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trip ideas:more than

100 family fun festivals

find the perfect camping spot

discover a new fishing hole

A supplement of

Columbia Views

your next

Adventure Awaits

FREEYour guide to SW Washington & NW Oregon

+ miles of beaches

+ scenic drives+ world-class wildlife

+ MAPS INSIDE

2012 travel planner

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welcomewelcome

STAFFPublisher Rick ParrishEditor Evan CaldwellAssociate Editor Rieva LesterLead Photographer Bill WagnerPhotographers Roger Werth, Evan Caldwell, Tom Paulu

Lead Writer Tom PauluWriter Brenda McCorkleWebsite Designer Bradley Beach

Advertising Managers Steve Quaife and Marianne Chambers

Graphic Artists Jolene Williamson, Barbara Chapman, Marc Monge, Diann Abbott and Ryan Arlint

Ad Layout Designer Susan Robinson

ConTEnTS

Mount St. Helens ....... 4

Hiking .......................... �0

Wildlife ........................ ��

Outdoor fun ................ �4

Road biking ................ �6

Mountain biking and skate parks ......... �8

Art and music ............. �0

Camping ..................... ��

Golf.............................. �4

Festivals ...................... �6

Map of area ................ 30

Longview .................... 3�

Kelso ........................... 36

Kalama ....................... 38

Castle Rock ................ 40

Woodland ................... 44

Columbia County ....... 46

Wahkiakum County ... 48

Astoria ........................ 50

Washington coast ...... 5�

Oregon coast .............. 58

White Pass .................. 6�

Columbia Gorge ......... 64

Wineries ...................... 66

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Whichever direction you look from within the Lower Columbia region, the views are outstanding. Our annual tourism guide, Columbia Views, will help you decide the best areas to visit.

The pages that follow tell how to make the most of a visit to Mount St. Helens. It’s been 32 years since its eruption changed the local landscape — and the volcano became the main tourist attraction in the Longview-Kelso area.

The harsh but beautiful landscape around the volcano has plenty of competition for sightseeing in the Lower Columbia region.

For a completely different experience, follow the route of Lewis and Clark, who spent the winter of 1805-06 near Astoria, Ore. 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 a century after they were built.

Or venture upstream along the Columbia through its magnifi-cent gorge, which abounds in hiking and tourist attractions.

Still other fishing and camping adventures await along High-way 12, which leads east over the Cascades.

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.

May your views of the Columbia region be good.

The Daily News PO Box �89 770 ��th Ave.Longview, WA 9863�phone �-800-34�-4745web tdn.com/ColumbiaViews

For information or to advertise in our next issue, call 360-577-�55�.Columbia Views is published by The Daily News and distributed throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon. Copies are available at select businesses and destinations throughout the region and at The Daily News, 770 ��th Ave., Longview, WA © Columbia Views, �0�� The Daily News, a Lee Enterprises newspaper.

BRInG YoUR CAMERAFor the best overview of the area, head over the Lewis and Clark Bridge, built in the 1920s and airy at 195 feet high. When you reach the Oregon side, head west, uphill on Highway 30. Pull off in one of the turn-offs to see the Longview-Kelso area, mills, ships at anchor and all Ð after the fog lifts. On clear days, you' ll see Mount St. Helens looming in the east and Mount Rainier in the distance.

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Mount St. Helens (Silver Lake) Visitor Center isn’t just a place to learn about the volcano, it’s one of the most impressive public buildings in the region — as are other visitor centers farther up the road.

Even if you’re not planning to go all the way to the moun-tain, the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is worth a trip. You can easily spend an educational 90 minutes seeing everything at Cowlitz County’s largest museum. It of-fers lessons in geology, history and, of course, volcanology.

A 36- by -��-foot mural of the volcano’s billowing cloud of ash and steam greets visitors at the center, 5 miles up Spirit Lake Memorial Highway from Interstate 5.

The center is owned and operated by Washington State Parks, so federal access passes aren’t valid.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily May through Sept. �5 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in other months. Cost: $5 adults, $�.50 ages 7-�7, $�5 per family. Fee covers admission to this center only.

Contact: 360 �74-096�; www.parks.wa.gov/stewardship/mountsthelens

Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center, owned and oper-ated by Cowlitz County, was remodeled in �009. It has expanded exhibits and the Fire Mountain Grill restaurant, along with a gift shop.

In summer, Hillsboro Aviation offers helicopter tours starting at Hoffstadt Bluffs, weather permit-ting. The cost is $99 per person and up, depend-ing on duration.

The center is �7 miles up the highway. Admission is free. It’s open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Contact: 360-�74-5�00; www.hoffstadtbluffs.com

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Your journey to Mount St. Helens up Spirit Lake Memorial Highway is dotted with these magnificent day-trip destinations.

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake

Grab lunch at the

Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center

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Johnston Ridge

5

Toutle River

valley

Johnston Ridge observatory boasts the best view-point into Mount St. Helens' crater accessible by road.

The base of the volcano looms just 3 miles away, with the sharp summit ridge twice as far. The observatory sits atop a �,000-foot-high cliff, adding to the drama.

The building itself houses a high-tech theater and big volcano model along with exhibits on geology and the �980 eruption. Displays and equipment were updated last year, and a new �50-seat amphitheater will open June �6. The amphitheater will offer ranger talks, ju-nior ranger programs and evening music events.

The Eruption Trail outside makes a ¾-mile loop, or continue on the Boundary Trail for as many miles as you have time and energy for.

A trailer in the parking lot offers limited food service, such as hot dogs, snacks and drinks.

The observatory is at the east end of Spirit Lake Me-morial Highway, 54 miles from I-5.

Hours: �0 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from May �3 through Oct. �8.

Cost: $8 per day for those �6 and older, to visit the center or park in the lot. (This includes hikers who don' t go inside the building.)

Contact: 360-�74-��40; www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm

Toutle River

valley

Weyerhaeuser Forest Learning Center exhibits tell about the pre-erup-tion forest and how the company salvaged downed timber. Weyerhaeuser lost �0,700 acres of timber to Mount St. Helens' fury.

From observation areas outside the center visitors can use telescopes to spot elk in the Toutle Valley below. Volunteers sometimes help point them out. There' s also a gift shop and playground.

This year, the center' s exhibits will be open more days than last season. Hours: �0 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays May ��-June �5, and on Memorial Day. After that, it will be open Fridays through Mondays through Labor Day, and also on July 4.

Contact: www.mountsthelens.com/Forest-Learning-Center 360-�74-7750; Admission is free.

History 101Mount St. Helens' erup-tion on May �8, �980, killed 57 people and per-manently changed the local landscape. Since then, the volcano has spawned a wealth of tourist attractions.

Three decades after the eruption, visitors can easily spend two or three days checking out all the volcano-related trails, visitor centers and scenic drives.

The best views into the crater are from Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, which has four visitor centers. South of the volcano is the climb-ing route, a fascinat-ing cave and a dramatic canyon. Or drive all the way around the peak to Windy Ridge, which has still more breathtaking views.

TDn.com/HelensA comprehensive

look back at the �980 eruption with historic photos and editions of The Daily News, time-lapse satellite images of the eruption, a timeline of events and a memo-rial map of victims.

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mount st. helens

This year is the 32nd anniversary of Mount St. Helens’ history-making eruption. The visitor centers, roads and trails around the peak offer plenty of places to

see signs of the devastation of that awe-inspiring day.Mount St. Helens began to erupt about 40,000 years

ago onto the eroded surface of a still-older volcano. Nine “pulses” of volcanic activity occurred in the millennia be-fore 1980, lasting from 100 to 5,000 years.

On March 20, 1980, rapidly increasing earthquakes on the mountain heralded a new phase of eruptive activity. A week later, the volcano began to spew ash and steam, and a new crater appeared.

At 8:32 a.m. on May 18, 1980, an earthquake registering

5.1 on the Richter scale shook the mountain. The quake jarred loose the mountain’s unstable north flank, which had been thrust outward 500 feet by the pressure of melt-ed rock. The largest landslide in recorded history tumbled down the mountain at 150 mph.

Within seconds, the uncapped pressure of superheated ground water and molten rock exploded out of the volca-no’s collapsing north flank. A black explosion burst from the mountain and ripped over the hills, lakes, camps and meadows.

From the barren area near the Coldwater Ridge and Johnston Ridge visitor centers, consider that heavy forest once covered the ground.

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You can hike to here

SEE FoR YoURSELF, CLIMB A VoLCAnoDespite the rare serious climbing accident or fatality, climbing Mount St. Helens is relatively safe in summer months, when the vast majority of climbers suffer nothing worse than sore muscles.

In past years, between ��,000 and ��,000 people have received climbing permits and more than 80 percent make it to the summit. To reach the top requires climbing 4,500 feet of elevation in five miles. Strong legs — but no technical climbing expertise — are needed.

Because of heavy spring snow, it’s likely the climbing route will be at least partly snow-covered well into summer.

Permits, which cost $�5 per person, are required to climb the mountain.

For more information, see fs.usda.gov/recmain/giffordpinchot/recreation

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mount st. helens

5Great places

+ nEW THIS YEAR:

Kayaking at Coldwater Lake

Volcano visitors will be able to take guided kay-ak and canoe trips this summer at Coldwater Lake.

Since Coldwater Lake opened to the public in �993, it' s been open for kayakers, canoers and boats with electric mo-tors. But this is the first time guided outings have been allowed on the lake.

The Forest Service has granted concessions to two outfitters Ð North-West EcoExcursions of Longview and Casca-dia Adventure Educa-tion School of Trout Lake Ð for paddle trips on the 750-acre lake northwest of the volcano.

nwecoexcursions.com

cascadia.org

Geocaching Galore

Geocachers have plenty of sites to search for along Spirit Lake Memo-rial Highway. Some are right near the road, while others require a drive or hike up a logging road, which may be closed to motorized vehicles.

The hidden caches have names like ª Spirit Run - Elk View.º

mountsthelens.com/geocache

1 VoLCAno DRIVE Cruise up Spirit Lake Memorial Highway and

check out the four visitor centers and a plethora of scenic turnouts for spectac-ular vistas of the volcano. If it' s cloudy, don' t despair. The drive up to Mount St. Helens sometimes leads you above the clouds. Check at the Silver Lake visitor center.

2 JoHnSTon RIDGE The closest you can get to the crater without the

climb is the Johnston Ridge Observatory It wows visitors with amazing views, interpre-tive trails, a high-tech theater and big volcano model along with exhibits on geology and the �980 eruption.

3 APE CAVES Try your hand at spelunking at the

Ape Caves, the longest lava tube in North America. (Don' t worry, this is a relatively easy route and guided tours are available.)

4 LAVA CAnYon Looking for adventure? Hike the trails at Lava

Canyon to see dramatic cliffs, lava formations and churning waterfalls.

5 SUMMIT A VoLCAno Want to tell your friends and family you climbed

a volcano? Then grab some water and sunscreen and start walking up ... 4,500 feet of el-evation in 5 miles to be exact. A permit and strong legs ± but no technical climbing exper-tise Ð are needed.

Spirit Lake Memorial Highway may get most of the glory, but don’t overlook the southern approach to Mount St. Helens. Because the south side didn’t suffer much devastation 31 years ago, there’s actually much more to do here.

One of the many natural wonders of Mount St. Helens is actually under-ground. A volcanic lava flow 2,000 years ago sculpted Ape Cave, a series of magical caverns and passages a few miles south of the volcano. At 12,810 feet in length, Ape Cave is the longest lava tube in North America.It’s three-quarters of a mile from the cave entrance to the lower end, a relatively easy route. For a longer ad-venture, head uphill from the entrance for about 1 ½ miles, climbing over no less than 27 piles of rock. (East of Cougar on Road 90 for 7 miles and turn left onto Road 83. Turn left again onto Road 8303. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at Ape Cave. Passes are available at the Apes’ Headquarters, which also rents lanterns and has information. Guided tours are given June 30 through Labor Day.)

About 3,500 years ago, lava flowed down a canyon a few miles from Mount St. Helens, forming giant blobs as big as three- or four-story buildings. There they sat, largely unnoticed, un-til a 1980 volcanic mudflow down the Muddy River scoured out the canyon, exposing dramatic cliffs, lava forma-tions and churning waterfalls that had been hidden. Now a system of loop trails 2 ½ miles long, some of it wheel-chair-accessible, serves the canyon. But beware: five people have fallen to their deaths from the area in recent years (it’s much more dangerous than climbing the volcano). Stay on the marked trails and keep children away from the fast-flowing water. (Take Road 90 east of Cougar for 7 miles, then turn left onto Road 83. Continue anoth-er 11 miles to the end of Road 83, which is paved all the way. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.)

SOUTHSIDE

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EAST SIDEWInDY RIDGEThe Windy Ridge viewpoint area boasts spectacular views of Spirit Lake and the vast pumice plain extending toward the peak. The drive there passes the dramatic line between green timber and trees splintered by the �980 eruption. Getting there requires about �00 miles of driving round-trip from the Longview-Kelso area.

Take Interstate 5 north to Highway ��, then go east to Randle. Then take Forest roads �5 and 99 toward Windy Ridge.

The last few miles of Road 99 are steep and winding. Several other viewpoints along the road offer views and talks by Forest Service field rangers through Labor Day.

Road 99 is expected to open around July 4. It will be closed past the Cascades Peaks viewpoint for five days after Labor Day while a cul-vert is replaced.

From the east, you can see Spirit Lake

Lew is River

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Mount AdamsRanger District

Mount St. Helens NVMAdminstrative District

Cowlitz ValleyRanger District

SwiftReservoirYale

Lake

Cougar

To Castle Rock

Mossyrock

ColdwaterLake Spirit

Lake

RiffeLake

Cow li tz River

N. Fork Toutle River

Randle

Yacolt

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Lake Merwin

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90

99

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Mount St. Helens NationalVolcanic Monument

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Pack a picnic lunch, a daypack and a camera to make the trip to the east side unforgettable

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hiking

1 BoUnDARY TRAIL The single most spectacu-lar hike near Mount St.

Helens is the Boundary Trail, which starts at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Day-hikers can go as far as they have the time and energy for, ranging from an hour-long stroll to a �3-mile roundtrip trek to the summit of 5,7�7-foot Coldwater Peak. Backpackers with permits can stay overnight at designated campsites.

For the first � ½ miles east of the Johnston Ridge visitor cen-ter, the trail stays near the edge of Johnston Ridge, which is at 4,�00 feet elevation.

Then the trail cuts across ª The Devil' s Elbow,º a steep side slope of pumice and not-very-stable earth, with drop-offs that can be disconcerting.

Two-and-one-half miles from the parking lot, you' ll reach an intersection with the Truman Trail, described below.

2 TRUMAn TRAIL The Truman Trail de-scends through a deeply

eroded valley, past a palette of colorful deposits.

It flattens out on the broad pumice plain between Spirit Lake and the volcano, with breathtaking views right into the crater.

It' s about � ½ miles from the Boundary Trail down to the Spirit Lake area, a good turn-around point for a one-day hike.

3 HUMMoCKS TRAIL 229 A loop of �.3 miles winds through the harsh land-

scape of the hummocks, de-bris deposited by the mudflow down the Toutle River Valley. To-day, it' s a land of marshes pop-ulated by birds and amphibians amid the dried pumice hills.

Elevation change is about 300 feet, so it' s an easier family hike than the Boundary or Truman trails.

The trailhead is across the highway from Coldwater Lake, on the way to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

4 SoUTH CoLDWATER TRAIL Another hike off Spirit

Lake Memorial Highway, this route starts near the lower end of Coldwater Lake and climbs

3.� miles up the ridge east of the lake, gaining �,300 feet. Much of the route is on old log-ging roads.

The trail (�30A) passes log-ging equipment that was blown off the hillside by the volcano' s force. A big shovel lies upside down, a sobering reminder of the �980 eruption' s power.

5 GoAT MoUnTAIn TRAIL A steep but well-built path climbs to some top-notch

alpine country in a relatively obscure part of Mount St. Hel-ens country, �� miles north of the volcano.

Goat Mountain Trail No. ��7 starts from Road �6��, near Ryan Lake in the upper Green River Valley. From elevation 3,�00 feet, the trail gains �,000 feet in fewer than two miles.

It traverses the ridge for about � miles, then dips to Deadmans Lake.

6 HARMonY TRAIL The Harmony Trail is the only trail that goes to the

shore of Spirit Lake.

The view across the lake in-cludes Harry' s Ridge and the foreboding peaks of the Mount Margaret Ridge. There' s a view into the crater from here, too.

The Harmony Trail No. ��4 starts near the end of Road 99. It descends gently but steadily for � mile to the lake.

7 noRWAY PASS If you' ve looked at many Mount St. Helens picture

books, you' ve seen a photo taken from Norway Pass. It' s

become the classic volcano view over a deep bay of Spirit Lake to the steaming crater, 7 miles away.

Norway Pass is a relatively easy �-mile hike, with an 800-foot elevation gain, on a portion of Boundary Trail No. �. Energetic hikers can continue as the trail climbs to Mount Margaret.

The hike starts at the Norway Pass Trailhead on Road �6, which is � miles north of Road 99.

8 FoRT To SEA TRAIL Modern day explorers can hike a trail that' s

close to the original route the Lewis and Clark Expedition fol-lowed from Fort Clatsop to the Pacific Ocean, west of Astoria, Ore.

10Explorers can head out every day for weeks in the Lower Columbia area and not hike all the trails. Here are some of the best ones to explore first.

Terrific Trails

Loowit Trail circles the base of Mount St. Helens

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The Fort to Sea Trail winds for 6 miles through forest and pasture, ending up at a broad sandy beach that' s much like what Capt. William Clark and his men saw in �807.

The trail includes a broad stretch ac-cessible to wheelchairs, several im-pressive bridges and even a tunnel under busy Highway �0�.

For maps and information, visit www.nps.gov/lewi/planyourvisit/forttosea.htm

9GnAT CREEK Trails go both directions from the Oregon Department

of Fish and Wildlife' s Gnat Creek Hatchery, which is �5 miles west of Clatskanie on Highway 30.

The lower trail goes for � ¼ miles along the peaceful creek to a camp-ground and another trailhead.

From the hatchery, the upper trail climbs past waterfalls and passes through some old growth before dead-ending after about � miles.

Trail maps are available at the hatchery.

www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIELD/ ASTORIA/State_Forest_Management/ recreation_main.shtml

10 ECoLA STATE PARK A report of bountiful whale blubber lured Capt.

William Clark over Tillamook Head in January �806.

These days, Cannon Beach has more enticing cuisine, but the trail Clark and members of his expedi-tion took is still there.

A loop trail in Ecola State Park follows Clark' s route closely. This � ½ mile-long trail has plenty of

Lewis & Clark Expedition interpre-tive markers, but even without the history, it' s a nice walk. Hikers me-ander past huge old-growth Sitka spruce trees, for views of the ocean from atop an 800-foot headland.

At the trailhead, pick up a brochure that describes historical and natu-ral sites along the way. Do the trail counterclockwise, as suggested, to save the best views for last.

The trail starts in fern-carpeted for-ests and levels out by a little cluster of shelters. A short side trail leads to the ruins of a WWII radar station and a view over the ocean, including Tillamook Rock, �.� miles offshore.

Ecola State Park is just south of Cannon Beach, which is �5 miles south of Astoria on Highway �0�. It costs $3 per day to visit the park.

Visit www.oregonstateparks.org or call 503-436-�844.

Starting in �0��, recreating outdoors in Washington required a new kind of pass in some locations.

The state Legislature created the Discover Pass, and tweaked the rules for �0��.

The Discover Pass is be required for vehi-cle access to recreation lands and water-access sites managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commis-sion, the state Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Depart-ment of Fish and Wildlife. State recreation lands include state parks, boat launches, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, campgrounds, trails and trailheads. One pass can be transferred between two ve-hicles owned by the same person.

Discover Passes cost $�0 per day or $30 per year.

Those who buy WDFW fishing licenses get a pass that' s good for that agency' s sites Ð but not the other places. Also, the fed-eral government has a different array of passes for Mount St. Helens, national for-ests and national parks.

discoverpass.wa.gov; 866-3�0-9933

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wildlifewildlife

Eagle eyeThe forests and fields of the Lower Columbia region hold thousands of deer, elk and other wildlife. Grab your camera and binoculars and head out to some of these places, which are especially designated for wildlife watching.

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MoUnT ST. HELEnS WILDLIFE AREA

In late �009, the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area in the Toutle River Valley more than doubled in size, though vis-itor access hasn' t changed much.

The area in the upper North Fork Toutle River valley, about �5 miles east of the town of Toutle, grew to 6,500 acres with a transfer of land from the state Department of Transportation. The newly added 3,800 acres range from mudflows on the valley floor to dense woods on surrounding slopes. Eventually, hiking trails may provide easy access to the area.

For now, however, walk-in access is via the 3�00 logging road at Milepost 3�, east of the big bridge over Hoffstadt Creek.

In summer, a few hundred elk live in the wildlife area, and walking or riding a horse among them is allowed, though dogs aren' t allowed. January through April, when the elk population can swell to more than 500, the area is closed to public access to prevent the elk from being disturbed.

Any time of year, you can see the elk with binoculars from the Weyerhaeuser visitor center at Milepost 33.5 on Spirit Lake Memorial Highway.

Website: wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/mount_saint_helens

RIDGEFIELD nATIonAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The 5,��8-acre Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge is a bird- watcher' s paradise, with up to �00,000 waterfowl spending the winter there. Many other species, from sandhill cranes to sparrows, can be seen, too.

The refuge has two hiking trails and a designated driving route. There' s also an authentic reproduction of a Chi-nook Indian plankhouse, much like the ones Lewis and Clark saw �05 years ago. It' s open on summer weekends.

To reach the refuge, take Exit �4 from I-5 and head west �.7 miles to the town of Ridgefield. Turn left on South Ninth Avenue, following the signs for the refuge' s River S Unit.

Admission costs $3 daily. 360-887-4�06.

Website: www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges

WHITE-TAILED DEER REFUGE

The Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed deer totals more than 6,000 acres of pasture, tidal swamps and sloughs along the Co-lumbia River between Cathlamet and Skamokawa. The refuge' s main purpose is to provide a sanctu-ary for the Columbian White-tailed deer, which are listed as endangered on the federal Endangered Species List.

You might get a glimpse of the small deer, though an ongoing program of tree planting gives the ani-mals better cover.

Limited hunting has reduced the elk population to around �5, far fewer than in past years, though there are more than 60 species of birds.

Future plans include a hiking trail, but for now the best way to visit is driving or bicycling on the peaceful roads that ring the refuge. One along the Columbia River washed out last winter, so check at refuge headquarters to see what' s open.

The national wildlife refuge is � miles west of Cathlamet on Highway 4.

360-795-39�5. Website: www.fws.gov/jbh

JEWELL MEADoWS

The Jewell Meadows wildlife area managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is a great place to admire elk, especially during winter. The ODFW takes care of more than �00 Roosevelt elk at the �,940-acre wildlife area, about a one-hour drive from Longview.

The site has four viewing areas with parking and picnic tables off of Highway �0�. To reach the ref-uge, take Highway 30 west from Rainier for �6 miles to Clatskanie. Head uphill on Highway 47 for �� miles to Mist. Go west on Highway �0� for �7 miles to Jewell, then another mile on �0� to the refuge.

503-755-��64 Website: www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/visitors/jewell_meadows_wildlife_area.asp

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outdoor fun

CoLUMBIA RIVER

The mighty Columbia River forms a boundary between Oregon and Washington and is a source of industry, recreation and scenic beauty.

The waterfront in Longview is devoted to industry, but plenty of public access is available nearby. Willow Grove County Park west of town has about a mile of sandy beach. The park just south of the Kalama mari-na is likewise a popular Columbia River beach. On the Oregon side of the river, try Rainier' s Riverfront Park, Prescott Beach and Dibblee Point for strolls Ð or fish-ing Ð along the beach.

West of Longview, Ocean Beach Highway (SR4) hugs the Columbia River shoreline for several miles before heading inland. The road rejoins the river briefly at Skamokawa, where Vista Park has camping and pic-nic tables.

CoWLITz RIVER

The Cowlitz River may cut through the county of the same name, but not much of it can be easily seen from roads.

The best place to stroll along the Cowlitz is near Castle Rock, where broad, mostly paved trails follow both sides of the river.

Aptly-named Riverside Park in Lexington has some river footage, as does the Cook Ferry Trail near Castle Rock.

In Kelso, a riverfront trail follows the Cowlitz for nearly � miles, though access is limited.

Longview' s Gerhart Gardens Park off Tennant Way (Highway 43�) has a short river beach, which gets larger when the river drops, exposing more sand.

Water, water everywhere, and quite a few places to drink up the scenery. No less than six rivers flow through Cowlitz County, and several others that flow out of the hills in neighboring counties invite exploration, too.

KALAMA RIVER

The Kalama is arguably the region' s prettiest river Ð and the one with the most public access.

A public trail follows the river' s lower mile or so in the Kalama industrial area, off Hendrickson Road.

To reach other scenic spots, just drive up Kalama River Road, where a boat launch and well-worn anglers' trails offer access.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Trail No. �38 follows the upper few miles of the river, north of Cougar. It' s ac-cessed from Forest Service Road 8�. Explorers can walk into an abandoned campground and find the Kalama' s source as it gurgles out of a natural spring.

www.fs.usda.gov/activity/giffordpinchot/recreation/hiking

LEWIS RIVER

The Lewis River flows from Mount Adams all the way to the Columbia River near Woodland, and much of its shores are accessible to the public.

Driving up Lewis River Road (Highway 503) from Wood-land, you' ll come to a boat launch in about 5 miles.

The lower Lewis River has three dams that form huge reservoirs: Lake Merwin, Yale Reservoir and Swift Reservoir. All have picnic grounds and boat launch-es operated by PacifiCorp, which also operates four campgrounds.

Above the reservoirs, the Lewis River flows freely through the woods in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, over a series of gushing waterfalls.

For information, see lewisriver.com or www.pacificorp.com/about/or/washington

ToUTLE RIVER

The Toutle River flows off of Mount St. Helens and is often muddy, though several places along it make for pleasant summer meandering.

The Toutle' s confluence with the Cowlitz can be popular with anglers. To reach it, park on Steelhead Drive, off Old Pacific Highway north of Castle Rock, and walk under the freeway and railroad bridges.

Starting about �5 miles east of Castle Rock, Spirit Lake Memorial Highway follows the Toutle for a sandy stretch. Stop at the Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Collection Facility just east of Kid Valley for another look at the river. Informal trails lead down to the Toutle and Green rivers. Or detour for several miles on South Toutle Road to Harry Gardner Park, where there' s access to the other side of the Toutle River.

In summer, hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders can walk from Spirit Lake Highway about two miles down Road 3�00, just east of the Hoffstadt Creek Bridge, to a wildlife refuge with more river access. That area is closed in winter.

ELoCHoMAn RIVER

The Elochoman in Wahkiakum County is popular with salmon and steel-head anglers.

Some of the best public access is near state fish hatcheries. The Beaver Creek Hatchery is about 6 miles up Elochoman River Road, with the Elocho-man Hatchery another 4 miles upstream.

The river flows into the Columbia at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for Colum-bia White-tailed Deer, a few miles west of Cathlamet on Highway 4.

GRAYS RIVER

The Grays River in western Wahkiakum County boasts the only covered bridge in Washington still in use.

Grays River is about 4� miles west of Longview on Ocean Beach Highway. Shortly after crossing the Grays River on the highway bridge, turn left on Loop Road to reach the covered bridge and the lower section of the Grays River. Back roads wind along the lower Grays River to where it flows into the Columbia River.

Port of Chinook on the lower Columbia River�4 �5

�5

SALMon

Chinook salmon return to the Columbia River in three annual runs. Spring chinook come primarily March through May, the summer run follows in June and July, and the fall chinook come mostly in August and September. Coho salmon return to the rivers primar-ily August through November. Ocean salmon seasons starts in June this year and continue until a quota is caught, usually around Labor Day.

STURGEon

Sturgeon grow to monstrous proportions (the mini-mum size legal to keep is 38 inches to the fork).

Unlike salmon and steelhead, sturgeon in the lower Columbia River are self-sustaining, with none planted from hatcheries. The sturgeon season is now broken into segments because of concern that too many were being caught. For the latest regulations, check with a tackle shop or at wdfw.wa.gov.

Anglers who have boats do the best. If you don' t have your own, guides and lower river charter boat opera-tors will be happy to take you.

Sturgeon are also caught by anglers casting from shore. Many try their luck from the side of Ocean Beach Highway west of Longview. The Columbia River near Megler, along Highway 40�, is also popular with bank anglers.

STEELHEAD

Though similar to salmon, steelhead are actually rain-bow trout that spend most of their lives in the ocean. They reach upward of �0 pounds when they return to spawn.

Local rivers Ð including the Cowlitz, Lewis, Kalama, Woodland and Elochoman Ð are among those favored by steelhead anglers. The mainstem Columbia River also is a major source of steelhead.

Steelhead swim upstream in a winter run that starts in November and runs into April, and a summer run comes from May into August.

BASS

Bass aren' t nearly as big a deal around here as they are farther east. But Cowlitz County' s Silver Lake is often called the best bass water in Western Washington. It annually produces some of the biggest largemouth caught anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. The best bass fishing there is in the spring, though the lake is open year-round.

Other warmwater fish that can be caught in Silver Lake are crappie, bluegill, catfish and perch.

TRoUT

The Department of Fish and Wildlife plants hundreds of thousands of rainbow and brown trout in area lakes in the spring and early summer.

Trout-stocked lakes are a good place to introduce small fry of the human variety to fishing. Some of the most popular local lakes are Sacajawea in Longview, Kress near Kalama and Horseshoe in Woodland.

Swift Reservoir near Cougar also gets planted heavily.

Catch a fish!Fishing flows through the soul of the Lower Columbia region. Here’s a sampling of fish just dying to leap at your lure or bait.

Kalama River is a hot spot for many different fish

Catch a sturgeon on the Columbia

�4 �5

BoAT LAUnCHESShove off for a day on the water at area boat launch-es. Some launches are free to use, others require fees or permits. Find detailed boat launch conditions for Washington launches at Washington State Rec-reation and Conservation Office’s Web site at www.rco.wa.gov/maps/boat.shtml

For a booklet with a list of boat launches in Oregon, call the Oregon Marine Board at 503-378-8587 or see boatoregon.com

Get a permitA Vehicle Use Permit is required on all recreation sites owned by Washing-ton Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters, fishers and trappers get a Vehicle Use Permit with-out additional cost, as part of their first annual license purchase, excluding the annual shellfish license. Vehicle Use Permits may also be purchased sepa-rately.

�6

road biking

Cyclists gearing up for big rides or bikers out for a scenic trip will appreciate Cowlitz County’s mix of flat trails and challenging foothills. But no matter the route you choose, sweeping views await.

SEATTLE-To-PoRTLAnD

This is the 33rd year cycling enthusiasts have been riding the STP' s �00-mile span between the cities. Up to �0,000 participants make the jour-ney each year; this year' s race, July �4-�5, is officially sold out, though it may be possible to register. Visit www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/ for more information.

ToUR DE BLAST

The newer and local Tour de Blast climbs from Toutle Lake High School' s parking lot up Mount St. Helens as far as the Johnston Ridge viewpoint Ð 8� miles. However, beginning or intermediate cyclists can choose shorter rides at 33 miles or 54 miles. This year' s race is June �3 .

Visit www.tourdeblast.com for more information.

LonGVIEW GRAnD PRIx CRITERIon

Try the third annual professional bike race near the Longview Civic Center. Competitors speed around the recently upgraded round-about and historic park at blazing speeds. The Aug. �5 event will be organized by Highlander Cycling.

Put the mettle to the pedal

Tour de Blast takes you up to Mount St. Helens: June 23

Longview Grand Prix Criterion: Aug. 25

�6 �7

�7

Psst! Here' s some insider info

Two Longview bike shops are good places to find out when group rides are planned. Bob' s Bike Shop is at ���� Hudson St., or 360-4�5-85�0. Highlander Cycling is at �3�3 Commerce Ave. 360-353-3760.

7Great rides

1 KALAMA RIVER RoAD Kalama River Road is relatively easy ride and offers scenic river views.

However, the winding road has narrow shoulders in places, so it' s not a good place for children to ride.

Start at the gravel park-and-ride just south of the intersection at Kalama River Road and Old Pacific Highway South. Travel east up Kalama River Road for �0 miles and turn around where the pavement ends, at the Weyerhaeuser gate. HH

2 ToWER RoAD LooP A great workout, this 30-mile loop travels up Spirit Lake Memorial Highway.

Low traffic and rolling hills make this ride enjoy-able, and the scenery is nice. The highway has good road shoulders, although Tower Road, which gets less traffic, isn' t as wide.

The ride begins at the park-and-ride west of I-5 at Exit 49. Ride east on Spirit Lake Memorial High-way to Tower Road, and turn left.

Tower Road loops around back to Spirit Lake Highway, at which point riders will travel right to go back to the park and ride. HHH

3 LExInGTon-HEADQUARTERS RoAD This quick, rejuvenating �0-mile ride is great when you' re short on time. The ride

features moderate, rolling hills and low traffic on roads with good shoulders.

Start at Riverside Park off of West Side Highway and travel south to Sparks Drive. Travel over the I-5 overpass to Old Pacific Highway and turn left to go north. At Headquarters Road, turn left, re-cross I-5, and then go left on Pleasant Hill Road and back to Old Pacific Highway North.

Back at Sparks Drive, turn right over I-5 to West Side Highway and back to Riverside Park. HH

4WILLoW GRoVE LooP The mighty Columbia River, peaceful pas-tureland and boat moorage are the vistas of-

fered by the Willow Grove Loop. A 6-mile ride, the flat, low-traffic loop begins at Willow Grove Park, west of Longview. As an hour-long social ride, take two laps around Willow Grove at �� mph. For a cardio workout, travel for three laps in an hour at �8 mph. The ride can be windy, with river breez-es coming in from any direction. HH

5CoAL CREEK-DELAMETER LooP The Coal Creek-Delameter Loop, a �6-mile loop, is not for the weak of thigh. It offers several climbs and

descents with some rolling hills.

However, it' s a scenic ride and traffic is low to moder-ate. Many riders use this as a training ride for the Tour de Blast and Seattle-to-Portland events.

One place to start is at Willow Grove Park. Turn right out of the park on Willow Grove Road, then left on Willow Grove Connection Road to Dike Road. Cross Ocean Beach Highway to continue on Coal Creek Road and take a slight right to Woodside Drive and on to Delameter Road, then to Garlock.

Turn right on Garlock to Hazel Dell Road, then turn left. Ride to Delameter Road, and take a left back on to Delameter Road to where you started. HHHH

6CASTLE RoCK-ToLEDo A relatively flat ride suitable for all ride levels is the Castle Rock-Toledo trip. Bikers can choose the

length, going as far as they choose; the ride described here is about �8 miles.

Nice road shoulders most of the way and low traffic add to the ride' s ease, and scenery will keep it enjoyable.

Begin at the park and ride at Spirit Lake Memorial High-way, on the west side of I-5. Ride right out of the park-ing lot to the second light and turn right onto Old Pacific Highway North.

Cross the Toutle River and over I-5 on to Barnes Road. Travel to the stop sign at Gee Gee' s Truck Stop, and travel right and continue over I-5.

When you come to Jackson Highway, turn left to Ray Park just south of Toledo. You turn around here, and go back the way you came. HHH

7 LExInGTon-SPIRIT LAKE-HEADQUARTERS Also rated a 3.5 out of 5 on the difficulty scale is this fun �8-mile loop filled with beautiful valley views

and long, gradual climbs. Some rolling hills and a swift decent on Headquarters Road make this another great loop for TDB/STP training.

To take this ride, begin at Riverside Park in Lexington, off West Side Highway. Travel south on West Side Highway to Sparks Drive and turn left on Sparks, over the Interstate 5 overpass to Old Pacific Highway North. Turn left to Bond Road. Travel to Powell and turn left, then take an immedi-ate right on Dorothy to Spirit Lake Memorial Highway.

Turn right onto Spirit Lake Memorial Highway until you get to South Silver Lake Road (about 3.5 miles). Turn right on South Silver Lake Road and travel until Davis Spur. Take Davis Spur to Headquarters Road and turn right.

Enjoy the ride down Headquarters, pass over I-5 and turn left at Pleasant Hill Road. This takes you back to Old Pa-cific Highway North, and you can backtrack your original route to Sparks Drive, over I-5 to West Side Highway and back to Riverside Park. HHHH

Rating: Easy H Ð Difficult H H H H H

SALES &SERVICE

1313 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA

360-353-3790

Where Good Times Begin.

Friendly and KnowledgeableCustomer Service... always!

www.Highlander-Cycling.com

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Quality BicyclesRoad Bikes, Mountain Bikes, BMX, Cruisers, Commuters, Dirt Jumping, and Cyclocross

Full Service DepartmentTune-ups, Repairs, Assembly, Upgrades, All Makes & Models

Large SelectionParts, Accessories, Clothing

�6 �7

TDN.com/HelensA comprehensive look back at the 1980 eruption with:

• Historic photos and editions of The Daily News.• Time-lapse satellite images of the eruption.• A timeline of events and a memorial map of victims.

�8

mountain biking

CASTLE RoCK TRAILS

Castle Rock boasts some of the most scenic and varied walking and bicycling trails in the region, with � miles of path on both the east and west sides of the Cowlitz River.

The West side Riverfront Trail: The north terminus shares a parking lot with the North County Recreation Facilities. There' s a ½-mile lighted gravel loop around the playing fields. A paved trail continues past the Al Helenberg Me-morial Boat Launch, then becomes gravel as it passes under the highway. The trail continues south past the Castle Rock Fairgrounds, crosses Whittle Creek on a 55-foot-long metal bridge, and leads to a network of old dirt roads.

Eastside Riverfront Trail: To access this �-mile-long, paved, barrier-free trail, take Interstate 5 to Exit 48 and drive ¾ mile east on Huntington Avenue to Lions Pride Park.

The trail skirts the inland side of The Rock that gives the town its name, passing piles of dredge spoils from the �980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, a skateboard park and a new park for mountain bikers to practice their skills. There' s are two fishing piers along this stretch of trail. H

Mountain bike trails abound in scenic areas throughout Southwest Washington, providing an array of rides for beginners to well-pedaled pros.

New this year: Castle Rock pump track

Volunteers continue to build the park at Dike Road and Warren Street in Castle Rock Ð it features an elevated trail for riders that includes areas to jump and get air, a pump track and a yet-to-be constructed skills area.

�8 �9

CooK FERRY TRAIL

The �.5-mile Cook Ferry Trail meanders along the west side of the Cowlitz River south of Castle Rock, never far from Cook Ferry Road.

The 8-foot-wide gravel trail is served by three parking lots, each named after a fish that populates the Cowlitz.

To reach the southernmost lot, named Chinook, drive one-third mile along Cook Ferry Road from West Side Highway. From the Chinook lot, the trail winds through dredge spoils dotted with clumps of Scotch broom. After half a mile, the trail reaches the river bank, then heads back inland to skirt a private residence before rejoining the river bank.

After another quarter-mile, you' ll come to the first ª rest area,º with a picnic table, bench, barbecue grill and inter-pretive sign about Cowlitz River fishing.

The route then follows Cook Ferry Road, which at this point is unpaved, to the Steelhead parking lot, which has a composting toilet.

For the next half-mile, the trail parallels the road, though many tracks have been worn to the riverbank by legions of fishermen.

The Cook Ferry Trail continues to the Smelt lot, which is �.5 miles from the Chinook lot. The Smelt lot is acces-sible by Camelot Drive. H H

WILLAPA HILLS TRAIL

Walkers and bicycle riders can enjoy several parts of a one-time 56-mile-long railroad grade between Chehalis and South Bend.

The eastern 5½ miles of the Willapa Hills Trail starting in Chehalis were paved last year and are the easiest to ac-cess from I-5.

The trail crosses the Newaukum River on a solid old bridge and goes pretty much straight and flat for 5½ miles. At 3½ miles, the trail crosses the busy Highway 6, where visibility is limited.

To reach the Chehalis trailhead of the Willapa Hills Trail, take Exit 77 from I-5 and go west. Turn left at the light on Riverside Drive, and go slightly right on S.E. Newaukum Avenue for .5 mile. Turn left on S.W. Sylvenus Street and right on S.W. Hillberger Road for .5 miles to the parking area.

The central �� miles of the Willapa Hills Trail are surfaced with compacted gravel, and are suitable for bikes with wide tires. This part of the trail can be accessed from Ceres Road and Rainbow Falls State Park.

A good place to access this section of trail is from Ceres Hill Road. From I-5, drive on Highway 6 west for about �� miles, turn right on Ceres Hill Road and go about � miles to the trailhead. Another access point is at Rainbow Falls State Park, which is also on Highway 6, �8 miles from I-5.

For more information and a map, see the Lewis County Community Trails, www.lewiscountytrails.org. H H H

�9

CoWEEMAn RIVER TRAIL

For a simple ride with river views, beginners can try the Coweeman River trail. At 4 miles long, it winds along a dike west of the river. The lon-gest uninterrupted part of the path starts at Tal-ley Way, near the Tennant Way interchange. It' s about � ½ miles to where the path passes under the freeway.

The prettiest part of the path is at the opposite end, starting from Allen Street east of Kelso High School. Or try access points at Grade Street and Tam O' Shanter Park. H

PACIFIC WAY TRAIL

This dike-top patch winds more than two miles in west Longview. The path follows the south side of Drainage Ditch 6, which runs more or less parallel to Pacific Way.

A good place to enter the path is from the Longview United Methodist Church parking lot at 30th and Pacific Way.

The dike goes between the slough and back-yards. Where the north end of 3�nd Avenue inter-sects, there' s another access. West of here, the path takes on a more rustic flavor, with more wa-ter on one side and bigger fields on the other.

March through July, waterfowl nest in this loca-tion. About a mile from the start, you come to 38th Avenue.

The path continues a few hundred yards and then hits the Mint Valley Golf Course, where a gate blocks the way.

By riding on Pacific Way, it' s possible to pick up the trail again west of 4�nd Street. H H

The Kelso Rotary Skate Park is a �0,000-square-foot concrete structure in a small park at the corner of Minor Road and Bur-cham Street in North Kelso. From I-5 Exit 39 (Allen Street), take the east frontage road (Kelso Drive) north for one block.

Woodland' s skate park in Horseshoe Lake Park has a variety of steps and ramps. From Exit �� of I-5, head west a block to Lakeshore Drive and turn left.

Longview' s spot for skaters is in Cloney Park on Washington Way, west of the inter-section with Nichols Boulevard. The park includes a spine, pyramid, 6-foot quarter pipe and snake run.

Winlock skate is next to Winlock Miller Elementary School.

Rainier' s City Park on West A Street is yet another place for skaters, this one with a Columbia River view. The pre-fab struc-tures sit atop blacktop.

In Castle Rock, skateboarders can show off their moves at park along the Eastside Riverfront Trail, at the end of Third Avenue.

Skateboarders can challenge their balance at several local parks throughout the Lower Columbia region

�8 �9

CoWLITz RIVER BIKE PATH

Between the railroad tracks and Cowlitz River in central Kelso is a �.8-mile-long paved path.

The approved access points are a few blocks to the south at Mill and Yew streets. Neither has a designated park-ing spot, but you can park on Riverside Drive, west of the tracks at the Yew Street crossing.

At the north end of the path, the paving stops at a point across from Barnes Street in North Kelso. You can keep on going north for a few hundred yards on a gravel road and end up in the Cowlitz Gardens neighborhood. H

IP RoAD

Some day, the old IP road along Yale Reservoir will be a nice, family friendly bicycling and walking path.

For now, it' s a strenuous workout that requires pushing your bike over several slides and hoisting it over dozens of fallen trees.

Still, for adventurous mountain bikers, the road provides access to beautiful spots along the deep green waters of the 3,800-acre lake.

The old IP Road, originally operated by International Paper Co., stays mostly on the southeast Yale Reservoir shoreline for about 9 miles, then veers inland for another 3 miles, ending near Chelatchie.

Eventually, PacifiCorp will fix up the road for non-motorized recreational use. For now, expect to cross slides and climb over downed trees to reach some nice picnic spots. In winter, getting over all the creeks may not be possible.

To reach the IP Road, drive �.3 miles past Cougar on the Lewis River Road, then turn right onto a gravel road. Quickly take another right and cross a bridge. The gate on the IP Road is a few hundred yards farther. H H H H

LEWIS RIVER TRAIL 31

One of the most popular trails in Southwest Washington, Lewis River Trail 3� is known as ª the roller coasterº because of its end-to-end undulations. The trail parallels the river, traveling through luxuriant old-growth forest and offering eye-popping canyon views.

For beginners, the best strategy is to leave one car at the lower trailhead off Road 9030 (see directions below) and take another to the Lower Falls Campground, located far-ther up Road 90.

But beware. There are a number of nasty spots, some on the upper portion near the falls where a missed corner will result in a long tumble and another where the trail runs along a cliff.

Directions: From Interstate 5, take Lewis River Road (503) east from Woodland (becomes Road 90 east of Cougar) 5�.3 miles to Road 9039. Take a left on 9039 and drive 0.8 to the lower trailhead, just before the river crossing. The route is inaccessible in winter. H H H H

APE CAnYon TRAIL 234

Ape Canyon Trail �34 opens with spectacular views of the Muddy River Lahar that rolled down the southeast side of Mount St. Helens during the �980 eruption, then climbs through old-growth forest. The ascent ends at Ape Canyon, which offers broad vistas of Mount Adams and the Smith Creek Basin.

It' s 9.5 miles to a series of wooden steps, which are a turn-ing-around point. Another � miles on a logging road will take you to the Windy Ridge viewpoint.

Directions: From Interstate 5, take the Lewis River Road (503) east from Woodland for 34 miles to Road 83. Go �� miles on Road 83 to the Ape Canyon trailhead. This route is inaccessible in winter. H H H H H

�0

ART GALLERIES

Broadway Gallery: This coopera-tive gallery shows the works of its 50 members, with one or two artists featured each month. Hours: �0 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, �0 a.m.- � p.m. Saturdays. �4�8 Commerce Ave., Longview.

Broderick Gallery: Works from Eng-land, Cuba and South Africa, along with owner George Broderick' s own bright ª overstatedº paintings, are shown in the gallery in a house built in �85�. Gallery hours: �� a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and by ap-pointment. 3�3 E. ª Bº St., Rainier. 503-703-5�88. www.broderickgallery.com

Longview Public Library: The base-ment Koth Gallery features rotating exhibits of works by local artists fall through spring. Hours: �0 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; �0 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays; �0 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fridays; noon-6 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. �600 Louisiana St.

Lord & McCord Art Works: This gal-lery next door to the Broadway Gallery has regular exhibits. �4�6 Commerce Ave. Longview. 4�3-9�00.

Lower Columbia College Art Gal-lery: Exhibits by visiting artists are scheduled throughout the school year. Hours: �0 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; �0 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays. In LCC' s Rose Center, Longview.

Museo at the Merk: Works by mem-bers of The Columbian Artists Asso-ciation are displayed in the windows of the Merk building at Commerce and Broadway, Longview.

Teague' s Interiors: The gallery at this Longview decorating business features regular exhibits. ��67 Com-merce Ave., Longview.

PUBLIC STATUES

Several bronze statues spice up the Longview-Kelso area:

ª Handstand Boy,º artist unknown, outside the Longview Parks office at �9�0 Douglas St., Longview.

ª Sacajawea,º by Jim Demetro, on Nichols Boulevard near the Hemlock Street foot bridge, Longview.

ª Fetch,º a life-sized dog sculpture by Georgia Gerber,º near the Hemlock St. foot bridge at Lake Sacajawea, Longview.

ª Twilight Reverenceº and ª Mother Bathing Child,º Native American fig-ures by Jim Demetro, in front of the Hotel Monticello, Longview.

ª Story Time,º a figure of a young read-er by Del' Esprie, outside the Longview Public Library.

ª Helping Hands,º a figure of kids at a drinking fountain by Jim Demetro, out-side the Columbia Theatre, Longview.

ª Thank You, Mr. Long,º a figure of city founder R.A. Long, at Broadway and Commerce, Longview.

ST. JoHn MEDICAL CEnTER

A beautiful cast glass work called ª Cross of the Millennium,º along with a stained glass window and calligra-phy pieces adorn the hospital lobby on Delaware Street.

For more information on Longview public artworks, see www.mylongview.com and click on Community/attractions.

LoWER CoLUMBIA CoLLEGE

The lobby of the college' s Rose Cen-ter for the Arts harbors a �0-by-40 foot mural by Portland artist Lucinda Parker. The college' s hallways and open spaces show dozens of other artworks. The college has produced a brochure with information on many of them. See

www.lowercolumbia.edu. Click on Community/Arts and Entertainment/Art Gallery.

DoWnToWn MURALS

Murals of Longview founding fathers painted by Barbara Lancaster are at several downtown Longview loca-tions: Six founders of Longview on wall of US Bank at �5th and Commerce. Longview' s first police chief, H.W. Jackson, and first mayor, A.L. Gibbs, outside Country Folks Deli, �3�9 Com-merce. City founder R.A. Long outside Father' s House at �3�3 Commerce Ave. First fire chief, Harry Clarke, out-side main Longview fire station.

Broadway Gallery:tive gallery shows the works of its 50 members, with one or two artists featured each month. Hours: 5:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, � p.m. Saturdays. Ave., Longview.

Broderick Gallery: land, Cuba and South Africa, along with owner George Broderick' s own bright ª overstatedº paintings, are shown in the gallery in a house built in Fridays through Sundays and by ap-pointment. 3703-5

Longview Public Library: ment Koth Gallery features rotating exhibits of works by local artists fall through spring. Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; �06 p.m. Fridays; noon-6 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Lord & McCord Art Works:lery next door to the Broadway Gallery has regular exhibits. Ave. Longview. 4

Lower Columbia College Art Gal-lery: scheduled throughout the school year. Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays; Wednesdays-Thursdays. In LCC' s Rose Center, Longview.

Summer

concerts at the lake

art & music

The area’s visual beauty isn’t just in the mountains and rivers. Stat-ues and stained glass perk up the local landscape, and local artists display their works in many galleries and businesses.

CoMMERCE AVEnUE SCULPTURES

Last year, �� sculptures were installed along four blocks of Com-merce Avenue centered on Broadway. The works include a stone carv-ing of a mother and baby, a stainless steel crow, a sea horse made with found metal, a bronze little boy and six abstract s. They' ll be on loan for anoth-er year, after which another group will be installed. The public will vote on which ones to keep.�0 ��

��

The best community in Longview...

Monticello Park Just got Better!

Come and see our beautiful remodeled community!

As a family-owned company, we take pride in what we do.

You will find updates to every corner of Monticello Park; new computer and coffee areas, a movie

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call Monticello Park “home”.

Monticello ParkBy Bonaventure

605 Broadway, Longview, WA 98632

The best community in Longview...The best community in Longview...

Monticello ParkMonticello Park Just got Better!Just got Better!

Come and see our beautiful Come and see our beautiful remodeled community!remodeled community!

As a family-owned company, we take As a family-owned company, we take pride in what we do.pride in what we do.

You will find updates to every corner of Monticello You will find updates to every corner of Monticello Park; new computer and coffee areas, a movie Park; new computer and coffee areas, a movie

theatre, improved common spaces, new grounds and theatre, improved common spaces, new grounds and everywhere in between. So spend some time with us, meet everywhere in between. So spend some time with us, meet the residents and staff, and find out why so many like to the residents and staff, and find out why so many like to

call Monticello Park “home”.call Monticello Park “home”.

Monticello ParkMonticello ParkMonticello ParkBy BonaventureBy BonaventureBy Bonaventure

605 Broadway, 605 Broadway, Longview, WA 98632Longview, WA 98632

RetirementPerfected.com

(360) 575-1778

Come See for yourself.

437394

This year’s summer concerts at Lake Sacajawea include country rock, bluegrass and the return of a popular Neil Diamond tribute band.Admission is free to the concerts, which run from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at Mar-tin Dock. People bring blankets, low-backed chairs and picnics, and service clubs sell food.

July 12: British Export, Beatles Tribute www.britishexport.com

July 19: Monroe Crossing, bluegrass www.monroecrossing.com

July 26: Gimme Some Lovin', Blues Brothers tribute www.gimmesomelovinband.com

Aug. 2: Chance McKinney & Crosswire, country rock www.chancemckinney.com

Aug. 9: Action Slacks, dance hits from ' 60' s-' 90' s www.myspace.com/ actionslacksband

Aug. 16: Cherry Cherry, Neil Diamond tribute www.cherrycherryband.com

Aug. 23: Cloverdayle, Country Rock www.cloverdayle.com

SummerSummer

concerts concerts at the lake

�0 ��

��

CoWLITz CoUnTY

Seaquest State Park: The park is open year-round for camping. The park has tent spaces, utility spaces, five yurts, a dump station, restrooms and showers. The north, south and mid-camp loops are in forest settings. Reservations are suggested in the summer. To reserve a campsite, call 888-��6-7688 or go to www.parks.wa.gov. Only 6 miles east of Castle Rock, the park can be reached by taking exit 49 from Interstate 5 and following Highway 504 east.

County Line Park: Located where Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties meet on Ocean Beach Highway, �� miles west of Longview. The 5.5-acre park, which sits on the banks of the Columbia River, has RV and tent camp-ing. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Water, electricity and bathrooms are available.

Cresap Bay Park: This gem is one of the nicest camp-grounds on the Lewis River, located on the east end of Merwin Reservoir. Campsites are nestled in good-sized trees, and there' s a group camping area. While there' s a dump station, there are no RV hook-ups at campsites. Bathrooms and showers are available. The view extend-

ing 7 miles down the lake is the best of the parks on Merwin. There' s a double boat launch and mooring area, as well as a swimming beach. The grassy picnic area is popular with sunbathers, and there' s a �-mile nature trail winding around the park that passes beaver ponds and a cedar swamp. The park is open from the Friday be-fore Memorial Day through Sept. 30. Take Highway 503 for �3 miles east of Woodland, where the road makes a right turn, and drive three miles south to the camp-ground. Reservations are required; camping fees are $�0 a night. For reservations, call 503-8�3-6666.

Cougar Park and Cougar Camp: These attractions straddle little Cougar Creek, which is just east of the town of Cougar, �9 miles from the freeway. The park, open from the Friday before Memorial Day through La-bor Day, has a grassy sunning area, a fishing dock and picnic tables in the woods. There' s a separate entrance to the camp, which has tent-only sites. RVs and trailers aren' t allowed. Some sites are on the lake. The camp also has a boat launch, though the one at Yale Park is more popular. Reservations are required; camping fees are $�0 a night. For reservations, call 503-8�3-6666.

Beaver Bay Campground: The sites at this camp-ground at the upper end of Yale Reservoir aren' t as se-cluded as those at other nearby campgrounds. There' s a single boat launch. The area is open from the last Sat-urday of April through Sept. 30. It' s 3� miles from the freeway. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping fees are $�0 a night.

camping

Mountains, rivers, beaches. Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon offer plenty of places to set up camp, fire up the barbecue and kick back. Go ahead, choose your ideal home away from home.

Cape Disappointment

State Park

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PACIFIC CoUnTY

Cape Disappointment State Park: This large state park is open year-round for camping. The campground has more than �50 standard campsites as well as more than 80 util-ity sites, five primitive campsites, a dump station, rest-rooms and showers. The park also offers historic lighthouse keepers' houses to rent and cabins and yurts for camping. Reservations are encouraged at this popular state camp-ground. To reserve a campsite, call 888-��6-7688 or go to www.parks.wa.gov. The park is � miles southwest of Ilwaco.

LEWIS CoUnTYIron Creek Campground: Located near Randle in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this campground is popular with people visiting the east side of Mount St. Helens. Situated along Iron Creek and the Cispus River, the camp-ground is nestled among old-growth trees. RV and tent camping is available, as are bathrooms. There is no dump station, and the campground is closed during the winter. Reservations can be made. 360-569-05�9.

Rainbow Falls State Park: The park is open year-round for camping. The park has tent spaces, a dump station, one restroom, two showers and eight hook-up sites. Three of the sites are for hikers and cyclists (no vehicles), and three are for horse campers. All campsites are first-come, first-served. The group camping site can be reserved. Located �7 miles west of Chehalis, the park can be reached by taking exit 77 from I-5.

Lewis and Clark State Park: The park is open year-round for camping, but some campsites are closed in the winter. The park has tent spaces, restrooms and showers. All campsites are first-come, first-served. Two group camps can be reserved by calling 360-864-�643. The park is �� miles south of Chehalis off I-5. From I-5, take exit 68 and head east on Highway �� about �.5 miles. At Jackson Highway, turn right, heading south about � miles to the park entrance.

Ike Kinswa State Park: The park is open year-round for camping, but some campsites are closed in the winter. The park has standard sites as well as full hook-up sites. It also has five cabins, a dump station, restrooms and showers. Reservations are suggested in the summer. To reserve a campsite, call 888-��6-7688 or go to www.parks.wa.gov. The park is 4 miles north of Mossyrock. From I-5, take exit 68 and follow the signs.

CLARK CoUnTYParadise Point State Park: The park is open year-round for camping. The park has tent spaces, utility sites, two yurts, a dump station, restrooms and showers. Some of the campsites are in a grassy area, and nine primitive sites are in the woods. This campground is close to I-5, so use the wooded campsites for less noise from the interstate. Sev-eral miles of riverside hiking, too. Sites have no hook-ups. To reserve a campsite, call 888-��6-7688 or go to www.parks.wa.gov. The park is six miles south of Woodland. From I-5, take exit �6 and follow signs a mile to the park.

Battleground Lake State Park: This small state park is open year-round for camping. It has standard campsites as well as six hook-up sites, four cabins and some primitive sites requiring campers to hike a quarter mile to a half mile from the parking lot. The campground has a dump station, restrooms and showers. The group campsite includes four Adirondack shelters. A primitive horse camp also is avail-able by reservation. To reserve a campsite, call 888-��6-7688 or go to www.parks.wa.gov. From I-5, take exit �� and drive east to Battle Ground. Follow the signs to the park, which is about three miles west of Battle Ground.

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

ForestsForestsWAHKIAKUM CoUnTYSkamokawa Vista Park: The 70-acre Skamokawa Vista Park lies along the Columbia River on the west-ern edge of this Wahkiakum County town. The camp-ground has RV and tent camping. Some sites have full hook-up. There' s also a playground, playing field and basketball and tennis courts. A day-use area along the river has windbreaks for the tables. A trail from the park goes about a half mile downstream to a rocky beach. For more information, call 360 795-8605.

SKAMAnIA CoUnTYLower Falls Recreation Area Campground: Lower Falls Campground is deep in the Gifford Pinchot Na-tional Forest, east Cougar off Forest Road 90. The wooded campground sits in a stand of towering Douglas fir and hemlock. RV and tent sites are avail-able. The recreation area features a hiking trail leading to the falls. No flush toilets or dump stations are avail-able. The campground is closed during the winter. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the Mount St. Helens Ranger District, 360-449-7800.

Swift Forest Camp: This big campground sits amid big trees. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has the only public boat launch on Swift Reservoir, which is stocked with rainbow trout. The campground is open from the last Friday of April through end of hunting season in November. It' s 46 miles from the freeway. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping fees are $�7 a night.

oREGonHudson-Parcher Park: Located one mile north-west of Rainier on Larson Road, this nearby Columbia County park offers some forest and field campsites. The wooded park also has a cabin that can be rented. For reservations, call 503-366-3984, or go to www.co.columbia.or.us/parks/.

Clatskanie City Park: This city-owned park on the Clatskanie River has some RV and tent sites for camping. Restrooms and showers are avail-able. Also in the park are a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, picnic area, playground, horse arena and boat launch and fishing area. The city park is at 300 N.E. Park St. For more information, contact the Clatskanie Park and Recreation Department at 503-7�8-�038.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park: One of Oregon' s newest state parks, this campground has a variety of sites, from primitive campsites and tent sites to full hook-up sites and two-room cabins. Among the ame-nities are full hook-up sites with horse corrals. The campground Ð on Highway 47 between Venonia, Ore., and Portland Ð has bathrooms and showers. For reservations, call 800-45�-5687 or go to www.oregonstateparks.org.

Fort Stevens State Park: One of the nation' s larg-est public campgrounds, this popular state park on the mouth of the Columbia River has everything from standard tent sites to full hook-up RV sites. The campground also has some �5 yurts, bathrooms and showers, and an RV dump station. But don' t be fooled by the campground' s size Ð reservations are still rec-ommended, especially during the summer season. The state park is off U.S. Highway �0�, �0 miles west of Astoria. For reservations, call 800-45�-5687 or go to www.oregonstateparks.org.

Cape Disappointment

State Park

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golfing

7Local courses

Three Rivers Golf Course in KelsoSwing into one of the region’s top-notch golf courses

THREE RIVERS GoLF CoURSE���� S. River RoadKelso, WA 986�6360-4�3-4653Established: �983Total length: 6,700 yardsType: Public (owned by Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge)Par for men and women: 7�/7�Daily rate: $�9 for �8 holes; $�4 for seniors.Annual season pass: Elks mem-bers: $�,�50; Public: $�,300 adult, $�,��5 seniors, $�,800 couple, $�,600 senior couples, $375 juniors.Features: Pro shop, golf lessons, clubhouse, liquor license, food ser-vice.www.threeriversgolfcourse.com

LonGVIEW CoUnTRY CLUB4� Country Club DriveLongview, WA 9863�360-4�5-3�3�Established: �9�5Total length: 6,��0 yardsType: PrivatePar for men and women: 70/7�Features: Pro shop, golf lessons, clubhouse, banquet facility, liquor li-cense, food service.www.longviewcountryclub.net

SURFSIDE GoLF CoURSE3�508 J PlaceOcean Park, WA 98640360-665-4�48Established: �969Total length: �,960 yards (9 holes)Type: PublicPar for men and women: 36/36Daily rate: $�8 for 9 holes and $3� for �8 holes; seniors $�5 for 9 holes and $�8 for �8 holes Monday through Thursday; juniors $�0Features: Pro shop, golf lessons, club-house, liquor license, food service.www.surfsidegolfcourse.com

SKYLInE GoLF CoURSE�0 Randall DriveCathlamet, WA 986��360-795-8785Established: �97�Total length: �,3�3 yards (9 holes)Type: PublicPar for men and women: 35/35Daily rate: $�0 for 9 holes, $�5 for �8 holes.Features: Golf lessons, clubhouse, liquor license, food service. www.golfatskyline.com

MInT VALLEY GoLF CoURSE400� Pennsylvania St.Longview, WA 9863�360-44�-544�Established: �976Total length: 6,43� yardsType: Public (owned by City of Longview)Par for men and women: 7�/7�Daily rate: Weekends $�8, $�� for seniorsAnnual season pass: $�,�60 adults, $�,8�0 family, $989 seniors, $�,4�8 senior couples, $�50 juniors (�0�� special).Features: Pro shop, golf lessons, club-house, liquor license, food service.www.mint-valley.com

ST. HELEnS GoLF CoURSE57�46 Hazen RoadWarren, OR 97053503-397-0358Established: �964Total length: �,977 yards (9 holes)Type: PublicPar for men and women: 36/36Daily rate: $�5 weekday and $�6 weekend for 9 holesFeatures: Pro shop, golf lessons, clubhouse, liquor license, food ser-vice.www.sthelensgolfcourse.com

LEWIS RIVER GoLF3�09 Lewis River RoadWoodland, WA 98674360-��5-8�54Established: �967Total length: 6,363 yardsType: PublicPar for men and women: 7�/73Daily rate: $35 for �8 holes, $�7 for juniors and seniors, $45 weekends and holidaysFeatures: Pro shop, golf lessons, clubhouse, banquet facility, liquor li-cense, food service.www.lewisrivergolf.com

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SUMMERA Monthly Publication About Life & Living In The Lower Columbia Region.Tips, Ideas, Recipes & Events.Publishes In The Daily News.

•

••

�6

festivals

MAY

May 25-28: World' s Longest Garage Sale in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

June 2: Rods and Reels Classic Car and Motorcycle Show and Sturgeon Fishing Derby and BBQ at the Wah-kiakum County Fairgrounds. (360-795-9996 or www.wahkiakum-chamber.com)

June 2: ��nd Annual International Festival at Lower Columbia College in Longview. (360-75�-44�7 or www.ethnicsupportcouncil.org)

June 7: Thirteen Nights on the River in Columbia View Park in St. Helens. Every Thursday through Sept. �. (www.sccchamber.org)

June 9: Waikiki Beach Concert Se-ries at Cape Disappointment State Park. Free concerts every other Sat-urday through Aug. �5. (360-64�-30�9 or www.funbeach.com)

June 14-17: Woodland Planters Days with parade, rides, frog-jump-ing contest and classic car show. (www.lewisriver.com/planters-days/)

June 22-24: Scandinavian Mid-summer Festival at Clatsop County Fairgrounds. (www.astoriascanfest.com)

June 15-July 1: Annual Astoria Fes-tival of Music at historic Liberty The-ater featuring operatic, symphonic and chamber music performances. (www.astoriamusicfestival.org)

June 15-16: Sixth Annual Doggie Olympic Games in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

June 16-17: 3�st Annual Northwest Garlic Festival in Ocean Park. (www.opwa.com)

June 22-24: Winlock Egg Days in Winlock. (winlockeggday.blogspot.com/)

June 23: Kiwanis Parade in St. Hel-ens. (www.sccchamber.org)

June 23: 35th Annual Beach to Chow-der Run/Walk in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

June 30: Heritage Days Cruise Car Show and Pie in the Park at Clats-kanie City Park. (www.clatskanie.com/chamber/)

June 29-July 1: The Smoky Water Follies Show with music, entertain-ment and family fun, in Skamokawa. (360-795-8770)

JULY

July 1-4: Clatskanie Heritage Days Festival and 4th of July Parade. (503-7�8-4�48)

July 2-4: Go 4th Celebration in Longview with parade, street fair, kids activities and fireworks. (www.gofourthfestival.org)

July 3: Fourth Annual Great Card-board Boat Regatta at Lake Sacaja-wea in Longview. (www.tdn.com)

July 4: Summerfest at Fort Borst Park in Centralia. (www.chamberway.com)

July 4: Vernonia parade and fire-works.

July 4: 4th of July celebration in St. Helens. (www.sccchamber.org)

July 4: Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade in Ocean Park. (www.opwa.com)

July 4: Independence Day Fire-works on the Beach in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 4: Fourth of July Parade in Warrenton and Astoria. (www.old-oregon.com)

July 7: Independence Day Fireworks at the Port of Ilwaco. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 7: Bow-Tie Bash car show in downtown Longview sponsored by Columbia River Corvettes car; (www.columbiarivercorvettes.com/�0��-BTB.html)

July 12-15: Toledo Cheese Days.

July 12-15: ��th Annual Winlock Pickers Fest at Winolequa Park in Winlock. (360-785-493�)

July 12-15: Rainier Days in the Park.

July 14-15: Clamshell Railroad Days at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 13-15: ��th annual Winlock Pickers Fest at Winolequa Park in Winlock. (www.winlockpickersfest.com)

July 18-22: Columbia County Fair and Rodeo in St. Helens. (www.columbiacountyfairandrodeo.com/home.html)

July 19-21: Castle Rock Fair, with parade, vendors, youth activities, music and more, at Castle Rock Fair-grounds.

July 20-22: Napavine Funtime Festival with parade and car show. (360-�6�-3887)

July 19-21: Kalama Community Fair and Parade. (www.kalamachamber.com or 360-673-6�99)

July 20-22: Kalama All-City Yard Sale.

July 21: Music in the Gardens on the Long Beach Peninsula. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 21-22: Bald Eagle Days in Cathlamet with parade, old car show, street fair and fireworks. (360-795-9996 or www.wahkia-kumchamber.com)

July 22: Wooden Boat Show and Salmon BBQ in Cathlamet. (360-795-350�)

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. Most events are free.

june july august september october

�6 �7

�7

July 25-29: �7th Annual SandSta-tions in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 26-29: Columbia River Gorge Bluegrass Festival at Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson, Wash. (www.columbiagorgeblue-grass.net)

July 26-29: Cowlitz County Fair and Rodeo at the fairgrounds in Longview. (www.cowlitzcountyfair.com)

July 27-29: 66th Annual Long Beach Rodeo, Peninsula Saddle Club in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 27-29: Finnish-American Folk Festival at Naselle High School on SR-4. (360-484-3376)

July 27-29: Ilwaco Tuna Classic. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

July 28: Castle Rock Mountain Ma-nia with logger dinner and street fair.

July 28: Clatskanie Rhythm on the River Blues Fest at Clatskanie City Park (www.clatskanie.com/chamber/)

July 31-Aug. 4: Clatsop County Fair at the fairgrounds in Astoria. (www.clatsopfairgrounds.com)

AUGUST

August 3-5: Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival at the Clatskanie City Park. (www.clatskaniebluegrassfestival.wordpress.com/)

Aug. 3-5: Annual Vernonia Friend-ship Jamboree and Logging Show. (www.vernoniachamber.org)

Aug. 3 and 5: Hot August Nights at the Plaza across from the fire sta-tion in Woodland.

Aug. 3-12: Clark County Fair at fairgrounds in Ridgefield. (www.clarkcofair.com/)

Aug. 4: 3�nd annual Terry-Taylor- Northlake Garage Sale. Terry Avenue, Taylor Avenue, Northlake Avenue and PrimroseStreet, off of Pacific Way, Longview.

Aug. 8-12: ��6th Astoria Regatta Maritime Magic in Astoria. (www.astoriaregatta.org)

Aug. 9-12: The 70th Annual Loggers Jubilee in Morton. (www.loggersjubilee.com)

Aug. 10-12: �8th annual Mount St. Helens Bluegrass Festival, Toledo High School (www.washingtonblue grassassociation.org)

Aug. 10-12: Kalama Lions Club Yard Sale. (kalamachamber.com or 360-673-6�99)

Aug. 10-12: Mount St. Helens Bluegrass Festival in Toledo. (www.washingtonbluegrassassociation.org/�0�0fest/index.php)

August 10-12: Annual Seaside beach volleyball tournament. (www.seasidebeachvolleyball.com)

Aug. 11: Lower Columbia Classic Car Club Astoria Regatta in down-town Astoria. (www.nwcoast.com)

Aug. 11-12: Hobie Cats' ª Smoke on the Waterº Regatta, Vista Park, Ska-mokawa. (www.hobiefleet7�.org)

Aug. 14-19: Southwest Washington Fair in Chehalis. (www.southwest-washingtonfair.net.)

Aug. 16-18: Wahkiakum County Fair at the Wahkiakum County Fair-grounds in Skamokawa. (360-795-3480)

Aug. 17-18: Blues & Seafood in Ilwaco. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

Aug. 19: Annual Jazz and Oysters celebration in Oysterville. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

Aug. 19: Untouchables Car show in Kalama. (www.kalamachamber.com or 360-673-6�99)

Aug 20-26: Washington State Inter-national Kite Festival in Long Beach. (800-45�-�54�)

Aug. 24-26: Cathlamet Down-hill Corral (longboard races). www.cathlametcorral.com

Aug. 25: Longview Squirrel Fest at Longview' s Civic Center (www.lvs-quirrelfest.com)

Aug. 25: Longview Grand Prix Criterium bike race behind Longview' s Civic Center. (www.highlander-cycling.com/ criterium.html)

Aug. 25-26: Threshing Bee, an old-time tractor pull in Toledo.

Aug. 24-26: Chehalis Garlic Fest and Craft Show. (www.chehalisgar-licfest.com)

Aug. 25: Annual Unique Tin Car Show and Swap Meet with con-trolled cruise to follow in Longview.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1: Buzzard' s Breath Chili Cook-off in Cathlamet. (360-795-9996 or www.wakiakumchamber.com)

Sept. 1-3: Seventh Annual Chinook Art Festival. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

Sept. 1-3: Civil War re-enactment at Fort Stevens State Park. (www.visit-ftstevens.com)

Sept. 7: Slow Drag at the Port of Il-waco. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

Sept. 8-9: Rod Run to the End of the World car show in Ocean Park. (www.opwa.com)

Sept. 9-12: Wheels and Waves Car Show in Seaside. (www/seaside/org)

Sept. 8-9: Highlander Festival in Kelso. (www.highlander.kelso.gov/)

Sept. 15: �3rd Annual Scappoose Sauerkraut Festival. (www.scappoosecommunity.org)

Sept. 22: Cowlitz Indian Pow Wow at St. Mary' s Center in Toledo. (Con-tact Suzanne Donaldson-Stephens, 360-�80-�3��)

oCToBER

oct. 1-november: Wild Mushroom Celebration on the Long Beach Pen-insula. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

oct. 5: Autumn Fest and Pun-kin' Chunkin at Stockhouse Farm in Cathlamet. (360-795-9996) or www.wahkiakumchamber.com)

oct. 5-6: Columbia River Country Days, at various locations around Wahkiakum County, to include a farmer' s market, farm tours, old-time auction and dinner. (360-795-3�78)

oct. 5-8: Peninsula Art Association Fall Show in Long Beach. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

oct. 6: Vernonia Salmon Festival in Vernonia, Ore. (www.vernoniacham-ber.org or 503-4�9-608�)

oct. 12-14: Water Music Festival XXVIII consists of five concerts, including a free event Oct. �6. (www.watermusicfestival.com)

oct. 13-14: 9�nd Annual Cranberri-an Fair at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum and the Cranber-ry Museum on the Long Beach Peninsula. (360-64�-�400 or www.funbeach.com)

oct. 13-14: One Sky, One World Kite Festival in Long Beach. (360-64�-40�0)

oct. 27-28: Graveyard of the Pacific Shipwreck Events at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Fort Ste-vens State Park, Cape Disappoint-ment State Park and Fort Columbia State Park. (www.funbeach.com)______________________________There area even more events!

Visit TDn.com/calendar to search for events by type, date and more

Come Join the Funat the annual

July 2 - 3 - 4lake Sacajawea, longview

ParadeWednesday, July 4

at 10:00am

4th AnnuAlCardboard

boat regattaTuesday, July 3

at 5:30pm

timberCarnival

Wednesday, July 4 at 1:00pm

entertainmentJuly 2, 3 & 4

www.gofourthfestival.org

20 non-ProFitFood vendors

July 2, 3 & 4

marketPlaCe

July 2, 3 & 4

437395

FireworksJuly 4 at 10:00pm

kid’s FestJuly 2, 3 & 4

FREE To All Kids!

air ForCe bandoF the golden west

Monday, July 2 • 7pM

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30

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101

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Oysterville

NahcottaOcean Park

Seaview

N

Mount AdamsRanger District

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Cowlitz ValleyRanger District

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Cougar

Mossyrock

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Lake

Randle

Yacolt

Lake Merwin

81 83

90

99

25

30

88

23

76

54

51

12

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12

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St. Helens

30

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Scappoose

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WAHKIAKUMCOUNTY

COWLITZ COUNTY

COLUMBIA COUNTY

CLATSOP COUNTY

LEWIS COUNTY

5

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Longview

26

47

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202

202

Kelso

4

504

503

Grays River

ElochomanRiver

CowlitzRiver

Coweeman River

To Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver B.C.

To Portland

ocean Beach Highway

Tillamook Rock

Lighthouse

northhead Lighthouse

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Cape Disappointment State Park

Fort Stevens State Park

Ecola State Park

3�

Astoria

ChinookKnappton

Vader

Winlock

Toledo

Battle Ground

101

Warrenton

Seaside

Cannon Beach To Portland

Ilwaco

LongBeach

Oysterville

NahcottaOcean Park

Seaview

N

Mount AdamsRanger District

Mount St. Helens NVMAdminstrative District

Cowlitz ValleyRanger District

SwiftReservoir

Cougar

Mossyrock

ColdwaterLake Spirit

Lake

Randle

Yacolt

Lake Merwin

81 83

90

99

25

30

88

23

76

54

51

12

MountSt. Helens

Mount St. Helens NationalVolcanic Monument

Toutle River

LeadbetterPointStatePark

PACIFIC COUNTY

CLARK COUNTY SKAMANIA COUNTY

12

YaleLake

Naselle

Rosburg

Knappa

Skamokawa

Westport

RainierClatskanie

Castle

Toutle

Rock

DeerIsland

Woodland

Kalama

La Center

Ridgefield

St. Helens

30

30

Scappoose

SilverLake

WAHKIAKUMCOUNTY

COWLITZ COUNTY

COLUMBIA COUNTY

CLATSOP COUNTY

LEWIS COUNTY

5

5

5

Longview

26

47

47

202

202

Kelso

4

504

503

Toutle River

KalamaRiver

LewisRiver

Cowlitz River

To Mount Rainier, White Pass and

Yakima

To Portland

White Pass Scenic Byway

Spirit Lake Memorial Highway

3�

longview

Longview Squirrel Fest at

Longview’s Civic Center is Aug. 25cluster of historic buildings around

Longview’s Civic Center and on near-by Commerce Avenue are among the city’s attractions. Most shopping op-

portunities in the region are now in Longview, with big box stores and several strip malls. The city also holds the most popular park at Lake Sacajawea.

Longview was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 because it’s one of the nation’s few planned industrial cities. Several downtown buildings were named to the register, including the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Big Four Furniture Building at 1329 Commerce Ave., built in 1924 and now a restaurant. The Columbia River Mercantile, at

TRIP GUIDEThe Longview Civic Circle makes its way around R.A. Long Park, passing the historic Longview Public Library, Monticello Hotel and post office. (On Olympia Avenue, to the northwest of the library, don' t forget to see the nutty narrows Bridge, thought to be the only squirrel bridge in the world until a similar structure was erected at Lake Sacajawea last year.) The circle was designed as part of R.A. Long' s planned city, point-ing travelers to downtown, the industrial area and residential areas. You can reach the circle by taking �5th Avenue to Washington Way. Head west on Washington Way and follow the circle around. The traffic flow was changed last year to make it a true roundabout; anyone driving into it must now yield the right-of-way.

the corner of Commerce Avenue and Broadway, functioned as the city’s first store and as the headquarters of the Long-Bell Lumber Co. when Longview was built in 1923. It’s been restored to resemble what it looked like in the city’s early days. Inside are gift shops and the Longview Reading Room, a repository of local history. And across the street is the old Long-Bell whistle, which regulated the workday of hundreds of local lumber mill workers for decades. For more information, a brochure available at the Chamber of Commerce offers a self-guided walking tour.

3� 33

33

Lake Sacajawea: A must-see any time of year

Looking for a hub for family fun? Longview boasts several theaters, lush parks, river access, diverse dining options and more — all of which center around Lake Sacaja-wea Park.

3 Lake Sacajawea is to Longview what Central Park is to New York City. This long, skinny body of water with its broad, green lawns is the place to be when the sun is shining. Its graveled path is the best route in town to walk or run; it' s four miles all the way around. Trout are stocked in the lake in spring and

summer, making it attractive for young folks with fishing poles. The 60-acre park holds no less than ��9 species of trees. In the fall, the leaf colors shouldn' t be missed. Among the park' s features are the beautiful Japanese Gardens at the north end of the park and the Solar System Walk, created by the local astronomy club. Granite markers along the walk show the relative distances of the planets from the sun. A copper squirrel bridge РLongview' s second rodent-friendly span Рwas installed last year. Pick up a guide to the park' s trees and planet walk at the Chamber of Commerce or Parks Department at �9�0 Douglas St.

2A favorite site for launching personal watercraft on the Columbia River, Willow Grove Park has developed

into a year-round site used by swimmers, picnickers, walkers and boaters. On summer evenings, kiteboarders can often be seen, too. The 60-acre park has big parking lots and numerous picnic tables with fire rings. A small picnic shelter can be found near the center of the park. A barrier-free asphalt trail nearly a mile long runs along the shore. There' s a beach volleyball area at the west end of the park, and the winds off the river make this a favorite spot for flying a kite. Cargo ships draw near on their way to and from the ocean. They add to the scenery; however, their wakes make swimming very danger-ous. The park is open 5 a.m. to �0 p.m. in summer. To reach it from Ocean Beach Highway, turn south onto Willow Grove Connector Road and then right onto Wil-low Grove Road.

1 The Columbia Theatre is one of the area' s foremost architectural gems, built in �9�5. It received an $�� million

renovation in �009. With its Italian Renais-sance style, chandeliers and intricate orna-mentation and grillwork, what is now the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts represents the elegance of an era long past. Visit www.columbiatheatre.com to view scheduled events, or call the theater at 360-575-8499.

3� 33

MASTHEAD RESTAURANT

436117

Good Food & Fine Ales Since 1971

www.MastheadRestaurant.com1210 Ocean Beach Hwy.

Longview • 577-7972

Voted Best Local Restaurant 8 Years Running

•13 Specialty Salads•16 Awesome Burgers•Halibut Fish & Chips•16 Beers on Tap•Outdoor Dining

LOCALRESTAURANT

See tdn.com/jobs to find a job

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3Great places

34

longview

HISToRIC DoWnToWn LonGVIEW

With dozens of independently owned businesses, downtown Longview boasts a lot of character. It' s a changing shopping scene, with new business-es springing up from time to time. The principal downtown intersection is Commerce and Broad-way, which among other things has the Colum-bia River Mercantile, with gift shops, offices and an ice cream parlor. Stroll through downtown and you' ll find a pet store, bead shop, a coop-erative art gallery, furniture, banks and restau-rants. A couple of blocks away at ��th Avenue and Hudson Street is the homegrown Bob' s Sporting Goods, which is the largest outdoors store in the region.

LCC RoSE CEnTER

With two major performance spaces and an art gallery, the Rose Center for the Arts opened at Lower Columbia College in �008. The $�4.6 mil-lion building features a 5�5-seat auditorium, a ��5-seat thrust theater, a rehearsal hall, an art gallery and an audio technology recording lab, in addition to classrooms, practice rooms and faculty offices. The Rose Center is arguably the most elegant public building in Cowlitz County, with sweeping expanses of wood paneling and a mural by nationally recognized painter Lucinda Parker in the lobby. The Wollenberg Auditorium is considered the best hall for music performance in Southwest Washington, with state-of-the-art acoustics that can be adjusted by moving overhead panels. The smaller, ��5-seat Center Stage auditorium for plays has a ª thrustº configuration, with seats on three sides of the stage. lowercolumbia.edu

GERHART GARDEnS PARK

Gerhart Gardens Park is a �4-acre park on the Cowlitz River that' s popular on hot summer days, when the river level drops to expose broad sandy beaches. Families can enjoy using the picnic ta-bles, horseshoe pits, basketball hoops, sand vol-leyball court and playground equipment. There' s also a boat ramp, but the area in front is often silted in, making launching tricky. Gerhart Gar-dens is the home of the city' s only off-leash dog park, a 3-acre, fenced area at the entrance to the park. Remember to clean up after your dog and follow the doggie rules posted. The park is just north of the Longview Wye, off Tennant Way (SR 43�) at the foot of the Harry Morgan Bridge.

TRIAnGLE SHoPPInG CEnTER

The Triangle center, the busiest general-purpose shopping area in town, is in a three-sided area bordered by �5th Avenue, Washington Way and Ocean Beach Highway, each a commercial av-enue. The largest tenant is Winco, a spartan, 9�,000-square foot, low-priced grocery store. The Triangle also includes an Applebee' s restau-rant, Ross Dress for Less, Michael' s, PetCo and Lane Bryant.

longview

Several farmers markets

and produce stands dot the region throughout the summer

Don’t miss the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta

at Lake Sacajawea on July 3

WATCH THE BoYS oF SUMMER

The Cowlitz Black Bears' season runs June � to Aug. 9. General admission tickets for the local wood-bat league team' s games are $�8

cowlitzblackbears.com

34 35

35

924 15th Ave. • 577-1541(Next to Midas Muffler)

Must be 21 and Over

924 15th Ave. • 577-1541

• Slow Smoked Meats

• Over 500 Varieties of Beer and 700 Varieties of Wine

Lunch& DinnerMon.-Thurs. 11-8Fri. & Sat. 11-9

Sun. 11-7Dine-in or To-Go

Buy in the shop, enjoy in the pub

Longview’s PremierSeafood

Restaurant

Open 7 Day a WeekDine in or Drive Up Window

1110 Commerce • 414-3288

• Fresh Seafood •• Award Winning Clam Chowder •

Burgers • Steaks • Beer • Wine

1300 Broadway • Longview, WA 98632

Store HoursMonday-Friday 11am-5:30pm

Saturday 11am-4:00pm

Shop KeepersJim & Cindy Gray • 360.425.0927

•

4368

36

1339 Commerce Suite 112 Longview • 414-0778

Unique Variety of..• Candy Bouquets

• Seattle Chocolates & J Truffles

• Retro Candy• Moonstruck Chocolates

• Gifts • Balloons

10 Years Of Sweetness10 Years Of Sweetness

CountryFolks Deli

“Utterly Delicious” Lunch & Dinner

• Homemade Sandwiches • Fresh Salads• Fresh Baked Breads• Homemade Soups• Homemade Desserts

1329 Commerce 425-2837

PAPERBACKSgalore 1044 14th Avenue, Longview

(360) 423-9006

New • Used • Christian • Hardback • Paperback

4368

26

Largest Selection of Used Books in Cowlitz County!

OffOffNew and Special Order Books

• Old Fashioned Shakes• Fresh Made Waffle Cones• Ice Cream Cakes• Sundaes • Espresso

~ Plus ~• Chocolate • Jelly Bellies• Novelty Candies• Sandwiches • Soups

1339 Commerce • 423-4986in the merk

1245 Commerce Ave. Longview578-1733

All proceeds benefit The Emergency Support Shelter

and Parent’s Place

• Clothes• Furniture • Collectibles

• Housewares• Books/Toys• Jewelry

Mon-Sat • 10-5

Monticello Hotel

1405 17th Avenue | Longview, WA | (360) 425-9900

Welcome to the historic

• 23 Club with daily happy hour & live entertainment

• Award Winning Ginger’s Restaurant

• Beautiful Accommodations just moments to downtown

Downtown LongviewSmall town atmosphere that’s appealing to residents & visitors.

Offering a safe, comfortable & inviting gathering place with shopping, restaurants, galleries & beautiful streetscapes.

34 35

36

kelso

Catlin Rotary Spray Park in West Kelso

has 20 pieces of equipment that sprinkle, dump,

shower and shoot

water ... and it’s free

thriving town before Longview was even built, Kelso’s history figures into sever-

al attractions. Scottish land surveyor Peter Crawford arrived in the Cowlitz

Valley area in 1847 and registered the first donation land claim on the Cowlitz River. He founded the city of Kelso in 1884.

TRIP GUIDETam o' Shanter park Ð ª Tam O,º as the locals say Ð is a 4�-acre park along the Coweeman River. The park has several ball fields and basketball courts, not to mention horseshoe pits, a playground and picnic tables. Many people enjoy a walk or bike ride along the graveled path atop the park' s dike, which runs along the river. The park is the site of the annual Kelso Highlander Festival, which is Sept. 8-9 this year. It' s also the site of Stan Rister Stadium, which seats 500 baseball enthusiasts.

36 37

37

2 Kelso is home to Three Rivers Mall, the largest enclosed shopping mall in

Cowlitz County. Next to I-5, the mall is anchored by Macy' s department store, J.C. Penney and Sears. Other stores at the mall range from gifts to outdoor decor. The Kelso Public Library is now located in a ��,6�7-square-foot space in the mall. Library hours are �� a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and �0 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sat-urdays. Learn more about the mall at www.threeriversmall.com.

3 The Kelso train station has been a longstanding centerpiece to downtown Kelso. The station was built in �9�� and renovated in �996. The station, on First Avenue, has several shops and offices, as well as a place to wait for Amtrak trains. Nearby is Kelso City Hall, which features a lofty lobby and histori-

cal artifacts from town, such as a giant wheel-lift from the old Allen Street Bridge and an antique stained-glass window from Peter' s Restaurant, which used to be across the street. Downtown businesses include Kelso Hardware & Marine, several taverns, a Mexican restaurant and the Kelso Theater Pub. The theater shows movies that tend to get overlooked by the local cineplexes and serves beer, wine and pizza.

Historic downtown Kelso offers a mix of shops and eateries, all just a block away from a paved walking and biking path meandering along the Cowlitz River

Kelso was famous for smelt fishing

3Great places 1 The Cowlitz County Histori-cal Museum features perma-nent exhibits on the early days

of this area, including an authentic pioneer cabin and replicas of a gen-eral store and logging bunkhouse. There' s even a �9�3 International truck that used to cart mail from Kelso to Castle Rock. Special exhibits rotate through one hall Рa current one includes early photos of the Lewis River Valley. The museum, at 405 Allen Street, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from �0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information, call 577-3��9 or go to www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/

36 37

[360] 425-4600

• Complimentary expanded deluxe continental & hot breakfast w/eggs, sausage, potatoes & two varieties of hot waffles• Deluxe suites with Whirlpool, microwave & refrigerator• 24-hour indoor pool & spa with exercise equipment• Free high-speed wireless internet access in rooms & lobby• Business center, fax and copy service• Free 24-hour coffee in lobby & evening cookies• Flat screen TVs, cable, free local calls & newspaper• Most convenient location to visit Mt. St. Helens• Free parking for large vehicles & trucks• Special group rates available

4373

96

Complimentary Continental Breakfastwith Fresh Waffles

Free Wireless Internet • Guest Laundry Elevator • Exercise Room Heated Indoor Pool & Spa Jacuzzi & Family Suites • Full Kitchen & Kitchenette

Easy Access 1-5 • Near MallBusiness Center • Meeting Room

360-414-5953501 Three Rivers Drive, Kelso WA 98626

www.guesthouseintl.com

4361

81

38

kalama

The Kalama Community Fair

and Parade is July 19-21

distinctly Northwest town with an unusual name, Kalama is known

for its antique shops, small-town friendliness and Holly-

wood 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.

TRIP GUIDEKalama High School, at 548 China Garden Road, was used as the school in the vampire flick ª Twilight.º The town' s functioning high school has become a popular destination for followers of the popular books and movies.

Community Fair

38 39

39

3North of town, Camp Kalama offers year-round camping along the Kalama River. The Kalama River supports runs of steelhead and salmon, with relatively good public bank access. Nearby Kress Lake on Old Pacific Highway off of Kalama River Road is stocked with trout and surplus steelhead. During

salmon seasons, anglers fish on the Columbia River banks and crowd the marina at the Port of Kalama.

Take a break along the tranquil waters of the Columbia River in Kalama to see the tallest totem pole, let the kids play in the riverfront park and more

3Great places

GU

AD

AL

AJA

RA Stop by to Discover

Longview’s HottestRestaurant & Cantina

GUADALAJARAFamily Mexican Grill & Cantina

4610 Ocean Beach Hwy • Longview

501-4848OPEN EVERY DAY

• New Bar • Authentic Mexican Food • Great Atmosphere • Large Groups Welcome

FREE LUNCHWhen you buy one of our delicious, authentic Mexican

Lunch Entrees at regular price and Two Beverages.UP TO $5 VALUE

Limit one coupon per party/table/group. Free Lunch of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers or to-go orders

Valid Sun-Thurs11am-3pm. Expires 9/30/12

FREE DINNERWhen you buy one of our delicious, authentic Mexican

Dinner Entrees at regular price and Two Beverages.UP TO $8 VALUE

Limit one coupon per party/table/group. Free Dinner of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers or to-go orders

Valid Sun-Thurs11am-3pm. Expires 9/30/12437384

2 The Port of Kalama offers recreational facilities with a ���-slip marina, a 5-acre day-use park and a �-mile walking path. A

totem pole located at the marina park stands �40 feet tall and is listed in the ª Guinness Book of World Recordsº as the tallest one-piece totem in the world. The park and marina are accessi-ble by foot via a walking bridge over the railroad tracks at the south end of town.

1 Everyone likes treasure hunting, and Kalama boasts plenty of loot. Open seven days a week, several antique

dealers offer a large selection of antiques and collectibles. Free maps of the city are available at all of Kalama' s stores.

38 39

Antiques await in Kalama

40

castle rock

ny trip to Castle Rock, the Gateway to Mount St. Helens,

should begin with a visit to the rock that gave this small town its

name. The city is named for a large volcanic rock formation along the Cowlitz River that locals say resembles an old castle. The Rock, as it is affec-tionately called, rises 200 feet above the sur-rounding area. It was once used as a geographi-cal landmark for early travelers along the river.

TRIP GUIDELions Pride Park, on Huntington Avenue South, serves as the trailhead for the east side of Castle Rock' s Riverfront Trail. The walking and biking trail takes visitors past ̀ The Rock' Ð a short hike takes you to the top Ð and along the Cowlitz River. Trails are on both sides of the river. The trail on the east side is a �-mile lighted, paved path that extends the length of town. The trail includes viewing areas, benches, picnic tables and a small playground. The trail passes piles of dredge spoils from the �980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and parks for skateboarders, BMX riders and mountain bikers. There are also two fishing piers. On the west side of the Cowlitz River, the trail is constructed of compacted gravel, from the PH�0 bridge to the mouth of Whittle Creek and a paved path from PH�0 bridge to the Castle Rock Sports Complex.

Today, The Rock has been preserved for the community and its visitors. Historical markers are at the base of The Rock, at the intersection of Huntington Avenue South and Front Avenue. Visitors can hike the trail that winds its way to the top or take a break at The Rock Community Park. To get to The Rock, take I-5 to Exit 49 and go west into town on Huntington Avenue. Park at Lions Pride Park.

4�

3Great places

1 Castle Rock dressed itself up last year.

One of the town' s main shopping streets was trans-formed with wider concrete sidewalks that are stamped and colored to look like the wooden planks that were common a century ago. The roadway has also been stamped and colored to resemble river rock, and the old-fashioned streetlight design looks good and brightens the area considerably. The city' s historic downtown features a wide variety of shops, antique stores, restaurants and other attractions.

2 The Castle Rock Exhibit Hall and Vis-

itor' s Information Center. Located in a large white build-ing at �47 Front Ave. N.W, includes dis-plays explaining the mudflows and the volcano' s impact on the Castle Rock area. It' s also a historical museum for north Cowlitz County, with displays on logging and rivers. Exhibits include a working replica of a sawmill, a �890s buggy and a Bigfoot display. The exhibit hall also has pictures of Castle Rock High School graduates since �900. Admission is free. To get to the Castle Rock Exhibit Hall, take I-5 to Exit 49 and go west into town. Front Avenue is one block to the right of the main street. The exhibition hall is open �0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday in summer. For more information, call 360-�74-6603.

3 Castle Rock also boasts the only fully

developed public boat launch on the Cowlitz River be-tween Toledo and Gerhart Gardens in Longview. The Al Helenberg Memorial Boat Launch opened in �0�0 and has been improved since then. Total cost was about $� million. It' s welcomed by anglers who go after the river' s runs of steelhead, coho and spring chinook. The Castle Rock launch can be accessed through the North County Recreation Sports Com-plex, just south of the entrance to the high school.

QuiltingAlong...

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503.728.0626

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Hours:Hours: Tues - Fri: 10-6 • Sat: 10-4Tues - Fri: 10-6 • Sat: 10-4

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945 Washington Way, Longview • 578-2628MOn-Fri: 9AM-6pM • SAT: 10AM-4pM Mention Stitch The Kitty And Get 20% Off 1 Item!

Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm;Saturday - Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm

105 Cowlitz St. West, Castle Rock360-274-4663

Mon.-Fri. 10:00am - 5:30pmSat. 10:00am - 4:00pm

Closed Sunday

over 3000 bolts!

One of the largest quilt fabric selections in Cowlitz County.

• Vintage & children’s prints • Florals & wildlife • Modern & geometric • Batiks – large selection • Blenders • Complete fabric group lines

• Books & patterns • Classes & kits • Warm & Natural® batting • Fusible fleece • Fusible Pellon® • Notions & accessories

Furniture • Art GlassPottery • Perfume BottlesOyster Plates • Oil Lamps

Primitives

101 Front Ave. SWCastle Rick, WA 98611www.ToEverySeason.net

(360) 967-2348Cell: (360) 562-5948

info@toeveryseason.netOpen Mon. - Sat. 12-5pm & By Appointment

• Elk Burgers• Gourmet Burgers• Soups and Salads• Baskets & Sandwiches• Homemade Cobbler• Chicken & Dumplings• Beltie Brew Organic Coffee• Gifts and Souvenirs

(360) 274-8779Open Daily 9:30-8:30

Enjoy riverview dining on your way to Mt. St. Helens, 19 miles from I-5 via exit 49 on Spirit Lake Hwy. (504)

4363

25

(Subject to weather, please call ahead)

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 3000 bolts!

Castle RockNursery

360-274-8388I-5 Exit 48, 1 mile West on Huntington, right on Buland

H2O • Dirt • SunLove • Imagination

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436346

Wine Tasting

Until we open our tasting room at the new location, please come to our winery. The winery is located at 211 Morning Star Drive, Silverlake, just 7.3 miles from I-5 exit 49, on the left. When the winery is OPEN, look for the Wine Tasting sign with balloons,

Go up Morning Star to the winery on the left.

Make Our Tasting Room and Winery a destination stop.

Our beautiful Tuscany tasting room at the The Crossroads Plaza at 1254 Mt Saint Helens Way NE in Castle Rock, at I-5 exit 49,

is scheduled to be open in June 2012.

Check our website www.mtsthelenscellars.com for hoursof operation, upcoming events, directions, and our

OPENING in Castle Rock. Winery phone 360.274.7078.

4365

36

• Full Hookups• Spacious Tent Sites• Showers• Camp in Nostalgic Homestead• Minutes to Volcano Attractions• Close to Hunting, Fishing, Hiking• Walk to Toutle River Mudflow• Nearby Restaurant and Store

9360 Spirit Lake Highway • Toutle, WA 98649Reservations: (360) 274-9060

kidvalley@kalama.com436437

Mt. St. HelensSouveniers

Post Cards • GiftsCastle Rock Pharmacy

117 1st St. SW, Castle Rock(360) 274-8211

to Castle Rock, Silver Lake, Toutle, and Kid Valley

Welcome to Mt. St. Helens & Bigfoot Country!

Come see the 22 ft. Bigfoot Statue in the parking Lot!

Large SeLeCtion of Bigfoot SouvenirS

Shirts • Hats • Posters & Books

Mt. St. HeLenS gift iteMST-shirts • Hats • Mt. St. Helens art glass • DVD’s • Ceramics

Jewelry • Souvenir items

no Charge to Park rv or camp

North Fork SurvivorS

9745 Spirit Lake Hwy. Toutle, WAnorthfork.survivors@yahoo.com

360 274-6789Exit 49 from I-5, then head east. We are located on

Hwy 504 at milepost 19.3 on the right

Call ahead

Castle Rock Fair

July19-21, 2012

44

woodlandwoodland

TRIP GUIDEThe Cedar Creek Grist Mill is perched on a steep slope above the creek. The water-powered grinding mill was built in �876 and used by families who brought grain to the mill to be ground into flour or livestock feed. Volunteers staff weekend activities, which feature events typical to the early �0th century. Tours can be arranged. Take exit �� and head east, turning right to cross the North Fork of Lewis River. Turn left onto Northwest Hayes Road toward Amboy, which becomes Cedar Creek Road. About 8 miles from Woodland, a sign points left to the mill. Turn left on Grist Mill Road, and about ¾ mile to the mill; www.cedarcreekgristmill.com.

Woodland Planters Days - with parade,

rides, frog-jumping contest and

classic car show

- is June 14-17

rides, frog-jumping rides, frog-jumping

ich 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.

44 45

45

Horseshoe Lake Park is packed with places to play

1The Holland America Bulb farm was founded 30 years ago by Benno

and Klazina Dobbe, who im-migrated to the United States from the Netherlands. In sea-son, the bulb farm' s gift shop sells all manner of bulbs, in-cluding tulips, daffodils, irises, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, alliums, scilla and other spe-cialty varieties. �066 South Pekin Road; 360-��5-6575; www.hollandamericabulb farms.com.

2Smell the history Ð literally Ð at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.

Its annual Lilac Festival Рwhich showcases the fragrant purple, pink and white blossoms Рis over but the gardens are open year-round. The Hulda Klager Lilac Garden is an arboretum with many flowers, shrubs and exot-ic trees in addition to lilacs. Klager' s Victorian-era home is on the National Register of Historic Sites and is open to visitors during special events. ��5 South Pekin Road. Gar-dens are open to the public 365 days a year from �0 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily, with a $� fee.

Don’t miss historic downtown Woodland for shopping, eateries and direct access to Horseshoe Lake Park — a shady waterfront getaway

3Great places

3 On the north side of the horseshoe-shaped lake is Horseshoe Lake Park, 6.5 acres of open lawn for field games, a playground, a beach, restrooms, a parking lot, skateboard park and a boat launch. Horseshoe Lake is open for swimming (no lifeguard on duty), fishing and boating (5 mph speed limit).

The lake itself is 85 acres and has a maximum depth of �6 feet. It was created in �940, when a bend in the river was isolated by freeway construction. For more information about Woodland, the city' s Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 900 Goerig Street; 360-��5-955�; www.woodlandwachamber.com

44 45

Hart C’s

Fine Thai Cuisine

& Jumbo sTeakburgers

3171 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, WA

360-425-6292360-425-6293

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columbia county

andy riverfront beaches, quiet back roads and a huge yew tree are among attrac-tions in Columbia County,

Ore. Visitors also can check out a windsurfing hot spot, a variety of trails, the largest Zen Buddhist monas-tery in the Northwest and what’s left of Oregon’s only nuclear power plant.

TRIP GUIDEDon' t let the name scare you. Gnat Creek Hatchery is a family friendly place that' s tucked away off Highway 30, �5 miles west of Clatskanie. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife raises winter steelhead and spring chinook there. The hatchery is open to visitors daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. It has a viewing pond with large rainbow trout and sturgeon that visitors can feed. An informational kiosk and picnic areas are available for visitors, who can enjoy scenic loop trails around the hatchery. From the hatchery, an older section of the Gnat Creek trail crosses Highway 30 then goes for � ¼ miles through woods to a campground with six quiet walk-in sites.

Heritage Days Cruise

Car Show and

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at Clatskanie City

Park is June 30

Heritage Days Cruise Heritage Days Cruise

Rainier Days in the Park is July 12-15

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2 The area between Prescott Beach and the former Trojan Nuclear Power Plant offers large marshes

and good bird watching. The 74-acre park at Trojan includes a �9-acre lake, �00 acres of woods and wetlands, walk-ing trails, ball fields, sheltered picnic ar-eas, a volleyball court and a frisbee golf course. All facilities are open Memorial Day through Labor Day, though people may walk through any time. For more information on the park, call 503-464-85�5 or visit www.portlandgeneral.com/parks.

3 A few miles downstream from Rainier, Dibblee Point is an unde-veloped but popular sandy beach

along the Columbia River. People hike or ride horseback through the sandy trails. Dibblee Point is the closest place to Longview-Kelso with extensive bank fishing on the Columbia. To reach Dib-blee Point, turn north from Highway 30 onto Rockcrest Road. Turn left onto Dike Road, go under the Lewis and Clark Bridge and right at the stop sign past the gypsum plant on Young Road. Take the gravel road across the railroad tracks to the river.

4Columbia County boasts several public beaches. East of Rainier, Laurel Beach is a small but scenic

day-use park that attracts anglers and bird watchers. A small strip of sandy beach also is accessible from the park-ing area. Take Laurelwood Road about �.5 miles south of town. You' ll have to walk up a rough path and over the railroad tracks.

Farther south on Highway 30, the site of Lewis and Clark' s campsite on Nov. 5, �805, has been developed into a park. The 7�-acre Prescott Beach day-use park charges a small fee. You' ll also find a pic-nic shelter, playground equipment, gaze-bo, horseshoe pit and volleyball courts.

West of Clatskanie at the intersec-tion of highways 30 and 47, the Bea-ver Boat Ramp offers easy Clatskanie River access. The day-use park has picnic tables, barbecue pits and rest-rooms. Jones Beach is 6 miles west of Clatskanie on Highway 30 off Woodson Road. The broad beach and gusty af-ternoon winds draw windsurfers to the Columbia River from hundreds of miles around. The beach is used for fishing and picnicking. Overnight camping is not permitted here.

5 Clatskanie was built on log-ging, and the heritage can be felt around town. Turn-of-the-century

lumberman T.J. Flippin built his home to look like a castle. The turreted white mansion at 6�0 Tichenor now is a se-nior center and a museum. Tours of Flippin Castle, led by the senior citizens, can be arranged by calling 503-7�8-3608. There is a small fee.

Clatskanie City Park, 300 N.E. Park St., has a large swimming pool, a sports field, playground, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and barbecue pits, tent and RV camp sites, a horse arena, a boat ramp into the Clatskanie River and restrooms with showers. The Lewis and Clark Heritage Canoe Trail begins at the park, winds along the Clatskanie River and explores the islands of the Lower Colum-bia. A network of sloughs offers a variety of paddling experiences for all skill levels.

Clatskanie is the home of the largest Zen facility in the Northwest. Great Vow Buddhist Monastery, 79640 Quincy-Mayger Road, was built in a converted elementary school. Guests are welcome. To schedule a tour, call the monastery at 503-7�8-0654. www.greatvow.org

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1 If you head into Rainier from the Lewis and Clark Bridge, you can explore

an early river town. A white-columned, two-story city hall built in �9�0 marks the center of town. The city' s spacious Riverfront Park at the west edge of town is a favorite for families. It has basketball and tennis courts, a skateboard park and a first-rate play-ground. It offers a close view of maritime activity at the Port of Longview. Nearby is a boat launch with restrooms and a large parking lot.

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wahkiakum countywahkiakum county

TRIP GUIDEThe community of Grays River in western Wahkiakum County has just a couple of stores, though its most famous feature is a short detour off the highway. The community' s historical claim to fame is a covered bridge built in �905. The �58-foot-long bridge is the last such structure on a public roadway in the state. Originally built at a cost of $�,700, it went through a major renovation in �989. Drive across its wood plank deck and imagine you' re in a horse-drawn buggy. The bridge is accessed by Loop Road.

Wahkiakum County Fair

in Skamokawa Aug. 16-18Wahkiakum County Fair

couple of charming towns — and a historic bridge —

line the road west from Longview to the beach. Cathlamet seems like

a small town of 50 years ago, and Skamokawa focuses on the Columbia River. In between them sprawls a wildlife refuge with deer, elk and birds.

Buzzard’s Breath Chili Cook-off in Cathlamet Sept. 1

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Two Islands Farm Market runs through Oct. 30 on

1The town of Cathlamet still has an au-thentic ambiance, a place where people work with tools and fishing tackle. Here,

visitors can savor the flavor of an America be-fore strip malls and fast-food chains jammed the landscape.

Cathlamet, pronounced ª cath-LA-met,º is �0 miles west of Longview on Ocean Beach High-way (SR4). The town has about 550 inhabitants.

Stop at the visitor information center at the corner of Broadway and River streets. Pick up the Historic Tour Guide and set out on foot or in your car. The guide will steer you to houses that date to the �860s.

Nearby is the �884 Pioneer Church, the stee-ple of which is a town landmark.

Stroll down Broadway to a viewing area of the Columbia River Ð tugboats may be docked nearby. Walk the waterfront trail from the museum to the marina, which can be jammed when salmon fishing or sturgeon fishing is good in the Columbia.

A block away, check out the Wahkiakum County Historical Museum, which holds a good display of Americana from the past century, with an emphasis on local livelihoods Ð fishing, logging and farming.

Ride a ferry, rent a kayak and relive history along the Lower Columbia through its many vibrant communities.

33Great places

3 After exploring Cathlamet by foot, drive out Main Street, which becomes Highway 409,

and continue across the curving bridge span to Puget Island. It' s a flatland of dairy farms, tidy houses with Scandinavian names on the mailboxes and boathouses perched on the sloughs.

The highway passes the Puget Island Grange, dedicated in �9�8, on the left.

It' s 3 miles to the Puget Island ferry, the last ferry on the lower Colum-bia. It runs back and forth between Puget Island and Westport on the Oregon side. The ��-minute ride costs $5 per car Рa cheap river cruise. Ferries normally run from 5 a.m. to �0 p.m. daily.

Other roads on Puget Island make an excellent place for bicycling. They' re flat and there' s little traffic. It' s about �0 miles all the way around.

2Skamokawa packs a lot of tourist des-tinations into its tiny size. Pronounced ª Skah-MOCK-away,º the riverside village

is a National Historical District. The River Life Interpretive Center, an imposing structure built in �894 as a school, towers above the highway. On the ground floor of what' s also called Red-men Hall is a gift shop and gallery, which is open noon-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. It features exhibits of art with a local flavor.

The second floor houses exhibits showing the area' s history.

Drive a couple of blocks down Steamboat Slough Road to look at Lurline Hall, a nicely re-stored �9�� building on pilings that was once a steamboat landing. It isn' t open to the public.

Skamokawa also is the site of the �8-acre Vista Park on the Columbia River, which offers fishing, picnicking, boating and beach-combing. The park also includes tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, walking paths, a large playing field, 35 campsites and five yurts Ð circular, domed tents on platforms with enough space for a family to camp inside.

For information on reserving a campsite there, call 360-795-8605 or see vistapark.wordpress.com

For further information on Cathlamet and Skamokawa, call the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce at 360-795-9996 or visit www.WahkiakumChamber.com.

Longboard races in Cathlamet: Aug. 24-26

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astoriaastoria

TRIP GUIDEThe ��5-foot tall Astoria Column, sitting atop Coxcomb Hill, offers a spectacular view of the city, as well as the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains and forests. Climb the column' s �64 steps to get to the top of this landmark, built in �9�6 to commemorate Astoria' s explorers and early settlers. Follow signs up �6th or �4th streets. The column is open dawn to dusk. A $� per car donation is requested.

Spot some sea lions in Astoria

storia can boast that it’s the only American town west of the Rockies old enough to celebrate its 200th birthday. (That’s what

the town did last summer.)Any year, however, sightseeing op-

portunities abound. Historical Vic-torian houses dot the treed hillsides,

which allow breathtaking vistas of this northwest Oregon town situated on the broad Columbia River a few miles upstream of its mouth.

A good place to start is the Chamber of Commerce and Visi-tor Center at 111 W. Marine Drive, a

few blocks east of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Visitor’s guides, a walking tour for shopping and dining, and a driving map of 55 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are at the center. www.oldoregon.com or 503-325-6311.

Besides surf, sand and history, the Astoria-Warrenton area’s charm has attracted the eye of Hollywood, and the area has been the site of a number of movies, including “The Goonies,” “Come See the Paradise,” “Kindergarten Cop,” “Free Willy” and “Short Circuit,” to name a few. The visitor center sells lists of all the movies filmed in Astoria, and the list gives directions to filming locations.list gives directions to filming locations.

Spot some Spot some sea lions in

50 5�

5�

Spot some sea lions in Astoria

3Permanent exhibits at the Columbia River Maritime Museum include a retired Coast Guard rescue boat and light ship and old fishing boats. Current temporary ex-hibits range from the perilous Columbia River bar to Envisioning the World: The First

Printed Maps, �47�-�700. The museum is at �79� Marine Drive; open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $�� adults, $�0 seniors and $5 per child ages 6-�7. www.crmm.org.

1Movie buffs rejoice! In �0�0, the Clatsop County Historical Society opened the oregon Film Museum in the former county jail, at the corner of 7th and Duane streets. The jail was featured in the opening scenes of ª The Goonies,º and many of

the exhibits in the old cells are about that movie. About 300 commercial movies have been filmed in Oregon, including at least �5 in Clatsop County. The museum is open daily from �� a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $4 for adults and $� for children (ages 6-�7). For more information, call 503-3�5-��03 or see www.oregonfilmmuseum.org.

Want more Goonies? The house featured in the film is at 368 38th Street at Duane. Fans are asked to walk, not drive, up the gravel driveway.

33Great places

2Explore the Flavel House mansion. George Flavel, a river bar pilot who became one of Astoria' s richest men, built the ��,600-square-foot mansion at 8th and Duane in �885. Flavel House is open daily in summer from �0 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for

adults, $4 for seniors and $� for children.

Want more history? The Heritage Museum at �6th and Exchange is operated by the Clat-sop County Historical Society. Exhibits focus on the Germans, Swedes, Finns, Norwegians, Danes, Chinese, Serbs, Croats and others who contributed to Astoria' s history. Open from �0 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the summer. Admission is $3 for adults, $� for seniors and $� for children.

Columbia River

Maritime Museum

is open daily

Fort Clatsop: Get a feel for what Lewis and Clark Expedition members endured the winter of �805-06 at Fort Clatsop. The Fort Clatsop National Memorial a few miles west of Astoria includes a reconstructed fort, a visitor center/museum, historical exhibits, canoe landing and a picnic area joined by trails through the wetlands and rainforests. The fort is at 9�343 Fort Clatsop Road. Open daily. Summer hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; winter hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $3 for adults and free to children �5 and younger. www.nps.gov/lewi/

Birding: Shorebirds and land birds make migratory stops in Astoria. Each season offers a slice of the 356 recorded species. A complete list of species (plus more info) at http://birdnotes.net.Swimming: Escape the rain and take a dip at the Astoria Aquatic Center at �997 Marine Drive, 503-3�5-70�7. Features include the main pool, recreation pool, spa pool and kiddies' pool, as well as a water slide and lazy river. A family day pass is $��. Visit www.astoriaparks.com/aquatic_center.html for more information.

50 5�

All abord!Astoria features a waterfront trolley. Anywhere between Basin and 36th streets, ride the rails for just $1.

5�

washington coastwashington coast

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Whether it’s for a day or longer, visitors can soak up the rays on acres of sandy beaches, hike to spectacular vistas, dig for clams, venture out to sea to fish or relax in quaint seaside towns. But wher-ever adventure leads, don’t forget your camera.

The Long Beach Peninsula' s beach, �8 miles long, is one of the longest continuous sandy beaches in north America, and there' s public access every few miles. The Long Beach Boardwalk is a short walk from most places in downtown. The elevated board-walk is nearly a half-mile long and features interpretive displays, sitting areas and great views. Most of the beach is open to motorized vehicles. Exceptions are the far northern tip, which is closed year-round, except during clam-digging seasons. During summer months, �.4 miles of the beach is closed to vehicles, between Seaview and the Bolstad access in Long Beach.

5� 53

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54

washington coastwashington coast

TRIP GUIDEOne of Washington' s most popular state parks, Cape Disappointment covers nearly �,000 acres with a variety of campsites and picnic areas that provide dramatic views of the ocean and the Columbia River Estuary. Visitors also can explore bunkers of an old military fort, hike to the Cape Disappointment (left) and North Head lighthous-es, wander through coastal forests, view wildlife from the North Jetty, explore Beard' s Hollow or Waikiki Beach, or visit the Lewis and Clark Inter-pretive Center, described below. The park is � miles southwest of Ilwaco on Loop �0�. A Discover Pass is required, www.parks.wa.gov.

lam diggers flock to the Long Beach Peninsula and other coast beaches during digs, which are held about eight weekends per year. Every dig is contin-gent on acceptable levels of domoic acid,

which causes illness to people who eat affected clams. For updated information, call the Department of Fish and Wildlife hotline at 360-696-6211, ext. 1010. The agency’s website is wdfw.wa.gov.

Tour the

Long Beach Peninsula

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The vintage fishing village of Ilwaco, with its busy marina for commercial and pleasure boats, dates back to the �880s. Its port is nestled just inside the Columbia River bar. The Port of Ilwaco is a real, working fishing village. Several charter boat companies offer trips into the lower Columbia River and out to the ocean to catch salmon and sturgeon. Guest moorage is available year-round. The marina waterfront draws visitors for its restaurants, gift shops, galleries, retail seafood outlets, baristas and bookstore.

Heading north from Ilwaco, you might stop at Black Lake in Seaview, where you can follow a gentle path along the shoreline or spot a winter population of trumpeter swans. Seaview, considered one the best examples of early coastal communities in the Northwest, was founded in �88� and quickly became the playground for wealthy vacationers from Portland. The fine houses and cottages lining its lanes provide a nice place to walk or bike. There' s a pocket of antique shops and malls, plus fine cuisine at the Shoalwater Restaurant.

Long Beach is the commercial hub of the peninsula. That' s where you' ll find arcades and go-carts, along with restaurants, galleries, kite shops, upscale gift shops, bakeries and bookstores and great, as well as long, beaches. One of the better-known attractions is Jake the Alligator Man, who resides in a glass case at Marsh' s Free Museum, actually an offbeat store. Jake appears to be a small mummified human from the waist up and a gator in his lower extremities. We' ll let you be the judge.

Heading north from Long Beach, you' ll want to stop in ocean Park, home of the annual Northwest Garlic Festival, which is June �6-�7 this year. Originally founded as a Christian revival center, Ocean Park has grown into a full-service seaside community that welcomes some �0,000 seasonal residents each summer. Before your visit, make sure you go to www.opwa.com and print out the Ocean Park Area Walking Tour, which takes visitors past local landmarks and historical buildings. Among the highlights of the tour is The Wreckage, a home built in �9�� largely from materials salvaged from the beach. The home is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

nahcotta is a small fishing town on the Willapa Bay side of the Peninsula. For a beautiful view of the bay and Long Island, explore the Nahcotta Tidelands Interpretive Site. More history and information about the shellfish, wildlife and plants of the Willapa Bay ecosystem can be found at the nearby Willapa Bay Interpretive Center in Ocean Park. The center, a replica of an oyster station house, celebrates the history of oyster growing in Willapa Bay. Call 360-665-4547 for more information.

North of Nahcotta is oysterville, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in �976. Homes here date to �863 and grace tree-lined streets. The �89� church is open to the public. Oysterville boasts the state' s oldest operating post office Ð and likely the smallest. It' s at the Oysterville Store, a combination grocery/souvenir/bookstore.

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Long Beach Peninsula

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washington coastwashington coast

he Discovery Trail, which was com-pleted in 2009, winds 8.5 miles through coastal forest and sand dunes at the

Long Beach Peninsula. The 8-foot-wide trail is open for walkers and bicycle riders; nearly all of it is paved.

It follows the route William Clark and 10 members of his expedition likely followed in

1805. Plaques and sculptures along the route pro-vide bits of Lewis and Clark history.

To ride the entire trail east-to-west, start at the Port of Ilwaco. One of the steepest parts comes soon, followed by a series of ups and downs. About 1 mile from Ilwaco, the trail intersects Highway 100, the route to Cape Disappointment State Park. On one short, steep downhill stretch, bicyclers might choose to dismount. However, the trail soon flattens out and crosses a 250-foot long wooden bridge over

a wetland to reach the Beard’s Hollow parking lot in Cape Disappointment State Park.

For the next 4 miles, the trail meanders through grassy sand dunes. Every few miles, the trail cross-es a beach access road with parking and toilets. The ocean is never more than a few hundred yards away from the trail.

As the trail continues into Long Beach, it pass-es monuments depicting the experiences of Corps members as they explored the coast. Watch for a 9-foot, etched basalt monolith north of Bolstad Avenue and a gray whale skeleton at the south end of the Long Beach Boardwalk. There’s also Clark’s Tree, a 19-foot bronze sculpture noting the most northwest point the corps reached.

The trail ends at 26th Street North, by the Breakers resort. For a map of the Discovery Trail, visit: www.funbeach.com/attractions/discoverytrail

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Built to defend the Columbia River from �896 to �947, Fort Columbia near Chinook was fully manned and operational through three wars. Today, visitors will find picnic ar-eas, hiking trails and historical buildings at the state park. Peer into the innards of the massive gun emplacements. You can even stay overnight in one of the heritage houses. Hours vary in the summer and winter. A state parks Discover Pass is required.

66Great places

The best museum to learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition in these parts is the interpretive center that bears the explorers' names. Perched upon a cliff, on top of two gun emplacements that once guarded the Columbia River' s mouth, is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment. The center allows visitors to relive the �804-�806 journey of The Corps of Discovery on a self-guided walk through displays, paintings, artifacts, photographs and entries from the original journals. The center is open daily year round, �0 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and seniors, and $�.50 for children ages 7-�7. For more informa-tion, call 360-64�-30�9 or go to www.capedisappointment.org.

The only such institution in North America, the World Kite Museum features fantastic kites from around the world and throughout history. The museum boasts a collection of more than �,500 kites, including the most complete collection of Japanese kites outside Japan. The mu-seum is at 303 Sid Snyder Drive in Long Beach. It' s open daily May through September, �� a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children. Call 360-64�-40�0 for more information, or go to www.worldkitemuseum.com.

Located on the tip of the Long Beach Peninsula is Leadbetter Point State Park, which sepa-rates Willapa Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Leadbetter Point borders the Willapa National Wild-life Refuge. Tens of thousands of shorebirds feed and rest here during spring and fall migration peaks. Here, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, bird watching and clamming. State Route �03 ends at Leadbetter Point State Park. www.parks.wa.gov

If you are looking for a weekend close to nature, activities that the entire fam-ily will never

forget, festivals or events nearly every weekend of the year, beautiful scenery, his-toric 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. Head to the coast! The Ocean Park Area awaits!

2012 Local Events• Worlds Longest Garage Sale - Peninsula Wide - May 25-28• 31st Annual Garlic Festival - June 16 & 17• Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade - July 4th

• Art In The Park - Sheldon Field - July 4th

• Jazz & Oysters - August 19th

• Labor Day Book Sale - September 1-3• Community Beach Bonfire At OP Beach Approach - September 1

• Rod Run To The End Of The World - September 8-9• Water Music - October 12-14• Peninsula Arts Studio Tour - November 23-24

Ocean Park AreaChamber of Commerce

Learn more about us awww.opwa.com

or call us toll free (888) 751-9354

Ocean Park AreaSW Washington’s Beach

The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, ��5 S.E. Lake St. in Ilwaco, celebrates the history and culture of Southwest Pacific County and the mouth of the Columbia River. The museum has a room of exhibits about the Chinook Indian tribe, including a traditional dugout canoe. Explore a pioneer village and learn about fishing, logging and cranberry farming. And there' s a replica of a town street, circa �9�5, with barbershop, bar and church, as well as a fun video that tells the story of a Frenchman who rowed his �6-foot boat across the Pacific Ocean in �99�, landing in Ilwaco. This year, there' s a special exhibit on Folk Artists of Washington state May �8 thorugh July �9. Call the museum at 360-64�-3446 for more information. columbiapacificheritagemuseum.org.

The Cranberry Museum spotlights the history and methods of cranberry farming, which has been around for more than �00 years in Southwest Washington. Take a self-guided tour through the museum' s �0-acre demonstration cranberry farm, or shop for cranberry treats in the gift shop. Peak growing season is mid-September through harvest in early to mid-October. You' ll want to see the crimson bogs during harvest time. The walking tour around the demonstration farm is open each day until dusk. Hours vary with the season. The museum is at �907 Pioneer Road, Long Beach. Call the museum at 360-64�-5553 for more information, or go to www.cranberrymuseum.com

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oregon coast

TRIP GUIDEThe Tillamook County Creamery is a popular place to stop for lunch or at least an old-fashioned, ice cream milkshake. Here, one also can tour the factory where the famous cheese is made. The creamery is a dairy co-operative in Tillamook on U.S. �0�, about an hour' s drive south of Seaside. The factory hosts over a million tourists each year. Visitors watch the production of cheese from a viewing gallery over the main production floor and taste test a variety of their creations.

ighway 101 meanders along the rugged coastline through bustling coastal towns between sea cliffs, beaches and sea stacks. From Astoria, 101 stretches south past Seaside, Cannon Beach and Tillamook to Lincoln City and beyond. Don’t miss hiking a network of trails, exploring hidden tide pools and visiting iconic lighthouses.

Ecola State Park

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33Great places 1 If a little more action is what you and your clan desire, just head north to Seaside. Nine miles separate quiet Cannon Beach from carnival-like Seaside. A four-block area along the

west end of Broadway bustles with Pronto Pups, caramel corn, bumper cars, a Tilt-a-Whirl, carousel and arcade.

The Prom, a broad sidewalk parallels the beach for �.5 miles and forms a T at the end of Broadway, is a great place to take a stroll without getting your feet wet.

Businesses offer beach activities, including rentals of surreys, funcycles, motor scooters, bicycles, skates, boogie boards and kayaks. Barking seals are eager to catch fish you buy and toss to them at the Seaside Aquarium. Walk north on the beach to the mouth of the Necanicum River to escape the crowds.

Shoppers like to hit up the Seaside Factory Outlet Center, just east of Highway �0�. It features 30 nationally known manufac-turers and the largest wine shop on the north Oregon coast. An antique mall at the corner of Broadway and Holladay is home to nearly �00 year-round vendors.

For more information, contact the Seaside Visitors Bureau, 989 Broadway, Seaside, OR 97�38-68�5; by phone at 866 306-�3�6; or online at www.seasideor.com. The center is at 7 North Roosevelt, just off Highway �0�.

2High-end art galleries, cozy bookstores and refined shops make Cannon Beach one of the more sophisti-cated stops along the Oregon Coast. Nestled between the

mountains and the Pacific, Cannon Beach is on the cusp of Tolovana State Park to the south and about �0 minutes' drive from the town of Seaside to the north.

Cannon Beach' s best-known natural feature is Haystack Rock, a monolithic mound of basalt, and the lesser known ª Needlesº formation that surrounds it.

Tufted puffins breed during summer months at the �35-foot-tall sea stack. During the puffins' breeding season, state fish and wildlife department workers and volunteers are on hand with binoculars and telescopes so beachgoers can catch a glimpse of the unusual birds.

Jewel-colored starfish, delicate anemone and various crusta-ceans and bivalves can be seen at the base of Haystack Rock and The Needles during low tide.

To see the shore in a different way, some businesses rent ª fun-cycleº beach-capable tricycles as well as surf boards and wet-suits. You can even charter a helicopter.

Back in town, the streets are lined with businesses ranging from pricey art galleries to candy stores and kite shops. The town is small, so walking from one end to the other isn' t even a �0-block affair. But the businesses are dense, so it can take some time to get a good look at the interesting shops. Food fare ranges from family friendly seafood joints to fancier bistros.

For more information, try the Cannon Beach Information Center at Second and Spruce, or at 503-436-�6�3; www.cannonbeach.org

3With 7,500 permanent residents, Lincoln City is one of the larger towns on the Oregon Coast. Along with plenty of beach access and shopping, Lincoln City also offers

the Chinook Winds Casino and the upscale Salishan Resort. There' s also a glass art studio.

Lincoln City is 95 miles south of Cannon Beach. From Southwest Washington, the quickest way to get there is head south on I-5 to Portland, then southwest on Highway �8. www.oregoncoast.org

Before heading south on the 101, check the tides. During low tides in the summer, plenty of ocean creatures await discovery.

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isitors in contemporary craft made of light-weight plastic can retrace the wa-

ter approach to Fort Clatsop that Lewis and Clark’s explorers used during the winter of

1805-06.The Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

offers the free, two-hour trips on the Lewis and Clark River June 30 through Labor Day, and possibly after that.

Along with the scenery, participants get a history lesson from rangers.

Tours leave from Netul Landing, which is 1 mile south of the Fort Clatsop replica and visitor center, at different times each day, to coincide with high tide.

The strong tidal influence makes the Lewis and Clark River (formerly called the Netul River) brackish. So the explorers needed a fresh water supply for their camp, which they situated a few paces from a spring.

Diking in the 1900s altered the river from Lewis and Clark’s days. Even more noticeable are the wood and steel pilings that jut out of the water. They’re legacies from times when Netul Landing was used to transfer

logs from the river to railroad cars, and later trucks.In later years, people disembarked from boats at

Netul Landing and rode wagons on a trail to Seaside. Today, hikers can retrace the route on the Fort-to-Sea Trail.

From the canoe landing, the top of 3,300-foot-tall Saddle Mountain is visible 15 miles in the distance.

The kayak tour stays waterborne throughout the 2 ½-mile round trip. But afterwards, visitors can retrace the route on the 1 ½-mile trail from Netul Landing to the fort and visitor center or drive there in a few minutes.

Either way, it’s a lot easier than the transportation alternatives from the era of dugout canoes.

No kayaking or canoeing experience is required, though it’s a good idea to have some familiarity with the craft.

Paddlers meet at the Netul Landing canoe launch. The Park Service provides canoes and kayaks and PFDs, though participants may bring their own watercraft.

To register, call 503-861-4425 or see www.nps.gov/lewi/planyourvisit/kayak-tours.htm

Paddle into history

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white pass scenic bywaywhite pass scenic byway

TRIP GUIDEThe two hatcheries on the Cowlitz River are only a few miles off Highway ��, and not far out of the way if you' re ap-proaching from the south, through Toledo. The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, which is the largest hatchery in Wash-ington, received $30 million worth of improvements, from water heaters to shiny new fish-spawning trays, in �0�0. Every year, about �00,000 adult fish return to the hatchery. In the visitor center, people can get a fish-eye view of the spawning procedure from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. A popular fishing area is just downstream. The Cowlitz Trout Hatchery at Blue Creek five miles downstream is also popular with anglers but doesn' t have as elaborate a visitor center. To reach the salmon hatchery, go east on Highway �� from I-5 for about �� miles, then turn right onto Fuller Road. Continue until the ª Tº intersection and turn left on Spencer Road. Stay right at the ª Y.º

ighway 12 through eastern Lewis County is sometimes called the White Pass Scenic Byway. The major two-lane route indeed leads over that mountain pass — but there’s plenty to see and do on the way there. Here are some suggestions for stops along the way — or make them a destination.

Mayfield Dam

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44Great places

2You' re never far from water at Ike Kinswa State Park, which hugs the shoreline of Mayfield Lake where the Tilton and Cowlitz rivers flow into it. The 454-acre park has almost 9 miles

of waterfront. Some of the park' s �03 campsites are dispersed amid trees along the lake, and the park has five cabins that can be reserved. The day-use area has a swimming beach and a grassy picnic area. To reach the park, drive �4 miles on Highway �� from I-5, then north onto SR ��� (Silver Creek Road) Go �.9 miles to the ª Yº -intersection, then continue on SR ��� (Harmony Road) east for �.6 miles to the park. A Discover Pass, available at the park, is required. www.parks.wa.gov/parks

1 At 606 feet high, Mossyrock Dam is the tallest in Wash-

ington. Riffe Lake, the impoundment behind the dam, reaches for �3 miles, with several public parks and boat launches maintained by Tacoma Public Utilities. For a quick look at the top of the dam, stop at the parking lot just off Highway ��, �3 miles east of I-5. A concrete fishing pier, complete with rod holders, hugs the cliff, and people reel in several species of fish. A full-fledged park, Mossyrock Park, is on the other side of the res-ervoir, accessed through the town of Mossyrock. The 640-acre park has a �5�-site campground and a swimming area. www.mytpu.org/taco-mapower/parks-rec/mossyrock-park.htm

4 Taidnapam Park at the upper (eastern) end of Riffe Lake, provides another place to camp. The campground was greatly expanded in �009 to �63 pleasant sites in the trees,

ranging from walk-in tent sites to full hookups. There' s also an im-pressive fishing bridge over the Cowlitz River where it flows into Riffe. Even on nasty days, the wheelchair-accessible bridge attracts anglers from afar, who try their luck for the lake' s coho. To reach the park, take Highway �� for approximately 37 miles (5 miles past Morton). Turn right on Kosmos Road, then left onto Champion Haul Road, which is paved. Drive approximately 4 miles to the park en-trance. On the way to the park in summer, you may see paragliders floating overhead; they launch from Peterman Ridge.

3 The term ª lakeº may seem a stretch for Lake Scanewa, the 6�0-acre reservoir created in �994 when Cowlitz Falls Dam was completed. The U-shaped lake extends �0.5 miles up the

Cowlitz River and �.5 miles up the Cispus, though only at its down-stream end is it much wider than the river channels have always been. The wide part is the location of Scanewa' s Day Use Park, which has picnic tables, a boat ramp with dock and a swimming area. In fall, the area is regularly stocked with surplus salmon, and it gets trout, too. The ��0-acre campground is about 5 miles up-stream on the Cowlitz, where the reservoir looks like a river. Across the river, bluffs tower more than �,000 feet. The campground, which is open mid-May through mid-September, has �00 sites. To reach Scanewa Day Use Park, take Highway �� to Savio Road, which is about 46 miles east of I-5. Turn right and go to Kiona Road. Turn right and follow Kiona Road to Falls Road. Turn right and con-tinue to the Day Use Park on the left. Signs indicate the way to the campground. www.lcpud.org/recreation

Lake Scanewa

For more on the White Pass Scenic Byway, visit

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columbia gorgecolumbia gorge

TRIP GUIDEIs that Stonehenge? This eastern Gorge oddity is the full-scale model of the Neolithic monument in England. Unlike the origi-nal, this one' s made of concrete and includes monuments to the soldiers of Kilckitat County who died in World War II, the Korean War and Viet Nam. Stonehill mansion, built by Samuel Hill, is 3 miles east of the Maryhill museum.

he 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.

Punchbowl falls is one of several large waterfalls on Eagle Creek near Bonneville

Dam

large waterfalls large waterfalls

near near

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55Great places

4Bonneville Dam was the first dam built on the lower Columbia River and it' s still the most impressive one. The original

structure was finished in �938, and a second powerhouse was added in �98�. The two pow-erhouses, connected by islands and a spillway, together are about � mile long. It isn' t possible for the public to drive all the way across the dams; there' s more to see and do on the Or-egon side. The Corps of Engineers operates a visitor center that explains the dam' s history and power generation. And in fall, you can see hundreds of salmon swimming up the fish lad-der. Don' t overlook the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife' s tourist-oriented Bonneville Hatchery. One of its claims to fame is ª Her-man the Sturgeon,º a huge fish in a tank. One the Oregon side, anglers can fish from Robins and Bradford Islands. The Second Powerhouse on the Washington side of the river has its own visitor center and bank fishing below the dam. Walking trails extend through Hamilton Island, which is accessible from the Washington side. www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pa/docs/ bonnevillebrochure.pdf.

1Hood River has become a vibrant mecca for all things outdoors. In summer, the windy reaches of the Columbia River off

Hood River attract windsurfers from around the world. In fall, the nearby orchards of the Hood River Valley sell fruit by bushel. In winter, downhill and cross-country skiing areas are less than an hour' s drive away. And hiking trails and fishing are available year-round. The town itself is well-supplied with trendy eateries. Park along the main street, Oak Street, and explore. At one end is the Hood River Hotel, a renovated �00-year-old structure with fine dining and el-egant, though cozy rooms. Oak Street also has a brewery and fly fishing shop. Down at the wa-terfront, park and watch the windsurfers. Be-ginners can sign up for a lesson from one of the town' s shops. hoodriver.org

5 It may seem odd to find a world-class collection of Rodin sculpture in the remote reaches of the Gorge, but consider the

Maryhill Museum' s history. The wealthy and eccentric Samuel Hill built the castle-like structure as his home, but it was dedicated as a museum in �9�6, with a visit by the queen of Romania. Today the museum houses 87 Rodins, �00 chess sets, Orthodox icons, paintings and Native American art. Maryhill is open March �5 through Nov. �5. 509-773-3733, www.maryhillmuseum.org.

2The town of Cascade Locks may be best-known as the location of the Bridge of the Gods, a narrow steel structure that' s

the only bridge across the Columbia River for miles. But don' t over look the town' s Marine Park a few blocks to the east, where there' s a nice snack bar on the water. The park features a nice grassy island, accessible by a foot/bike bridge. Cascade Locks is at Exit 44 of I-84.

LoTS oF HIKES, LoTS oF WATERFALLS, LoTS oF EPIC VIEWSDozens of hiking trails Ð and several routes popular with mountain bik-ers Ð climb from the Columbia River into the hills above. Where to go can depend on the season. In spring, the wildflower bloom starts in March and April in the eastern Gorge and spreads west in the next few months. By late summer, the open hills of the eastern Gorge can be blasted hot, while the wooded hillsides closer to Portland offer shade and waterfalls are still rushing.

A few places to consider

a Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a 4.6-mile long section of the old high-way now closed to motorized vehicles. It' s a good place for a family bicycling trip, and popu-lar with hikers, too. The maximum grade is 5 percent, which is enough to make cyclists break into a good sweat on a sunny day. The trail be-tween Hood River and Mosier, Ore., includes two tunnels, �88 and 88 feet long. The Hood River end of the trail has a visitor center. Rang-ers and volunteers in the center have informa-tion on the road, along with trails and camp-grounds in the Gorge.

a Another part of the historic trail, the 3.5 mile segment between Tooth Rock and Cascade Locks, has an oft-changing personality. The western end starts at the Tooth Rock Trailhead, just off Exit 40, which is also the exit for Bonn-eville Dam. Half a mile away is the Tooth Rock viaduct, which traverses a cliff. From the park-ing lot, the old Moffett Creek Bridge is �.3 miles the other direction. The �9�5 structure was an engineering marvel when built. www.oregon-stateparks.org/park_�55.php.

a The upper portion of Columbia Hills State Park and adjacent Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve are two of the best places for eastern Gorge flower-watching. Arrow-leaf balsamroot, a showy yellow flower that grows more than � feet tall, provides the waves of color in spring. The area is about 8 miles east of The Dalles. www.parks.wa.gov

a Coyote Wall/Catherine Creek is a dramatic geological oddity that forms a giant, 2-mile-long step on the Washington side of the Gorge. Below the wall are oak and pine woods; atop the �00-foot tall cliff are miles of open, rolling meadow. Though there aren' t any official trails yet, hikers and mountain bikers have carved them. The area is contiguous with the Catherine Creek area, which has trails more popular with walkers.

a Multnomah Falls is a 6�0-foot-tall cascade and is the most popular tourist attraction in Oregon. Most people stroll a few yards to the base of the falls, but a network of trails switch-back up the hill and connects with other nearby falls. www.fs.usda.gov/wps and click on Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

3 The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge

National Scenic Area. Exhibits include the history of Celilo Falls and the tribes of the area, Wasco County pioneers, the grain and fishery economies of the Gorge and its geology. These exhibits have dioramas with sound effects, video components and expert murals, including a bird' s-eye view of the loop in the river, the Dalles Dam and Mount Adams. 54�-�96-8600 or www.gorgediscovery.org.

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winerieswinerieswinerieswineries

TRIP GUIDEWine loop: Three wineries in the Battle Ground area offer a Wine Loop bus the second Saturday of each month. People may board the bus at the Heisen House, Rusty Grape or Olequa Cellars. The cost is $5. www.battlegroundwineloop.com

enophiles no longer need to drive to the Willamette Val-ley or Eastern Washington for

intensive gallery hopping. Over the past few years, several win-

eries have sprouted in the Ridgefield and Battle Ground areas, less than an hour’s drive from Longview-Kelso. More than simple places to swirl

samples near the wine barrels, the wineries have sit-down areas ranging from rustic to elegant. Some have live music and special events. Most of the wineries are open on weekends for tastings and sales. It typically costs $5 to sample a selection of wines, which is refunded if you purchase a bottle. Bottles typically cost $20 to $30.

Rusty Grape Vineyard in

Confluence Vineyards and Winery�9��� NW 67th Ave.Ridgefield, WA 9864�confluencewinery.net

East Fork Cellars�44�5 NE �0th Ave.Ridgefield, WA 9864�eastforkcellars.com

Three Brothers Winery�4�� NE �44th St . Ridgefield, WA 9864� threebrotherswinery.com

Olequa Cellars �4��8 NE �4�nd Ave.Battle Ground, WA 98604olequa.com

wineries have sit-down areas ranging from rustic to elegant. Some have live music and special events. Most of the

tastings and sales. It typically costs $5 to sample a selection of wines, which is refunded if you purchase a bottle.

Vineyard in

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33Great placesBethany Vineyard and Winery

Bethany Vineyard is an oasis of elegance in the rolling hills a few miles east of the I-5 Ridgefield exit. The lawn is manicured, the tasting room fancy Рand the wines varied. Visitors can also sit outside by a small lake; concerts with catered dinners are sometimes held there. The tasting list starts with a �008 Pinot Noir and moves through six other red wines. The best-seller is the �009 Barbera, accord-ing to Bethany founder Walt Houser, who cheerfully greets regulars as he pours samples. Bethany was one of the first wineries in the vicinity, with its first vintage produced in �00�. The winery grows �8 varieties of grapes and pur-chases three grown in the Columbia River Gorge. The Bethany tasting room is open �� a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. 4��5 NE �59th St., Ridgefield. bethanyvineyard.com

Heisen House Vineyards

Heisen House has a rustic feel, with the tasting room in a converted milking parlor with open walls. Nearby sits the �898 farmhouse where winery owners Michele Bloomquist and her husband, Chris Eckels, live. They sometimes have bands inside the old renovated barn during tastings. Across the road are open farming fields. The nine varieties of wine served at Heisen House start with a dry muscat and include orange muscat. ª Nobody else makes a dry muscat,º Eckels said. The reds include tempranillo, a hearty Spanish red. Heisen is open for tasting noon-5 p.m. Satur-days and Sundays. �8005 NE �7�nd Ave., Battle Ground. www.heisenhousevineyards.com

Rusty Grape Vineyard

Rusty Grape' s tasting room Рactually a cafe Рcan be a cozy place on a Friday night. Even in winter, the room features live music and pizzas, and tastings from the win-eries' nine varieties. In summer months, sippers can sit outside and watch movies. There' s also a small gift shop with wine-oriented products. Tastings at Rusty Grape start with a slightly sweet reisling and include a variety of whites and reds. Rusty Grape also produces a blackberry dessert wine. With its mini-restaurant, the winery is open from 4-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-�0 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. �67�� N.E. ��9th St., Battle Ground. Rustygrape.com

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Closer to Longview-Kelso, the Mount St. Helens Cellars serves wines from �-5 p.m. Fridays, noon-6 p.m. Saturdays and �-4 p.m. Sundays. Several of the wines have volcano-oriented names, such as Spirit Lake Coldwater

Riesling, Dog' s Head Red and Kick Ash Red. It' s located at the Blue Heron Inn, �846 Spirit Lake Highway, across from the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center at Silver Lake. www.mtsthelenscellars.com

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