoot Country!
Come see the 22 ft. Bigfoot Statue in the parking Lot!
LARGE SELECTION OF BIGFOOT SOUVENIRS
MT. ST. HELENS GIFT ITEMS
No Charge to Park RV or camp
NORTHFORK
SURVIVORS
360 274-6789
470341
Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm;Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pmMon.-Fri. 10:00am - 5:30pm
Sat. 10:00am - 4:00pmClosed Sunday
105 Cowlitz St. West, Castle Rock360-274-4663
OVER 4000 BOLTS!
4703
49
(Subject to weather, please call ahead)
Castle RockNursery
360-274-8388I-5 Exit 48, 1 mile West on Huntington, right on Buland
H2
...where plants are our passion
and a little help from us...
470350
40
castle rock area
Zip into town
CastleRockhasdresseditselfupinthepastfewyears.Oneofthetown’smainshoppingstreetshasnew,wideconcretesidewalksthatarestampedandcoloredtolooklikethewoodenplanksthatwerecommonacenturyago.Theroadwayisstampedandcoloredtoresembleriverrock,andtheold-fashionedstreetlightsaredesignedtolookgoodandbrightentheareaconsider-ably.Thecity’shistoricdowntownfeaturesawidevarietyofshops,antiquestores,restaurantsandotherattractions.
AnytriptoCastleRock,theGatewaytoMountSt.Helens,shouldbeginwithahikeupthe�00-foot-highvolcanicrockthatgavethissmalltownitsname.ThetrailtoTheRockstartsatthewestendoftownatLionsPridePark.Afterexploringtheriversidetown,headeasttotheSilverLakeandToutleformoreadventures—suchasbassfishingandziplining.
doWnToWn
CastleRockalsoboaststheonlyfullydevelopedpublicboatlaunchontheCowlitzRiverbetweenToledoandGerhartGardensinLongview.TheAlHelenbergMemorialBoatLaunchopenedin�0�0andhasbeenimprovedsincethen.It’swelcomedbyanglerswhogoaftertheriver’srunsofspringchinook,fallchinook,cohoandsteelhead.TheCastleRockboatlaunchcanbeaccessedthroughtheNorthCountyRecreationSportsComplex,justsouthoftheentrancetothehighschool.
PlAy on THE RivER
LionsPridePark,onHuntingtonAvenueSouth,servesasthetrailheadfortheeastsideofCastleRock’sRiverfrontTrail.ThewalkingandbikingtrailtakesvisitorspastTheRockandalongtheCowlitzRiver.Trailsareonbothsidesoftheriver.Thetrailontheeastsideisa�-milelighted,pavedpaththatextendsthelengthoftown,passingasmallplay-groundandparksforskateboarders,BMXridersandmountainbikers.Therearealsotwofishingpiers.ThegraveltrailonthewestsidestartsatPH�0bridgeandgoessouth.There’sapavedpathfromPH�0bridgenorthtotheCastleRockSportsComplex.
RivERFRonT PATHS
4�
A�7-acreparkneartheconvergenceoftheToutleRiver’snorthandsouthforksopenedseveralyearsagoaftervolunteersdidmuchoftheworkbuildingit.Theareahadbeencoveredbymudbythe�980eruptionofMountSt.Helens.Itnowhas��RVcampingsitesand��fortentsonly.Overnightcampingcosts$�0forRVsand$�5fortents.Onasunnyday,it’sagreatplacetowetone’stoesinthestreamsandsoakupsomerays.
HARRy GARdnER PARk
Clockwise from top left, explore downtown Castle rock shops, stroll the riverwalk trail
at sunset and stop to smell the cornucopia of flowers blooming along city streets all summer.
SilverLake,whichis5mileseastofCastleRockonSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,isagoodplaceforbassandwarmwaterfishing.Boatscanberentedatresortsonthelake.OrexploreTreehouseIslandZipLineAd-venturesonthelake.Thetallestofthesixlinesisabout70feethigh,andziplinerscangoupto40mph.Itcosts$99.>> thizla.com
SilvER lAkE & TouTlE
4�
Northoftown,CampKalamaoffersyear-roundcampingattheKalamaRiver.TheKalamaRiversupportsrunsofsteelheadandsalmon,withrelativelygoodpublicbankaccess.NearbyKressLakeonOldPacificHighwayoffofKalamaRiverRoadisstockedwithtroutandsurplussteelhead.Duringsalmonseasons,anglersfishontheColumbiaRiverbanksandcrowdthemarinaatthePortofKalama.
kalama
hang up the fishing pole and
grab a tube! float the
Kalama river in summer.
cAmP And FiSH AnTiQuES Abound
Opensevendaysaweek,severalantiquedealersofferalargeselectionofantiquesandcollectibles.FreemapsofthecityareavailableatallofKalama’sstores.
a distinctly northwest town with an unusual name, Kalama is known for its antique shops, small-town friendliness and hollywood movie shoots. straddling interstate 5 off of exit 30, the town is named after John Kalama, a hawaiian who hunted, fished and trapped in the area more than a century ago.
a distinctly northwest town with an unusual name, Kalama is known for its antique shops, small-town friendliness and hollywood movie shoots. straddling interstate 5 off of exit 30, the town is named after John Kalama, a hawaiian who hunted, fished and trapped in the area more than a century ago.
PlEnTy oF PARkS
ThePortofKalamaoffersrecreationalfacilitieswitha���-slipmarina,afive-acreday-useparkandatwo-milewalkingpath.Atotemchanpolelocatedatthemarinaparkstands�40feettallandislistedinthe“Guin-nessBookofWorldRecords”asthetallestone-piecetotemintheworld.Theparkandmarinaareaccessiblebyfootviaawalkingbridgeovertherailroadtracksatthesouthendoftown.Thisyear,anewportofficethatincludesahistoricalmuseumwillopen.
‘TWiliGHT’ moviE ScEnES
KalamaHighSchool,at548ChinaGardenRd.,wasusedastheschoolinthevam-pireflick“Twilight.”Thetown’sfunctioninghighschoolhasbecomeapopulardestinationforfollowersofthepopularbooksandmovies.
Clockwise from top left, the tallest one-piece totem in the world is in Kalama, put your boat in at the marina and stop at one of the city’s many antique shops.
4�
44
woodland
Smellthehistory—literally—attheHuldaKlagerLilacGardens.ItsannualLilacFestival—whichshowcasesthefragrantpurple,pinkandwhiteblossoms—isinApril,andthegar-densareopenyear-round.TheHuldaKlagerLilacGardenisanarboretumwithmanyflowers,shrubsandexotictreesinadditiontolilacs.Klager’sVictorian-erahomeisontheNationalRegisterofHistoricSitesandisopentovisitorsduringspecialevents.��5SouthPe-kinRoad.Opentothepublic�65daysayearfrom�0a.m.until4p.m.daily,witha$�fee.
Thefarmwasfounded�0yearsagobyBennoandKlazinaDobbe,whoim-migratedtotheUnitedStatesfromtheNetherlands.Inseason,thebulbfarm’sgiftshopsellsallmannerofbulbs,includ-ingtulips,daffodils,irises,hyacinths,grapehyacinths,alliums,scillaandotherspecialtyvarieties.�066SouthPekinRd.>> hollandamericabulbfarms.com
HuldA klAGER lilAc GARdEnS
THE HollAnd AmERicA bulb FARm Locatedonthenorthsideofthehorseshoe-shapedlakeisHorseshoeLakePark,6.5acresofopenlawnforfieldgames,aplayground,abeach,restrooms,aparkinglot,skateboardparkandaboatlaunch.HorseshoeLakeisopenforswimming(nolifeguardonduty),fishingandboating(5mphspeedlimit).Thelakeitselfis85acresandhasamaximumdepthof�6feet.Itwascreatedin�940,whenabendintheriverwasisolatedbyfreewayconstruction.
HoRSESHoE lAkE PARk
Rich in historical charm and natural beauty, the town of Woodland is more than a jumping-off point for adventures in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Run through fields of tulips at the Holland America bulb farm, tour a famous estate filled with lilacs and relax at a lakeside park.
45
ThePortofWoodlandownstwoparcelsofundevelopedlandalongtheColumbiaRiverthatarepopularwithanglersandpicnickers.The�40-acreAustinPointparcelatthemouthoftheLewisRiverhashalfamileofriverfront.Theportownsanother�60acresatMartin’sBar.BothparcelsareaccessedfromWoodlandDikeRoad.FormoreinformationaboutWoodland,visitthecity’sChamberofCommerceandVisitorat900GoerigSt.>> Woodlandwachamber.com
Perchedonasteepslopeabovethecreek,thewater-poweredgrindingmillwasbuiltin�876andusedbyfamilieswhobroughtgraintothemilltobegroundintoflourorlivestockfeed.Volunteersstaffweekendactivities,whichfeatureeventstypicaltotheearly�0thcentury.Tourscanbearranged.Takeexit��andheadeast,turningrighttocrosstheNorthForkofLewisRiver.TurnleftontoNorthwestHayesRoadtowardAmboy,whichbecomesCedarCreekRoad.About8milesfromWoodland,asignpointslefttothemill.TurnleftonGristMillRoadandtheMillisabout�/4ofamile;>> Cedarcreekgristmill.com.
cEdAR cREEk GRiST mill RivERFRonT REcREATion
46
columbia county
IfyouheadintoRainierfromtheLewisandClarkBridge,youcanexploreanearlyrivertown.Awhite-columned,two-storycityhallbuiltin�9�0marksthecenteroftown.Thecity’sspaciousRiverfrontParkatthewestedgeoftownisafavoriteforfamilies.Ithasbasketballandtenniscourts,askateboardparkandafirst-rateplayground.ItoffersacloseviewofmaritimeactivityatthePortofLongview.Nearbyisaboatlaunchwithrestroomsandalargeparkinglot.
RAiniER
Sandy riverfront beaches, quiet back roads and a huge yew tree are among attractions in Colum-bia County, Ore. Visitors also can check out a kite boarding hot spot, a variety of trails, the largest Zen Buddhist monastery in the Northwest and what’s left of Oregon’s only nuclear power plant.
TheareabetweenPrescottBeachandtheformerTrojanNuclearPowerPlantofferslargemarshesandgoodbirdwatching.The74-acreparkatTrojanincludesa�9-acrelakethatisstockedwithtroutinspring,�00acresofwoodsandwetlands,walkingtrails,ballfields,shelteredpicnicareas,avolleyballcourtandafrisbeegolfcourse.AllfacilitiesareopenMemorialDaythroughLaborDaythoughpeoplemaywalkthroughanytime.>> Portlandgeneral.com/parks
TRoJAn PARk
EastofRainier,LaurelBeachisasmallbutscenicday-useparkthatattractsanglersandbirdwatch-ers.TakeLaurelwoodRoadabout�.5milessouthoftown.You’llhavetowalkuparoughpathandovertherailroadtracks,whichareusedbytrainsonceortwiceaday.FarthersouthonHighway�0,thesiteofLewisandClark’scampsiteonNov.5,�805,hasbeendevelopedintoanattractivepark.The7�-acrePrescottBeachday-useparkchargesasmallfee.You’llalsofindapicnicshelter,playgroundequip-ment,gazebo,horseshoepitandvolleyballcourts.
columbiA RivER bEAcHES
47
Columbia County is conveniently located less than an hour away from the Portland Metro area, Vancouver, Kelso and Longview, Washington. For the day, weekend or longer - enjoy World-Class Windsurfi ng, Fishing, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Cycling, Rural Aviation, Historic Tours and much more. View nature up close, multitudes of birds and animals in their natural habitat, wildfl owers and forests are daily recreational experiences at Columbia County’s full service parks system.
1054 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Phone 503-397-2353 • Fax: 503-397-7215
Reservations: 503-366-3984
Columbia CountyColumbia County
PARKS & RECREATION
1. BEAVER BOAT RAMP & PARKHwy. 30 Clatskanie U.S. 30 and Hwy 47. Within the Clatskanie city limits. Paved parking, boat launch, rest rooms, picnic tables and barbecue grills.
2. BIG EDDY PARK64555 Nehalem Hwy, N., Vernonia. Large fi r trees, open play ground, fi shing, canoeing, and a non-motorized boat launch. 35 camping sites, 14 with full RV hookups.
3. CAMP WILKERSON65866 Aplary Road, Rainier. 280-acre secluded, forested site, 24 Adirondacks (3-sided camp shelters), numerous tent sites, rustic 2 room cabins and a rustic day lodge complete with cooking facilities to accommodate groups of up to 250 people. Bring your horses, ride the trails and camp in one of our horse corral tent sites.
4. DIBBLEE ISLAND PARKColumbia River Channel, Rainier. This is among the areas visited by Lewis and Clark over 200 years ago!
5. GILBERT RIVER BOAT RAMP & DOCKSReeder Road, Sauvie Island. Located within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, this facility provides easy access to the Multnomah Channel for a variety of boating activities and fi shing.
6. HUDSON-PARCHER PARK75503 Larson Road, Rainier. Popular with family groups, sports groups and others looking for peaceful forest and fi eld camp sites. 35 RV spaces, tent camping, cabin/cooking facility for a party of up to 66 people, ball parks, soccer fi eld, basketball court, 3 playgrounds, covered picnic areas and easy access to fi shing, boating or windsurfi ng.
7. J.J. COLLINS MEMORIAL MARINE PARKRm 8.0 Multnomah Channel, Scappoose. This park is only accessible by boat for a wildlife island adventure. Primitive campsites and a covered picnic area.
8. LAUREL BEACHLaurel Beach Road, Rainier. Rustic Day-use only park, featuring access to one of the Columbia River’s many fi shing spots. In addition to offering outstanding bird viewing.
9. ASBURRY PARKSaulser Rd,. St. Helens. Day-use only area, which includes picinic sites, childeren’s ball fi eld and a nature trail.
10. PRESCOTT BEACH73125 Prescott Beach Drive. Day-use only area. One of the Columbia River’s fi nest fi shing and windsurfi ng sites. Features a covered picnic shelter, play-ground equipment, gazebo, a horse-shoe pit and volleyball courts.
11. SCAPONIA PARK22870 Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy., Scappoose. Recreational area featuring a 7-acre nature park and 12 tent sites.
12. SCAPPOOSE R.V. PARK34038 N Honeyman Road, Scappoose. A comfortable, shaded view of this growing rural airport makes the Scappoose R.V. Park a unique spot for picnicking or camping at one of the 6 RV sites.
You r Neighborhood Playgrou nd
ForestsForests
Builtonlogging,youcanfeelheritagethroughthistown.Turn-of-the-centurylumbermanT.J.Flippinbuilthishometolooklikeacastle.Theturretedwhitemansionat6�0Tichenorisaseniorcenterandamuseum.Tours:50�-7�8-�608.ClatskanieCityPark,�00N.E.ParkSt.,hasanoutdoorswimmingpool,asportsfield,playground,horseshoepits,picnictablesandbarbecuepits,tentandRVcampsites,ahorsearena,aboatrampintotheClatskanieRiverandrestroomswithshowers.TheLewisandClarkHeritageCanoeTrailbeginsatthepark,windsalongtheClatskanieRiverandexplorestheislandsoftheLowerColumbia.
clATSkAniE
GreatVowBuddhistMonas-tery,thelargestZenfacilityintheNorthwest,isat79640Quincy-MaygerRd.Itisbuiltinaconvertedelementaryschool.Itisafull-timeresi-dentialtrainingmonastery.GuestscantourthefacilityandattendtheSundayprogram,whichbeginsat�0a.m.>> Greatvow.org
buddHiST monASTERy
Learn to fLYJonesBeachis6mileswestofClatskanieonHighway�0offWoodsonRoad.ThebroadbeachandgustyafternoonwindsdrawkiteboarderstotheColumbiaRiverfromhundredsofmilesaround.Thebeachisusedforfishingandpicnicking.OrputyourboatinjustwestofClatskanieattheintersectionofhighways�0and47attheBeaverBoatRamp.
Rides,livemusic,beer,fireworksatRainierDaysattheParkon
July�0-��.
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Thistownhasanauthenticambiance,aplacewherepeopleworkwithtoolsandfishingtackle.Here,visitorscansavortheflavorofanAmericabeforestripmallsandfast-foodchainsjammedthelandscape.Cathlamet,pronounced“cath-LA-met,”is�0mileswestofLongviewonOceanBeachHighway(SR4).Thetownhasabout550inhabitants.StopatthevisitorinformationcenteratthecornerofBroad-wayandRiverstreets.PickuptheHistoricTourGuideandsetoutonfootorinyourcar.Nearbyisthe�884PioneerChurch,thesteepleofwhichisatownlandmark.StrolldownBroadwaytoaviewingareaoftheColumbiaRiver—tugboatsmaybedockednearby.Walkthewaterfronttrailfromthemuseumtothemarina,whichcanbejammedwhensalmonfishingisgoodontheColumbia.
wahkiakum county
cATHlAmET
OnthewaywestfromLongview,stopatCountyLinePark,whichrecentlywasrefurbishedwithnewbathroomsandotherimprovements.Ithas�8RVsitesandthreetentsitesnearasandybeachontheColumbiaRiver.
counTy linE PARk
AfterexploringCathlametbyfoot,driveoutMainStreet,whichbecomesHighway409,andcontinueacrossthecurvingbridgespantoPugetIsland.It’saflatlandofdairyfarms,tidyhouseswithScandi-naviannamesonthemailboxesandboathousesperchedonthesloughs.ThehighwaypassesthePugetIslandGrange,dedicatedin�9�8,ontheleft.It’s�milestothePugetIslandferry,thelastferryonthelowerColumbia.ItrunsbackandforthbetweenPugetIslandandWestportontheOregonside.The��-minuteridecosts$5percar.OtherroadsonPugetIslandmakeanexcellentplaceforbicycling.They’reflat,andthere’slittletraffic.It’sabout�0milesallthewayaroundtheisland.
PuGET iSlAnd
reLax & expLoreAcoupleofcharmingtowns—andahistoricbridge—linetheroadwestfromLongviewtothebeach.Cathlametseemslikeasmalltownof50yearsago,andSkamokawafocusesontheColumbiaRiver.Inbetweenthemsprawlsawildliferefugewithdeer,elkandbirds.
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Pronounced“Skah-MOCK-away,”theriver-sidevillageSkamokawapacksalotoftouristdestinationsintoitstinysize.TheRiverLifeInterpretiveCenter,animposingstructurebuiltin�894asaschool,towersabovethehighway.Onthegroundfloorofwhat’scalledRedmenHallisagiftshopandgallery,whichisopennoon-4p.m.ThursdaysthroughSundays.Itfeaturesexhibitsofartwithalocalflavor.Thesecondfloorhousesexhibitsshowingthearea’shistory.DriveacoupleofblocksdownSteamboatSloughRoadtolookatLurlineHall,anicelyrestored�9��buildingonpilingsthatwasonceasteam-
boatlanding.Skamokawaalsofeaturesthe�8-acreVistaParkontheColumbiaRiver,whichoffersfishing,picnicking,boatingandbeachcombing.Theparkincludestennisandbasketballcourts,abaseballfield,walkingpaths,alargeplayingfield,�5campsitesandfiveyurts—circular,domedtentsonplatformswithenoughspaceforafamilytocampinside.Reservations:�60-795-8605orvistapark.wordpress.com.ForfurtherinformationonCathlametandSkamokawa,calltheWahkiakumChamberofCommerceat�60-795-9996orvisitWahkiakumChamber.com
SkAmokAWA
ThecommunityofGraysRiverinwesternWahkiakumCountyhasjustacoupleofstores,thoughitsmostfamousfeatureisashortdetouroffthehighway.Thecommunity’shistoricalclaimtofameisacoveredbridgebuiltin�905.The�58-foot-longbridgeisthelastsuchstructureonapublicroadwayinthestate.Originallybuiltatacostof$�,700,itwentthroughamajorrenovationin�989.Driveacrossitswoodplankdeckandimagineyou’reinahorse-drawnbuggy.ThebridgeisaccessedbyLoopRoad.ForinformationontheElocho-manandGraysrivers,seePage�8.
GRAyS RivER
Bringyourcameratocaptureaplethoraofwildlife
There’salwayssomeonehavingfunatSkamokawa’s
VistaPark
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astoria
NestledamongalineupofshopsisAstoria’shistoricalgem–TheMaritimeMuseum–whichprovidesaretroactivepeekatthehistoryoftheColumbiaRiver.Acapsizedshipinthemuseum’swindowmakesithardtomissthisnauticaltimecapsule.Inside,visitorslearnabouteverythingfromtheperiloustripsofthemanyshipsthathavetraversedtheColumbiaRivertoahands-onlookatareconstructedUSNavyDestroyerbridge.Walkaroundthebridgetobeinstantlytransportedbackintime.ThemuseumalsodedicatesspacetovideofootageoftheColumbiaRiverbar–atreacherouspathforseagoers–andthehistoryofgillnetting.Themuseumisopendailyfrom9:�0a.m.to5p.m. >> crmm.org
columbiA RivER mARiTimE muSEum
lightship columbia: TakeinviewsfromaboardthedockedLightshipColumbia,anout-of-commissionshipthatwasonceusedasalight-houseoffthemouthoftheColumbia.Checkouttheofficer’squartersandradioroombelowdecktogetaglimpseofwhatlifewaslikeforthosemanningthelightship.
Astoria-megler bridge: TotakeinaviewoftheColumbiaRiver,drivetheAstoria-MeglerBridge,whichconnectsOregontoWashingtonandtrailsintoscenicHighway�0�.
Goonies House: StepintothemoviewithavisittothehousethatwasusedonsetofTheGoonies.Itisat�68�8thSt.atDuane.>> Oregonfilmmuseum.org
Climb the 125-foot tall astoria Column for a spectacular view of the city, as well as the Colum-bia river, pacific ocean (see above).
Astoria Music Festival
KEITH CLARK, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
astoriamusicfestival.org 503.325.989
JUNE 13–29
Metropolitan
Angela Meade
“…one vocal thrill after another.” NEW YORK TIMES
CoHo ChartersCoHo Chartersand motel
“The Fish Finders”Salmon Sturgeon
Best Sturgeon & Salmon Fishing
May through September Beautiful Boats
experienced Skippers
Bring Coupon for $10 oFF
Charter Fishing Since 1956PO Box 268, Ilwaco, WA 98624
www.cohocharters.com1-800-339-2646
“one Call
does It all”
trips starting at $11225 + tax
4544
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Ifatriptothemuseumstillleavesyouthirstingformorefromthearea,kickbackatFortGeorgeBrewery,whichisashortwalkfromthemuseum.CraftbeerisbrewedonsiteatFortGeorge,whichisseatedinwhatwasformerlyanautomotiveservicestation.Thebeerisservedinmasonjarsalongsideampleportionsofitsmanydishes,includinghouse-madesausages,plumpburritosandorganicfries.Ifyou’renotinthemoodforabigdinner,nurseabeeronthetopdeckoftherestaurantinthecompanyoflivemusicanddancing.Thepubisopen��a.m.to��p.m.weekdays,��a.m.to��a.m.weekendsand��p.m.to��p.m.Sundays.Fortaproomhoursandalivemusicschedule,visitfortgeorgebrewery.com.
Thedowntownstripboastsatreasuretrekofyesteryear’sitems.ShopssellingusedwarespepperthestreetsinAstoria,cateringtothosewhoprefervintageorretrofinds.Thehuntisonasyoumakeyourwaythroughthedown-townarea,whichhasthesamevintagefeelasmanyofitsstores’treasures.
dininG dESTinATion doWnToWn
5�
5�
seaview
Hereyoucanfollowagentlepathalongtheshorelineorspotawinterpopulationoftrum-peterswans.Seaview,consid-eredoneofthebestexamplesofearlycoastalcommunitiesintheNorthwest,wasfoundedin�88�andquicklybecametheplaygroundforwealthyvacationersfromPortland.Thefinehousesandcottagesliningitslanesprovideaniceplacetowalkorbike.There’sapocketofantiqueshopsandmalls,plusfinecuisineattheShoalwaterRestaurant.
Long Beach
AtthecommercialhubofthePeninsulayou’llfindarcadesandgo-carts,alongwithrestaurants,galleries,kiteshops,giftshops,bakeriesandbookstoresand...averylongbeach.Oneofthebetter-knownattractionsisJaketheAlligatorMan,whoresidesinaglasscaseatMarsh’sFreeMuseum,actuallyanoffbeatstore.Jakeappearstobeasmallmummifiedhumanfromthewaistupandagatorinhislowerextremities.We’llletyoubethejudge.
washington coast
5�
The Long Beach Peninsula’s beach, 28 miles long, is one of the longest continuous sandy beaches in North America, and there’s public access every few miles. The Boardwalk is a short walk from most places in downtown. The elevated path is nearly a half-mile long and features interpretive displays, sitting areas and great views. Most of the beach is open to motorized vehicles. During summer months, 1.4 miles of the beach is closed to vehicles, between Seaview and the Bolstad access in Long Beach.
Fun in the sun!
ilwaco
ThevintagefishingvillageofIlwaco,withitsbusymarinaforcommercialandpleasureboats,datesbacktothe�880s.ItsportisnestledjustinsidetheColum-biaRiverbar.ThePortofIlwacoisarealworkingfishingvillage.SeveralcharterboatcompaniesoffertripsintothelowerColum-biaRiverandouttotheoceantocatchsalmonandsturgeon.Guestmoorageisavailableyear-round.Themarinawaterfrontdrawsvisitorsforitsrestaurants,giftshops,galleries,retailseafoodoutlets,baristasandbookstore.
ocean park
HeadingnorthfromLongBeach,you’llwanttostopinOceanPark,homeoftheannualNorthwestGarlicFestival,June�4-�5thisyear.OceanParkhasgrownintoafull-serviceseasidecom-munitythatwelcomessome�0,000seasonalresidentseachsummer.Beforeyourvisit,makesureyougotoOPWA.comandprintouttheOceanParkAreaWalkingTour,whichtakesvisitorspastlocallandmarksandhistoricalbuild-ings.AmongthehighlightsofthetourisTheWreckage,ahomebuiltin�9��largelyfrommaterialssalvagedfromthebeach.ThehomeisnowontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.
nahcotta
ThissmallfishingtownontheWillapaBaysideofthePeninsulaoffersabeautifulviewofthebayandLongIsland.YoucanexploretheNahcottaTidelandsInterpretiveSiteandlearnabouttheshellfish,wildlifeandplantsoftheWillapaBayecosystemattheinterpretivecenterinOceanPark.Thecenter,areplicaofanoysterstationhouse,celebratesthehistoryofoystergrowinginWillapaBay.�60-665-4547
oysterville
NorthofNahcottaisOysterville,placedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesin�976.Homesheredateto�86�andgracetree-linedstreets.The�89�churchisopentothepublic.Oystervilleboaststhestate’soldestoperatingpostoffice—andlikelythesmallest.It’sattheOystervilleStore,acombinationgrocery/souvenir/bookstore.
Timeless.
Invigorating.
Delicious.
funbeach.com800.451.2542
heritage Museum
TheColumbiaPacificHeritageMuseum,��5S.E.LakeSt.inIlwaco,celebratesthehistoryandcultureofSouthwestPacificCountyandthemouthoftheColumbiaRiver.IthasexhibitsabouttheChinookIndiantribe,includingatra-ditionaldugoutcanoe.Exploreapioneervillageandlearnaboutfishing,loggingandcranberryfarming.Andthere’sareplicaofatownstreet,circa�9�5,withbarbershop,barandchurch.ThroughAugustthisyear,there’saspecialex-hibitonthe��5thanniversaryofthe“ClamshellRailroad,”whichonceranalongthebeach.>> Columbiapacificheritagemuseum.org
World Kite Museum
TheonlysuchinstitutioninNorthAmerica,theWorldKiteMuseumfeaturesfantastickitesfromaroundtheworldandthroughouthistory.Themu-seumboastsacollectionofmorethan�,500kites,includingthemostcompletecollectionofJapanesekitesoutsideJapan.Themuseumisat�0�SidSnyderDrive,LongBeach.It’sopen��a.m.to5p.m.daily,MaythroughSeptember.Admissionis$5foradults,$4forseniorsand$�forchildren.>> Worldkitemuseum.com
washington coast
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fort Columbia
BuilttodefendtheColumbiaRiverfrom�896to�947,FortColumbianearChinookwasfullymannedandoperationalthroughthreewars.Today,visi-torswillfindpicnicareas,hikingtrailsandhistoricalbuildingsatthestatepark.Peerintotheinnardsofthemassivegunem-placements.Youcanevenstayovernightinoneoftheheritagehouses.Hoursvaryinthesum-merandwinter.AstateparksDiscoverPassisrequired.
Cape Disappointment
OneofWashington’smostpopularstateparks,CapeDisappointmentcoversnearly�,000acreswithavarietyofcampsitesandpicnicareasthatprovidedramaticviewsoftheoceanandtheColumbiaRiverEstuary.Visitorsalsocanexplorebunkersofanoldmilitaryfort,hiketotheCapeDisappoint-mentandNorthHeadlighthouses,wanderthroughcoastalforests,viewwildlifefromtheNorthJetty,exploreBeard’sHolloworWaikikiBeach,orvisittheLewisandClarkInterpretiveCenter,describedatright.Theparkis�milessouthwestofIlwacoonLoop�0�.ADiscoverPassisrequired,>> parks.wa.gov
Lewis & Clark interpretive Center
ThebestmuseumtolearnabouttheLewisandClarkExpeditioninthesepartsistheinterpretivecenterthatbearstheexplorers’names.Percheduponacliff,ontopoftwogunemplacementsthatonceguardedtheColumbiaRiver’smouth,istheLewisandClarkInterpretiveCenteratCapeDisappointment.Thecenterallowsvisitorstorelivethe�804-�806journeyofTheCorpsofDiscoveryonaself-guidedwalkthroughdisplays,paintings,artifacts,photographsandentriesfromtheoriginaljournals.Thecenterisopen�0a.m.to5p.m.dailyyearround.Costis$�foradultsandseniors,and$�forchildrenages7-�7.>> Capedisappointment.org
see the Light
TakeshorthikestoexploretheNorthHeadlighthouse(seenhere)andtheCapeDisappointmentlighthouse.Bringyourcamera,becausesweeping,postcard-esqueviewsareeverywhereyouturn.
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washington coast
Leadbetter point
PerchedonthetipoftheLongBeachPeninsulaisLeadbetterPointStatePark,whichseparatesWillapaBayfromthePacificOcean.LeadbetterPointborderstheWillapaNationalWildlifeRefuge.Tensofthousandsofshorebirdsfeedandresthereduringspringandfallmigration.Here,visitorscanenjoyhiking,fishing,birdwatchingandclamming.StateRoute�0�endsatLeadbetterPointStatePark.>> parks.wa.gov
Cranberries
TheCranberryMuseumspotlightsthehistoryandmethodsoffarmingthisbitterfruit,whichhasbeenaroundformorethan�00yearsinSouthwestWashington.Tourthemuseum’s�0-acredemonstra-tioncranberryfarmorshopfortreatsinthegiftshop.Peakgrowingseasonismid-Septemberthroughharvestinearlytomid-October.Don’tmissthecrimsonbogsduringharvesttime.Themuseumisat�907PioneerRd.,LongBeach.>> cranberrymuseum.com
Watch artists carve
epic sandcastles at the annual
sandsations in Long Beach,
July 16-20
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Motel RV & Tent Sites
Reservations1-800-835-4634
(360) 665-4585
Waterfront Dining
Saturday Market, May–September
PORT OF ILWACO
- Charter Fishing -- Waterfront Dining -
- Fresh Seafood -- Shopping -
- Working Waterfront -
Saturday Market,May–September
at the Port of Ilwaco MarinaLocated at the mouth of
the Columbia River
Follow us on Facebookat Discover Ilwaco
www.portofilwaco.com360-642-3143
Clam digging
ThousandsflocktotheLongBeachPenin-suladuringdigs—abouteightweekendsperyear.Everydigiscontingentonhavinghealthyenoughclams.Forupdatedinformation,calltheDepartmentofFishandWildlifehotlineat�60-696-6���ext.�0�0.>> wdfw.wa.gov
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Cannon Beach
ThissandystretchoftheOregonCoastisbestknownasthehomeofHaystackRockanditshabitatofsealife.It’soneofthefewplacesyoucanabsorbanintimateviewofstarfish,anemoneandotherdelicateseacreaturesthatresideintherockytidepooladjacenttoHaystackRock.Tryyourhandatmaneuveringthejaggedrocks,butbecarefultomindtheircolorfulinhabitants.Ifeveryoutireoftheoceanscenery,thecozytown’sstreetsarelinedwithcoffeeshops,eateriesandartexhibits.Fortheoenophile,theWineShackoffersSaturdaytastingsandengagingchatterwithasommelierinitsquaintshop.ArtexhibitsfeaturingworkthatdrawsfromlocalsceneryalsoareacommonfixtureinCannonBeach.Unwindattheendofthedayatoneofitsmanyrestaurants,includ-ingBill’sTavernandBrewhouse.>> cannonbeach.org
AshortdrivefromCannonBeach,Seasidemaintainsamorecasualvibewithitslineupofshopsthattouteverythingfromsweettreats(icecream,anyone?)tobeachware.Dogsareacommonstapleontheboardwalkthatfringesthebeach,soleashupyourpuporfindyourstridesolointhesun.Foranaddedchallenge,takeyourpoochtothesandandcombthebeachforsanddollars.Thesandystretchesaredottedwiththejaggedpiecesofsealife.Therealchallengeisfindingonestillintact.Seasidealsooffersmyriadoptionsforthoselookingtogetactive.Kayaks,canoes,paddleboats,bikesandsurfboardsareavailabletorentiftraversingthecoastonfootisn’tenough.>> Seasideor.com
oregon coast
seaside
PlentytoseeatEcolaStateParkbetweenSeasideandCannon
Beach
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hiDDen geMsHighway 101 meanders along the rugged coastline through bustling coastal towns between sea cliffs, beaches and sea stacks. Explore everything in between from As-toria to Lincoln City and beyond. Don’t miss hiking a network of trails, exploring hidden tide pools and visiting iconic lighthouses.
ViewfromEcolaStateParklookingsouth
towardCannonBeach
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tillamook
Knownasthelandof“cheese,trees,andoceanbreeze,”Tillamookofferswhalewatching,duneclimbing,animpressivecollectionof�0WarBirdsattheTillamookAirMuseumandthestate’slargestcolonyofpuffins.Mostfamously,itisthehomeoftheTillamookCreamery,wherethecooperativemakescheese,yogurtandicecream.Morethan�milliontourthefactoryeachyear. >> GoTillamook.com
pacific City
YoucansipabrewfromthebeachsideporchofPelicanPub,amicrobreweryrightinfrontofHaystackRock.Thisaward-winningbreweryisagoodlaunchingpointforhiking,camping,bikingandbeach-combing.Don’tmissthedorymentakingoffatthebottomofCapeKiwanda(doryfishingboatsarelaunchedfromthesurf).>> Pacificcity.org
oregon coast
Lighthouses gaLoreNine sentinels stand tall along the Oregon coast. Seven are open to the public, and many offer tours. From north to south: Tillamook Rock (seen here, near Cannon Beach)cape meaRes (near Tillamook)Yaquina Head (near Newport)Yaquina BaY (near Newport)HeceTa Head (near Florence)umpqua RiveR (near Reedsport)cape aRago (near Coos Bay)coquille RiveR (near Bandon)cape Blanco (near Port Orford)
6�
Lincoln City
With7,500permanentresidents,LincolnCityisoneofthelargertownsontheOregonCoast.Alongwithplentyofbeachaccessandshopping,LincolnCityalsoofferstheChinookWindsCasinoandtheupscaleSalishanResort.There’salsoaglassartstudio.LincolnCityis95milessouthofCannonBeach.FromSouthwestWashington,thequickestwaytogetthereisheadsouthonI-5toPortland,thensouthwestonHighway�8.>> Oregoncoast.org
southern coast
SouthofLincolnCityonHighway�0�,you’lltravelthroughDepotBay(whalewatching),Newport(aquarium),Florence(playonthedunes),CoosBay(myrtlewood),Bandon(gogolfing),andGoldBeach(jetboats).>> Visittheoregoncoast.com
Atlowtide,explorethetidepools.Athightide,enjoythemanycoastal
eateries.
6�
OnawindypointintheopenreachesoftheeasternColumbiaRiverGorgestandsanimposingwood-and-stonemuseumwithacollectionthateasilymatchesthatoflargerinstitutions.The48,�00-square-footColumbiaGorgeDiscoveryCenterandMuseumincludesfourattractions:theForestService’smuseumofnaturalandhu-manhistoryintheGorge,theWascoCountyHistoricalMuseum,aseparateexhibitabouttheLewisandClarkExpedition,andaraptorshowfeaturingninebirdsofprey.Throughspringandsummer,workersshowoffthetwogreat-hornedowls,twobaldeagles,twokestrels,arough-leggedhawk,ascreechowlandared-tailedhawkinraptorsinthecenter’s�40-seatauditoriumat��a.m.and�p.m.everyday.>> gorgediscovery.org
columbiA GoRGE diScovERy cEnTER mARyHill muSEum oF ART
Itmayseemoddtofindaworld-classcol-lectionofRodinsculpturesintheremotereachesoftheGorge,butconsiderthemu-seum’shistory.ThewealthyandeccentricSamuelHillbuiltthecastle-likestructureashishome,butitwasdedicatedasamuseumin�9�6,withavisitbythequeenofRoma-nia.Todaythemuseumhouses87Rodinsincludinghiswell-known“TheThinker,”�00chesssets,Orthodoxicons,paintingsandNativeAmericanart.>> maryhillmuseum.org.
The columbia River Gorge is a scenic wonder, with peaks towering as much as 5,000 feet above the river. it’s also flowing with tourist attractions, from windsurfing to wine-tasting. There’s plenty to keep visitors busy for several days.
And muSEum
STonEHEnGE
AnothereasternGorgeoddityisthefull-scalemodeloftheNeolithicmonumentinEngland.Unliketheoriginal,thisone’smadeofconcrete.Stonehill,alsobuiltbySamuelHill,isthreemileseastoftheMaryhillMuseum,justoffHighway�4.
columbia gorge
WindsurfinginHoodRiver
6�
Hood RivER
Thisvibranttownhasbecomeameccaforallthingsoutdoors.Insummer,thewindyreachesoftheColumbiaRiveroffHoodRiverattractwindsurfersfromaroundtheworld.Infall,thenearbyorchardsoftheHoodRiverValleysellfruitbybushel.Inwinter,downhillandcross-countryskiingareasarelessthananhour’sdriveaway.Andhikingtrailsandfishingareavailableyear-round.Thetownitselfiswell-suppliedwithtrendyeateriesandshopsthatareconstantlyevolving,invitingreturnvisits.Parkalongthemainstreet,OakStreet,andexplore.AtoneendistheHoodRiverHotel,arenovated�0�-year-oldstructurewithfinediningandelegant,thoughcozy,rooms.OakStreetalsohasabrewery,afly-fishingshopandclothingandgiftshops.Downatthewaterfront,parkandwatchthewindsurfers.Beginnerscansignupforalessonfromoneofthetown’sshops.
columbia gorge destinations
mulTnomAH FAllS Oregon’sfamous6�0-foot-tallcascadeisthemostpopulartouristattractioninthestate.Mostpeoplestrollafewyardstothebaseofthefalls.Anetworkoftrailsswitchbacksupthehillandconnectswithothernearbyfalls,buttheserouteswon’tbeopenuntilaroundMemo-rialDayin�0�4.
bonnEvillE dAm ThisisthefirstdambuiltonthelowerColumbiaRiverandit’sstillthemostimpres-siveone.TheCorpsofEngineersoperatesavisitorcenterthatexplainsthedam’shistoryandpowergeneration.Andinfall,youcanseehundredsofsalmonswimmingupthefishladder.Oneofitsclaimstofameis“HermantheSturgeon,”an��-footfishinatank.OntheOregonside,anglerscanfishfromRobinsandBradfordIslands.
cAScAdE lockS ThetownofCascadeLocksmaybebest-knownasthelocationoftheBridgeoftheGods,anarrowsteelstructurethat’stheonlybridgeacrosstheColumbiaRiverformiles.Butdon’toverlookthetown’sMarineParkafewblockstotheeastandgrabsomeicecreamandaburgerattheiconicEastWindDrive-In.TakeExit44ofI-84inOregon.
HikES
Historic columbia River Highway State Trail —threepartstotalmorethan��miles,goodforafamilybicycling,andpopularwithhikers,too.You’llseetwotunnels,avisitorcenter,cliff-sidevistasandaccesstoafewstateparks.
Theupperportionofcolumbia Hills State Park andadjacentColumbiaHillsNaturalAreaPreservearetwoofthebestplacesforeasternGorgeflower-watching.Theareaisabout8mileseastofTheDalles.
coyote Wall/catherine creek isadra-maticgeologicalodditythatformsagi-ant,�-mile-longstepontheWashingtonsideoftheGorge.Atopthe�00-foottallcliffaremilesofopen,rollingmeadow.
Eagle creek isajump-offpointforahalf-dozentrails,butmostlyisknownforitsconcentrationofworld-classwater-falls—��.It’sabout7.5milestothelasttwo,TunnelFallsandTwisterFalls.Butmanywalk�.9milestoPunchbowlFalls.dmytrok/Flickr
ColumbiaGorgeDiscoveryCenterandMuseum
PunchbowlFallsonEagleCreek
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columbia gorge
RiFFE lAkE
At606feethigh,MossyrockDamisthetall-estinWashington.RiffeLake,theimpound-mentbehindthedam,reachesfor��miles,withseveralpublicparksandboatlaunchesmaintainedbyTacomaPublicUtilities.Foraquicklookatthetopofthedam,stopattheparkinglotjustoffHighway��,��mileseastofI-5.Aconcretefishingpier,completewithrodholders,hugsthecliff,andpeoplereelinseveralspeciesoffish.Afull-fledgedpark,MossyrockPark,isontheothersideofthereservoir,accessedthroughthetownofMossyrock.The640-acreparkhasa�5�-sitecampgroundandaswimmingarea.
mAyFiEld lAkE
You’reneverfarfromwateratIkeKinswaStatePark,whichhugstheshorelineofMayfieldLakewheretheTiltonandCowlitzriversflowintoit.The454-acreparkhasalmost9milesofwaterfront.Someofthepark’s�0�campsitesaredispersedamidtreesalongthelake,andtheparkhasfivecabinsthatcanbereserved.Toreachthepark,drive�4milesonHighway��fromI-5,thennorthontoSR���(SilverCreekRoad)Go�.9milestotheY-intersection,thencontinueonSR���(HarmonyRoad)eastfor�.6milestothepark.OrstopbyMayfieldLakePark.Ithas55campsites,aboatlaunchandaswimmingarea.
lAkE ScAnEWA
Theterm“lake”mayseemastretchforLakeScanewa,the6�0-acrereservoircreatedin�994whenCowlitzFallsDamwascompleted.TheU-shapedlakeextends�0.5milesuptheCowlitzRiverand�.5milesuptheCispus.Infall,theareaisregularlystockedwithsurplussalmon,anditgetstrout,too.The��0-acrecampgroundisabout5milesupstreamontheCowlitz,wherethereservoirlookslikeariver.Acrosstheriver,bluffstowermorethan�,000feet.Thecampgroundhas�00sites.Toreachit,takeHighway��SavioRoad,whichisabout46mileseastofI-5,andfollowthesigns.
CowlitzRivernearMayfieldLake
LakeScanewa
WhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResort
R a i l R oa d & M u s e u MC h e h a l i s - C e n t R a l i a
may 24 - aug 31saturdays & sundayssept 6 - sept 27saturdays only
saturdays1pm | 3pm | 5pmmemorial day & labor day
1pm | 3pm
for more information: steamtrainride.com | 360-748-9593 |
I-5 exit 77
sundays1pm | 3pm
steam train rides in 1920’s coaches pulled by a 1916 steam locomotive.
r e g u l a r s e a s o n s c h e d u l e
spec ial eventsmurder mystery dinner trainsdinner trainseaster trainspumpkin trainssanta steam trains
the polar expressreservations required
™
sCeniC BYWaYHighway 12 through Eastern Lewis
County is called the White Pass Scenic Byway. The major two-lane
route leads over that mountain pass — but there’s plenty to see
and do on the way there. Trophy fishing, mountaineering,
skiing, rock climbing ... experience all of it along
this amazing route through Washington’s Cascades.
TAidnAPAm PARk
Attheupper(eastern)endofRiffeLake,thiscampgroundfeatures�6�pleasantsitesinthetrees.There’salsoanimpressivefishingbridgeovertheCowlitzRiverwhereitflowsintoRiffe.Evenonnastydays,thewheelchair-accessiblebridgeattractsanglersfromafar,whotrytheirluckforcoho.Toreachthepark,takeHighway��forapproximately�7miles(5milespastMorton).TurnrightonKosmosRoad,thenleftontoChampionHaulRoad,whichispaved.Driveapproximately4milestotheparkentrance.Onthewaytotheparkinsummer,youmayseeparaglidersfloatingoverhead;theylaunchfromPetermanRidge.
PAckWood
TheareaaroundPackwoodandWhitePasscontainsdozensofopportunitiesforhiking.Oneoftheeasieronesisthe4ƒ-miletrailtolovelyPackwoodLake.It’satarelativelylowelevation,soit’ssnow-freemuchoftheyear.Thelakeis�mileslongandhalfamilewide;thepeaksoftheGoatRocksWilder-nessAreatoweraboveitsupperend.Ithascampsitesandanoldrangerstation(butnolongerageneralstore).TrailNo.78isopentohikersandhorsebackridersonly.ThenearbyPipelineRoadTrailisalsoopentoATVsandmountainbikes.Toreacheither,takeSnyderRoad(ForestRoad��60)fromthetownofPackwood6milestothetrailhead.
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