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Columbia Views

10 hotspotsour must-see quick trips p. 4

pLAY!explore our lakes, rivers, beaches p. 18

nw oregon & Sw waShington

2014 travel planner

free

Cresap Bay campground

Lake Merwin, Lewis river

52 Weekend Adventures

volcanos, hikes, festivals & more

p. 6

A supplement of The Daily News

�

2014Local Events

PAA Annual Spring Art Show Apr 25-27World’s Largest Garage Sale May 23-26Annual NW Garlic Festival June 14-15Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade July 4Art in the Park July 4PAA Starving Artist’s Sale July 5 Music in the Gardens July 19Jazz and Oysters Aug 17Labor Day Book Sale Aug 30-Sep 2

Aug 30Rod Run to the End of the World

Sep 6 and 7PAA Annual Fall Art Show Oct 10-13

Oct 10-11Nov 29 and 30

If you are looking for a weekend close to nature, activities that the entire family will never forget, festivals or events nearly every weekend of the year, beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, walking trails and seafood that can’t get any fresher, then treat yourself to SW Washington’s Ocean Park Area. Discover the history, festivals, food and wildlife that made the region where the Columbia River meets the Pacific famous.

SW Washingto�’� Beac� an� Ba�Ocea� Par� Are�

Ocean Park Resort Gary McGrew, Broker Surfside Inn

Jack’s Country Store Westgate Cabins/RV Park Willapa Bay Interpretive Center

www.opresort.com/html/app12.html360.665.4585

www.McGrewCrew.com360.783.2831

www.surfsideinnHOA.com800.347.8182/360.665.2000

www.okiesthriftway.com360.665.5222

www.Jackscountrystore.com360.665.4989

www.vacationwestgate.com360.665.4211

www.portofpeninsula.org/oysterhouse.html

(360)665-4547www.bank of the pacifi c.com

360.665.4585

Head to the coast! The Ocean Park Area awaits!

Head to the coast! The Ocean Park Area awaits!

Ocean Park Area Chamber of CommerceLearn more about us at www.opwa.com/html/app6.html

or call us toll free 888.751.9354

If you would like to go to our website, send us an email, call us, or get driving directions to the Ocean Park Area without typing, please go to your

�

From every direction in the Lower Columbia

region the views ... are outstanding.

Mount St. Helens. It’s been 34 years since its eruption changed the local landscape — and the

volcano became the main tourist attraction in the Lower Columbia area. The harsh but beauti-ful landscape around the volcano has plenty of

competition for sightseeing here, however.

Our rivers. Follow the route of Lewis and Clark, who spent the winter of 1805-06 near Astoria. Drive west along the broad Columbia River, which meets the Pacific Ocean near towns

fresh with sea breeze that have become popular tourist destinations. Ocean landscapes range

from miles of flat, sandy beach to towering cliffs topped by solid lighthouses that are still in use

more than a century after they were built.

Our towns. The region’s small towns offer their own delights, and most put on family-oriented festivals during the summer. This guide helps you plan for those festivals and many more of the region’s natural and man-made pleasures.

Mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches and more. each page will help you unlock the magic

of the lower Columbia.

360° STAFFPublisher RickParrishEditor EvanCaldwellAssociate editors RievaLester DominicBaez R.D.Hight AndreStepankowsky RyanHorlenPhotographers BillWagner RogerWerth EvanCaldwell TomPauluWriters TomPaulu BrendaMcCorkle SarahGrothjanAdvertising managers SteveQuaife MichelleCarr MarianneChambersGraphic artists BarbaraChapman MarcMonge DiannAbbott JoleneWilliamsonAd layout designer BobCrismanAddress TheDailyNews P.O.Box�89 770��thAve. Longview,WA986��Phone 800-�4�-4745Websites TDN.com TDN.com/ColumbiaViews

Advertise �60-577-�55�

ColumbiaViewsispublishedbyTheDailyNewsanddistributedthroughoutSouthwestWashingtonandNorthwestOregon.CopiesareavailableatselectbusinessesanddestinationsthroughouttheregionandatTheDailyNews.©ColumbiaViews,�0�4TheDailyNews,aLeeEnterprisespublication.

welcome

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

on the CoverKaylee peterson

at lake Merwin

4

ThistownupriverontheColumbiaisloadedwithluresfortourists,too.It’sameccaforwindsurfers,hikersandsightseers.>> Page 62

Withitscove-shapedbeachesandforestedheadlands,it’sagemontheOregoncoast.AccesstheparkthroughCannonBeach,atrendyshopping-orientedtown.>> Page 58

Thisbeautifulhallbuiltin�9�5wasextensivelyreno-vatedseveralyearsago.TheItalianRenaissancedecorlooksnicerthanever.>> Page 34

ThoughitrequiresadriveallthewayaroundMountSt.Helens,thisisthebestplacetowitnessthevolcano’s�980devasta-tionofshatteredtreesandscorchedearth.It’salsothebestplacetoseeSpiritLake.>> Page 12

MountSt.Helensisthemostfamousattractionintheseparts,andJohnstonRidgeisthebestplacetolookintothevolcano’scrater,whichisjust�milesaway.TheJohnstonRidgeObservatory(visitorcen-ter)offersindoorexhibitsandanoutdooramphithe-ater.>> Page 10

bestPlaceswhereyouneedtogo

Hood RivER EcolA STATE PARk

columbiA THEATRE

Windy RidGE JoHnSTon RidGE

Ecola State Park at cannon beach

FishtheKalamaRiver

>> Page 18

Shop,relaxandkayakinWahkiakum

County>> Page 48

area getaways

5

OneoftheprettiestriversintheregioncaneasilybeseenfromturnoutsalongtheKalamaRiverRoad,whichparallelsit.Riveraccessforanglersandswimmersisrelativelygenerous.>> Page 42

Notone,buttwolighthous-es—plusanoutstandingmuseum—areamongtheattractionsatthis�,000-acrepark.Visitorscanexplorebeaches,hikethroughwoodsandtourtheoldlighthousekeepers’house.>> Page 54

ThelongestcaveopentothepublicintheNorthwestismorethan�miles.The¾-milewalktothelowerendisrelativelyeasy,andrangersleadtoursandrentlanterns.>> Page 12

Theterm“quaint”isover-used,butCathlamet,atownperchedabovetheColumbiaRiver,reallyis.Youcanseethesightsinanhour’sstroll.JustafewmileswestofCathlamet,thewaterfrontvillageofSkamokawaissmaller—andequallyquaint.>> Page 48

FewcitiesofthissizecanpackinasmanytourismattractionsasAstoriadoes—andtheColumbiaRiversceneryisgreat,too.Astoriaoffersseveralout-standingmuseumsandareplicaofwhereLewisandClarkstayedonewinterisnearby.>> Page 50

kAlAmA RivER cAPE diSAPPoinTmEnT

STATE PARk

APE cAvE WAHkiAkum counTy

ASToRiA

ExploreandlearnatJohnstonRidgeObservatoryatMountSt.Helens.>> Page 10

Listeningtosealionsbarkisoneofthemany,manythingstodoinAstoria.>> Page 50

Gosurfing...orjustwatchatthebeautifulCapeDisappointmentStatePark.>> Page 54

6

Week 1: Tobeatthepost-holidaydoldrums,gototheBroadwayGalleryat�4�8CommercefortheFirstThursdayreception,thisoranyothermonth.

Week 2: Bynow,there’susuallyenoughsnowattheMarbleMountainSno-ParksouthofMountSt.Helensforsnowshoeing,cross-countryskiingandsnowmobiling.

Week 3: Agoodplaceforamid-winterhikeisSeaquestStatePark,whichhas6milesoftrails.>> Parks.wa.gov

Week 4: Grabapairofbinocularsandgobird-watching.GoodlocalspotsareWillowGrove,thepondsneartheoldTrojanNuclearPowerPlantnearRainierand,believeitornot,theoldLongviewsewagelagoonsatCoalCreekRoadandOceanBeachHighway.

Week 5: Anglers,huntersandboatersflocktothePacificNorthwestSportsmen’sShow,heldinearlyFebruaryatthePortlandExpoCenter.>> Thesportshows.com/pnwss

Week 6: Thisone’sdependentonsnow,butifthere’sarecentlow-elevationsnowfall,headupSpiritLakeMemorialHighwaywithsledsorsnowshoes.Parkataturnoutandenjoytheslidingfun.

Week 7: Agoodplaceforahikethat’snearbyisCampWilkersonnearVernonia.

Week 8: SeveralhundredelkcongregateontheJewellMeadowsWildlifeAreainwinter.>> dfw.state.or.us

Week 9: Withadecentsnowpackandlongerdays,Marchisagoodmonthforcross-countryskiingorsnowshoeingattheUpperWindRiverRecreationAreanearCarson.

Week 10: LastyearwasthefirsttimeinfouryearsthatsmeltdippingwasallowedintheCowlitzRiver.ThesmeltusuallyarriveinMarch.

Week 11: VisitMultnomahFallsontheOregonsideoftheColumbiaRiverGorgenow,asspringrainssendwatergushingoverthe6��-footcascade.

Week 13: Thepeakofthespringchinookfisheryusu-allyoccursinlateMarch.AnglersinboatsandalongtheColumbiaRivertryforthemost-prizedsalmonrunontheriver.ThefisheryusuallyclosesinearlyApril

Week 14: SpringisthebesttimeoftheyearforhikingintheColumbiaRiverGorge,whenthewildflowersareblooming.SeePage6�formore.

January february march

area getaways

7

Week 15: Inthepastdecade,aboutadozenwiner-ieshavesprungupinthearea.Theyoffertastingsonweekends.Formoreinformation,seePage�8.

Week 16: Tiptoethroughthetulips.TheWoodlandTulipFestivalfeaturesfieldsofbrightbloomsandconcerts.>> Lewisriver.com/tulipfestival

Week 17: TheHuldaKlagerLilacGardensinWood-landareabloomfortheannualLilacFestival,whichrunsApril�9toMay��in�0�4.>> Lilacgardens.com

Week 18: ThetraditionalopeningofthetroutfishingseasonisthefourthSaturdayinAprilinWashing-tonandOregon.Thoughmostlakesareopenyear-aroundthesedays,they’reheavilystockedwithtroutforthis“opening”weekend.

Week 19: KokaneefishinginLakeMerwinisusuallygoodinMay.Theselandlockedsockeyesalmonareparticularlytasty.You’llneedaboattoaccessthefishery.>> Wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/735/

Week 20: CheckouttheTDN.comSpotlightenter-tainmentcalendarforconcertsandplays.Mid-Mayisusuallyoneofbusiestseasonsforlocalentertain-ment.

Week 21: TheCrown-ZellerbachTrail,aone-timeloggingroad,climbsgentlyformilesoutofScap-poose,Ore.It’sagoodplacetowalkorrideabicycle.>> Rideoregonride.com

Week 22: LatespringandearlysummerarethebesttimesoftheyeartoclimbMountSt.Helens.It’seasiertowalkupthevolcano’ssouthflankoversnowthanrocks,whichappearbymidsummerasthesnowmelts.>> Mshinstitute.org/index.php/climbing

Week 23: ThisisagoodtimeofyeartohikeoutBoundaryTrailNo.�fromtheJohnstonRidgeOb-servatory,whilethesoilisstillrelativelymoistratherthandusty.Formoreinformation,seePage�0.

Week 24: Oceansalmonfishingseasonsshouldbeinfullswingbynow.CharterboatsoperateoutoftheIlwacodocks.

Week 25: ThesummerfestivalseasongetsintohighgearinJuneandcontinuesthroughsummerinmanyofthetownsacrosstheregion.Forafulllist,seePage�0.

Week 26: ConsideraguidedkayakingtriponMerwinReservoir.Noexperienceisrequired.>> cascadepackandpaddle.com/kayak.html

april may June

Hike, climb and explore the volcano.

Forguidedtours,field

seminarsandsummerprogramsforallages,seemshinstitute.org

8

Week 27:Longview’sGo4thFestivalatLakeSacaja-weaisathree-dayevent,withvendors,acardboardboatregattaand,ofcourse,fireworksonthegloriousfourth.

Week 28:Longview’sConcertsattheLakeseriesonThursdaynightsoffersamixoffamilyfriendlygenres—plusit’sfree.ThescheduleappearsonPage�5.

Week 29:HiketoNorwayPass,oneoftheclassicviewsofMountSt.HelensoverSpiritLake.

Week 30:SpendadayexploringAstoria.Forsugges-tions,seePage50.

Week 31:VisitApeCanyononthesoutheastsideofMountSt.Helens,wherethetraildropspast(andcrossesover)severalwaterfalls.

Week 32:Augustisthebestmonthtohikethehighcountry,withwildflowersreplacingsnowdrifts.Con-siderahikethroughtheParadisemeadowsatMountRainierNationalPark.>> nps.gov/mora

Week 33:TheBuoy�0seasoninthelowerColumbiaRiverisahotspotforsalmon.Therunisparticularlystrongthisyear.

Week 34:Foragoodfamilybicycleorwalkingexcur-sion,checkoutthe8.5-mile-longDiscoveryTrailfromIlwacotoLongBeach.Shortersectionsarepossible.

Week 34:Foronelastweekendofcamping,headtoCapeDisappointmentStateParknearIlwacoorFortStevensStateParkwestofAstoria.

Week 35:HuckleberriesshouldbeinbloomalongroadstrailsintheGiffordPinchotNationalForest.Grabyourbuckets.

Week 36:Thepremierebicyclerideoftheseason,TheTourdeBlast,climbsupSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.It’sonSept.��in�0�4.>> tourdeblast.com

Week 37:Tourseveraldozenartgalleries,mostlyinLewisCountyduringSouthwestWashingtonARTrails.>> Artrailsofsww.org/studio-tour-a-gala

Week 38:TheIndianHeavenareasoutheastofMountSt.Helensoffersdozensoflakesandstreamsamidrollingopencountry.IndianHeavenismosquitohellinsummer,sovisitingisbestafterthefirstfrost.

July august september

area getaways

Relax here. VistaParkinSkamokawaistheplacetobeinthesummer!PAGE 48

Week 39:Themonsoonseasonwillarrivesoon,soenjoyalastdrydayofwalkingalongthebeachatCannonBeach,Ore.SeePage58.

Week 40:ThebiggesthuntingdayoftheyearcomesonthesecondSaturdayofOctober,whenthousandsofhunterstrytheirluckduringthemodernrifledeerseason.Ifyou’renotahunter,it’sagoodtimetostayoutofthewoods.

Week 41:TheCedarCreekGristMillnearWoodlandshowshowgrainwasgroundintheolddays.>> Cedarcreekgristmill.com

Week 42:TogetanideaofhowmembersoftheLewisandClarkExpeditionlivedduringthewinterof�804-05,visitFortClatsopnearAstoria.>> nps.gov/lewi/index.htm

Week 43:LocalgroupsscareupsomefunwithHal-loweenhauntedhouses.SeeTDN.comfordetails.

Week 44:ThemodernrifleelkhuntingseasonstartsinearlyNovember.

Week 45:Bazaarseasonisinfullswing,withlocalartisanssellingtheirgoods,whichmakegoodholidaygifts.WatchTDN.comforafulllist.

Week 46:Eveniftherainshavesetin,there’splentytoseeinindoorAstoria.Formoreinformation,seePage50.

Week 47:EnoughsnowusuallyhasfallenbynowfordownhillskiareasatMountHoodandWhitePasstobeinfullswing.

Week 48:ThefirstweekendofDecemberisusu-allyoneofthebusiestoftheholidayseason,withLongview’sChristmasParade,Kelso’sTreeLightingandseveralconcertsandotherfestiveevents.LookforafulllistonTDN.comonThursdays.

Week 49:ThousandsofpeopleflocktotheJourneytoBethlehem,are-enactmentofJesus’birth,attheKelso-LongviewSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.It’sDec.��-�4,�0�4.

Week 50:WintersteelheadfishingisusuallygoodinDecemberontheCowlitzandotherlocalrivers.

Week 51:Lion’sIslandatLakeSacajaweaandthestreetsaroundthelakearereliableplacestoseethousandsoftwinklingholidayseasonlights.

Week 52:ForachangeofpacefromNewYear’sEveparties,runorwalktheYear-to-Yearrun.>> CowlitzValleyRunners.com

october november december

9

MountSt.Helens’eruptiononMay�8,�980,killed57peopleandpermanentlychangedthelocallandscape.Sincethen,thevolcanohasspawnedawealthoftourismattractions.ThebestviewsintothecraterarefromSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,whichhasfour visitor centers.Southofthevolcanoistheclimbingroute,afascinatingcaveandadramaticcanyon.TotheeastisthebreathtakingWindyRidge.

Stare inside

the crater

Just5milesupSpiritLakeMemorialHigh-way,thisisn’tjustaplacetolearnaboutthevolcano;it’soneofthemostimpressivepublicbuildingsintheregion.Youcaneasilyspendaneducational90minutesseeingeverythingatcowlitz county’s largest museum.Itofferslessonsingeology,historyand,ofcourse,volcanology.Hours:9a.m.-5p.m.dailyMay�6throughSept.�5and9a.m.-4p.m.atothertimes.Summerhoursmaybeextended.Cost:$5adults,$�.50ages7-�7,$�5perfamily.>> Parks.wa.gov/245/Mount-St-Helens-Visitor-Center

mount st. helens

viSiToR cEnTERmounT ST. HElEnS

Here,you’llfindexpandedexhibitsandtheFire mountain Grill restaurant,alongwithagiftshop.Insummer,HillsboroAviationoffershelicoptertours.Thecostis$99perpersonandup,dependingonduration.Thecenteris�7milesupthehighway.Admissionisfree.It’sopen9:�0a.m.to6p.m.>> Hoffstadtbluffs.com

Learnaboutthepre-eruptionforestandhowthecompanysalvageddownedtimber.Weyer-haeuserlost20,700 acres of timber toMountSt.Helens’fury.TelescopesofferviewsofelkbelowintheToutleValleybelow.There’salsoagiftshopandplayground.�0a.m.-4p.m.sixdaysaweekMay9throughLaborDay.ItwillbeclosedonThursdays.Admissionisfree.>> Mountsthelens.com/Forest-Learning-Center

viSiToR cEnTERHoFFSTAdT bluFFS

lEARninG cEnTERWEyERHAEuSER FoREST

�0

SinceColdwaterLakeopenedtothepublicin�99�,it’sbeenopenforkayakers, canoers and boats withelectricmotors.CascadePack&PaddleofArielofferspaddletripsonthe750-acrelake,alongwithhikingtrips.>> cascadepackandpaddle.com

Atthenearbymount St. Helens Science and learning center, you’llfindscienceprogramsoperatedbytheMountSt.HelensInstitute,mshinstitute.org.Thefacilityisopentothepublicfrom�0a.m.to6p.m.SaturdaysandSundays.>> mshslc.org

ThisboaststhebestviewpointintoMountSt.Helens’craterattheendofthehighway,54milesfromI-5.The observatory sits atop a 1,000-foot-high cliff,addingtothedrama.Atheater,volcanomodelandexhibitsongeologyawaitvisitors.The�50-seatamphitheaterhostsrangertalks,juniorrangerprogramsandatleastthreeeveningconcertsthisseason.TheEruptionTrailoutsidemakesa¾-mileloop,orcontinueontheBoundaryTrailforasmanymilesasyouhavetimeandenergyfor.Hours:�0a.m.-6p.m.everydayfromMay�0throughlatefall.Cost:$8forpeople�6andolder.FreeadmissiononMay�8,June7,June�4andSept.�7.>> fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm

lAkEcoldWATER

obSERvAToRyJoHnSTon RidGE

360.749.2034 • gardensatstillmeadows.com

MT. ST. HELENS

BESTGARDENS

CASTLE ROCK WASHINGTON

9 Water Features • Meditation AreasGift Shop • Nursery

Conveniently located for beginning or ending your Mt. St. Helens adventure.

��

��

climb above

the crater

mount st. helens

15000 Spirit Lake Highway, Milepost 27

Phone 360-274-5200www.mtsthelensinfo.com

4703

37

SpiritLakeMemorialHighwaymaygetmostoftheglory,butdon’toverlookthesouthernapproachtoMountSt.Helens.Becausethesouthsidedidn’tsuffermuchdevastation��yearsago,there’sactuallymuchmoretodohere.

��

ClimbingMountSt.Helensisrelativelysafeinsummermonths.Between��,000and��,000peoplehavereceivedclimbingpermitsandmorethan80percentmakeittothesummit.Toreachthetoprequiresclimbing4,500feetofelevationin5miles.Stronglegs–butnotechnicalclimbingexpertise—areneeded.Permits($�5)arerequired.Getthematmshinstitute.org

climbinG mounT ST. HElEnS

OneofthemanynaturalwondersofMountSt.Helensisactuallyunderground.Avolcaniclavaflow�,000yearsagosculptedApeCave,aseriesofamazingcavernsandpassagesafewmilessouthofthevolcano.At��,8�0feetinlength,ApeCaveisthelongestlavatubeinNorthAmerica.It’sthree-quartersofamilefromthecaveentrancetothelowerend,arelativelyeasyroute.Foralongeradventure,headuphillfromtheentranceforabout�½miles,climbingovernolessthan�7pilesofrock.(Thecaveisopenyear-round,thoughrememberthatinwinter,thetrailbackfromtheupperexitisoftencoveredwithsnow.)ToreachApeCave,driveeastofCougaronLewisRiverRoad(Road90)for7milesandturnleftontoRoad8�.TurnleftagainontoRoad8�0�.GuidedtourswillbegivenfromthelastweekinJunethroughLaborDay.

APE cAvE

About�,500yearsago,lavafloweddownacanyonafewmilesfromMountSt.Helens,forminggiantblobsasbigasthree-orfour-storybuildings.Theretheysat,largelyun-noticed,untila�980volcanicmudflowdowntheMuddyRiverscouredoutthecanyon,ex-posingdramaticcliffs,lavaformationsandchurningwaterfallsthathadbeenhidden.Nowasystemoflooptrails�½mileslong,someofitwheelchair-accessible,servesthecanyon.TakeRoad90eastofCougarfor7miles,thenturnleftontoRoad8�.Con-tinueanother��milestotheendofRoad8�.

lAvA cAnyon

ThisviewpointareaboastsgreatviewsofSpiritLakeandthevastpumiceplainextendingtowardthepeak.Thedrivetherepassesthedramaticlinebetweengreentimberandtreessplinteredbythe�980eruption.Gettingthererequiresabout�00milesofdrivinground-tripfromtheKelsoarea.TakeInterstate5northtoHighway��,thengoeasttoRandle.ThentakeForestroads�5and99towardWindyRidge.

Windy RidGE

�4

hiking

SouTH coldWATER TRAilAnotherhikeoffSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,thisroutestartsnearthelowerendofColdwaterLakeandclimbs�.�milesuptheridgeeastofthelake,gaining�,�00feet.Muchoftherouteisonoldloggingroads.Thetrail(��0A)passesloggingequipmentthatwasblownoffthehillsidebythevolcano’sforce.Abigshovelliesupsidedown,asoberingreminderofthe�980eruption’spower.

GoAT mounTAin TRAilAsteeppathclimbstosometop-notchalpinecountryinarelativelyobscurepartofMountSt.Helenscountry,��milesnorthofthevolcano.GoatMountainTrailNo.��7startsfromRoad�6��,nearRyanLakeintheupperGreenRiverValley.Fromelevation�,�00feet,thetrailgains�,000feetinfewerthan�miles.Ittraversestheridgeforabout�miles,thendipstoDeadmansLake.

HARmony TRAilThisistheonlytrailthatgoestotheshoreofSpiritLake.TheviewacrossthelakeincludesHarry’sRidgeandtheforebodingpeaksoftheMountMargaretRidge.There’saviewintothecraterfromhere,too.TheHarmonyTrailNo.��4startsneartheendofRoad99.Itdescendsfor�miletothelake.

noRWAy PASSYou’veprobablyseenaphotoofthevolcanotakenfromNorwayPass.It’sbecometheclas-sicimageoveradeepbayofSpiritLaketothesteamingcrater,7milesaway.NorwayPassisarelativelyeasy�-milehike,withan800-footel-evationgain,onaportionofBoundaryTrailNo.�.EnergetichikerscancontinueasthetrailclimbstoMountMargaret.ThehikestartsattheNorwayPassTrailheadonRoad�6,whichis�milesnorthofRoad99.

boundARy TRAilThesinglemostspectacularhikenearMountSt.HelensistheBoundaryTrail,whichstartsattheJohnstonRidgeObservatory.Day-hikerscangoasfarastheyhavethetimeandenergyfor,rangingfromanhour-longstrolltoa��-mileroundtriptrektothesummitof5,7�7-footColdwaterPeak.Backpackerswithpermitscanstayovernightatdesignatedcampsites.Forreservations:recreation.govor877-444-6777.Forthefirst�½mileseastoftheJROvisitorcenter,thetrailstaysneartheedgeofJohnstonRidge,whichisat4,�00feetelevation.Thenthetrailcutsacross“TheDevil’sElbow,”asteepsideslopeofpumiceandnot-very-stableearth,withdrop-offsthatcanbedisconcerting.

TRumAn TRAilTheTrumanTraildescendsthroughadeeplyerodedvalley,pastapaletteofcolorfuldepos-its.ItflattensoutonthebroadpumiceplainbetweenSpiritLakeandthevolcano,withbreathtakingviewsrightintothecrater.It’sabout�½milesfromtheBoundaryTraildowntotheSpiritLakearea,agoodturn-aroundpointforaone-dayhike.

HummockS TRAil 229Aloopof�.�mileswindsthroughtheharshlandscapeofthehummocks,debrisdepositedbythemudflowdowntheToutleRiverValley.Today,it’salandofmarshespopulatedbybirdsandamphibiansamidthedriedpumicehills.Elevationchangeisabout�00feet,soit’saneasierfamilyhikethantheBoundaryorTrumantrails.ThetrailheadisacrossthehighwayfromColdwaterLake,onthewaytotheJohnstonRidgeObservatory.

You can head out every day for

weeks in the Lower Columbia area

and not hike all the trails.

�5

FoRT To SEA TRAilModerndayexplorerscanhikeatrailthat’sclosetotheoriginalroutetheLewisandClarkExpedi-tionfollowedfromFortClatsoptothePacificOcean,westofAstoria,Ore.TheForttoSeaTrailwindsfor6milesthroughforestandpasture,endingupatabroadsandybeachthat’smuchlikewhatCapt.WilliamClarkandhismensawin�807.

GnAT cREEkTrailsgobothdirectionsfromtheOregonDepartmentofFishandWildlife’sGnatCreekHatcheryandCampground,whichis�5mileswestofClatskanieonHighway�0.Thelowertrailgoesfor�¼milesalongthepeacefulcreektoacampgroundandanothertrailhead.Fromthehatchery,theuppertrailclimbspastwater-fallsandpassesthroughsomeoldgrowthbeforedead-endingafterabout�miles.

AviewfromtheeastsideofMountSt.HelenslookingsouthatMountHood.

�6

wildlife

The forests and fields of the Lower Columbia region hold thousands of deer, elk and other wildlife. Grab your camera and binoculars and head to these hot spots.

The5,��8-acreRidgefieldWildlifeRefugeisabird-watcher’sparadise,withupto�00,000waterfowlspendingthewinterthere.Manyotherspecies,fromsand-hillcranestosparrows,canbeseen,too.Therefugehastwohikingtrailsandadesignateddrivingroute.There’salsoanauthenticreproductionofaChinookIndianplankhouse,muchliketheonesLewisandClarksaw.It’sopenonsummerweekends.Toreachtherefuge,takeExit�4fromI-5andheadwest�.7milestothetownofRidgefield.TurnleftonSouthNinthAvenue,followingthesignsfortherefuge’sRiverSUnit.Admissioncosts$�.>> fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges

mount st. helens Wildlife area

ThisToutleRiverValleysiteisoneofthebestplacesintheLowerColumbiaregiontoviewelk—andagoodplaceforasummerhike.Theareaabout�5mileseastofthetownofToutle,includes6,500acresrangingfrommudflowsonthevalleyfloortodensewoodsonsurroundingslopes.Insummer,afewhundredelkliveinthewildlifearea,andwalkingorridingahorseamongthemisallowed.Dogsarenot.JanuarythroughApril,whentheelkpopulationcanswelltomorethan500,theareaisclosedtopublicaccesstopreventtheelkfrombeingdisturbed.Anytimeofyear,youcanseetheelkwithbinocularsfromtheWeyerhaeuservisitorcenteratMilepost��.5onSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.Walk-inaccessisviathe��00log-gingroadatMilepost��ofthehighway.It’sabouta700-footdropintothearea—sosavesomeenergyfortheclimbbackout.>>wdfw.wa.gov

ridgefield national Wildlife refuge

�7

White-tailed deer refuge

TheJewellMeadowswildlifeareamanagedbytheOregonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeisagreatplacetoadmireelk,especiallyduringwinter.TheODFWtakescareofmorethan�00Rooseveltelkatthe�,940-acrewildlifearea,whichisaboutaone-hourdrivefromLongview.ThesitehasfourviewingareaswithparkingandpicnictablesoffofHighway�0�.Toreachtherefuge,takeHighway�0westfromRainierfor�6milestoClatskanie.HeaduphillonHighway47for��milestoMist.GowestonHighway�0�for�7milestoJewell,thenanothermileon�0�totherefuge.

JeWell meadoWs

TheJuliaButlerHansenRefugefortheColumbianWhite-TailedDeertotalsmorethan6,000acresofpasture,tidalswampsandsloughsalongtheColumbiaRiverbetweenCathlametandSkamokawa.Therefuge’smainpurposeistoprovideasanctuaryforColumbianwhite-taileddeer,whicharelistedasendangeredonthefederalEndangeredSpeciesList.Youmightgetaglimpseofthesmalldeer,thoughanongoingprogramoftreeplantinggivestheanimalsbettercoverandmanyhavebeenmovedtotheRidgefieldrefugetoensuretheirsafetyiftheHansenrefugefloods.Limitedhuntinghasreducedtheelkpopulationtoaround�5,farfewerthaninpastyears,thoughtherearemorethan60speciesofbirds.Thebestwaytovisitistodriveorridebikesonthepeacefulroadsthatringtherefuge.OnealongtheColumbiaRiverwashedoutseveralyearsagoandwon’tberebuilt,socheckatrefugeheadquarterstoseewhat’sopen.Thenationalwildliferefugeis�mileswestofCathlametonHighway4.>> fws.gov/jbh

�8

TheCowlitzRivermaycutthroughthecountyofthesamename,butnotmuchofitcanbeeasilyseenfromroads.ThebestplacetostrollalongtheCowlitzisnearCastleRock,wherebroad,mostlypavedtrailsfollowbothsidesoftheriver.AptlynamedRiversideParkinLexingtonhassomeriverfootage,asdoestheCookFerryTrailnearCastleRock.InKelso,ariverfronttrailfol-lowstheCowlitzfornearly�miles,thoughaccessislimited.(SeemoreonlocalmountainbikingtrailsonPage��.)Longview’sGerhartGardensParkoffTennantWay(Highway4��)hasashortriverbeach,whichgetslargerwhentheriverdropsinsummer,exposingmoresand.

TheKalamaisarguablytheregion’sprettiestriver—andtheonewiththemostpublicaccess.Apublictrailfollowstheriver’slowermileorsointheKalamaindustrialarea,offHendricksonRoad.Toreachotherscenicspots,justdriveupKalamaRiverRoad,whereaboatlaunchandwell-wornanglers’trailsofferaccess.GiffordPinchotNationalForestTrailNo.��8followstheupperfewmilesoftheriver,northofCougar.It’saccessedfromForestServiceRoad8�.Explorerscanwalkintoanabandonedcamp-groundandfindtheKalama’ssourceasitgurglesoutofanaturalspring.>> fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/home

This95-milelongriverstartsonMountAdamsandflowseastallthewaytotheColumbianearWoodland...andmuchofitsshoresareacces-sibletothepublic.DrivingLewisRiverRoad(Highway50�)fromWoodland,you’llcometoaboatlaunchinabout5miles.ThelowerLewishasthreedamsthatformhugereservoirs:LakeMerwin,YaleReservoirandSwiftReservoir.Allhavepicnicgroundsandboatlaunchesoper-atedbyPacifiCorp,whichalsooperatesfourcampgrounds.Forinformation,seelewisriver.com.Abovethereservoirs,theLewisflowsfreelythroughthewoodsintheGiffordPinchotNa-tionalForest,overaseriesofgushingwaterfalls.

local rivers

Clockwisefromleft,fishtheKalama,seethecoveredbridgeontheGraysandkayaktheLewis.

ItflowsoffMountSt.Helensandisoftenmuddy,thoughseveralplacesalongitmakeforpleasantsummermeandering.TheToutle’sconfluencewiththeCowlitzispopularwithanglers.Startingabout�5mileseastofCastleRock,SpiritLakeMemorialHighwayfollowstheToutleforastretchordetourforseveralmilesonSouthToutleRoadtoHarryGardnerPark,wherethere’saccesstotheothersideoftheriver.Insummer,hikers,mountainbikersandhorseriderscanwalkfromSpiritLakeHighwayabout�milesdownRoad��00,justeastoftheHoffstadtCreekBridge,toawildliferefugewithmoreriveraccess.

Sounditout:E-loke-o-man.It’sthehotspotinWahkiakumCountyforsalmonandsteelheadanglersorforkayaking.Someofthebestpublicaccessisnearstatefishhatcheries.TheBeaverCreekHatcheryisabout6milesupElocho-manRiverRoad,withtheElochomanHatcheryanother4milesupstream.TheriverflowsintotheColumbiaattheJuliaButlerHansenRefugeforColumbiaWhite-TailedDeer,afewmileswestofCathlametonHighway4.

TuckedawayinwesternWahkiakumCountyyou’llfindtheonlycoveredbridgeinWashingtonstillinuse.GraysRiverisabout4�mileswestofLongviewonOceanBeachHighway.ShortlyaftercrossingtheGraysonthehighwaybridge,turnleftonLoopRoadtoreachthecoveredbridgeandthelowersectionoftheGrays.BackroadswindalongthelowerGraystowhereitflowsintotheColumbia.Fromthehighway,ShannonRoadheadsnorthforafewmilesalongtherivertoafishhatchery.

Grabsometubesandjump

inourriversfor More in the

CaStle roCK area, See page 40

More stories and photos about these unique rivers at TDN.com/rivers

�9

�0

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

local rivers

Pacific Salmon Charters

• Salmon• Halibut • Tuna

• Bottom Fish • Bait and Tackle Furnished

Discoversome of the World’s Best Fishing . . .

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PO BOX 519ILWACO, WA 98624

1-800-831-2695

On the Long Beach Peninsula

Call Early For Reservations

2.6 MillionSalmon

ForecastedFor 2014.

Largest RunSince 1938

��

ChinooksalmonreturntotheColumbiaRiverinthreeannualruns.SpringchinookcomeprimarilyMarchthroughMay,thesummerrunfollowsinJuneandJuly,andthefallchinookcomemostlyinAugustandSeptember.CohosalmonreturntotheriversprimarilyAugustthroughNovember.Oceansalmonseasonsvaryfromregiontoregion,startingasearlyasMayinplaces.SeasonsusuallylastuntilatleastLaborDay.

Thesefishgrowtomonstrousproportions(theminimumsizelegaltokeepis�8inchestothefork).Unlikesalmonandsteelhead,sturgeoninthelowerColumbiaRiverareself-sustaining,withnoneplantedfromhatcheries.Thisyearwillbethelastwhenanglersareallowedtokeepsturgeonbecauseofthedecliningnumbersoffish.ThesturgeonseasonsaredifferentupstreamanddownstreamoftheWaunapowerlinesnearCathlamet.Forthelatestregulations,checkwithatackleshoporatwdfw.wa.gov.Anglerswhohaveboatsdothebest.Ifyoudon’thaveyourown,guidesandlowerrivercharterboatoperatorswillbehappytotakeyou.Sturgeonalsoarecaughtbyanglerscastingfromshore.ManytrytheirluckfromthesideofOceanBeachHighwaywestofLongview.TheColumbiaRivernearMegler,alongHighway40�,isalsopopularwithbankanglers.

Thoughsimilartosalmon,steelheadareactuallyrainbowtroutthatspendmostoftheirlivesintheocean.Theyreachupwardof�0poundswhentheyreturntospawn.Localrivers,includingtheCowlitz,Lewis,Kalama,WoodlandandElochomanareamongthosefavoredbysteelheadanglers.ThemainstemColumbiaalsoisamajorsourceofsteelhead.TheyswimupstreaminawinterrunthatstartsinNovem-berandrunsintoApril,andasummerruncomesfromMayintoAugust.

Thesearen’tnearlyasbigadealaroundhereastheyarefarthereast.ButCowlitzCounty’sSilverLakeisoftencalledthebestbasswaterinWesternWashington.ItannuallyproducessomeofthebiggestlargemouthcaughtanywhereinthePacificNorthwest.Thebestbassfishingthereisinthespring,thoughthelakeisopenyear-round.OtherwarmwaterfishthatcanbecaughtinSilverLakearecrappie,bluegill,catfishandperch.

TheDepartmentofFishandWildlifeplantshundredsofthousandsofrainbowandbrowntroutinarealakesinthespringandearlysummer.Trout-stockedlakesareagoodplacetointroducesmallfryofthehumanvarietytofishing.SomeofthemostpopularlocallakesareSacajaweainLongview,KressnearKalamaandHorseshoeinWoodland.SwiftReser-voirnearCougaralsogetsplantedheavily.

Fish nearly year-round on the kalama

��

bike & skate

TheWestsideRiverfrontTrailstartsattheNorthCountyRecreationFacilities.Apavedtrailzipspasttheboatlaunch,thenbecomesgravelasitpassesunderthehighway.ThetrailcontinuessouthpasttheCastleRockFairgrounds,crossesWhittleCreekona55-foot-longmetalbridge,andleadstoanetworkofolddirtroads.Ontheeastsideoftheriverisapavedwalkingpath(seemoreaboutitonPage40)andaparkformountainbikerstopracticetheirskills.It’slinkedtoanetworkofroughtrailsondredgespoilsnorthoftown.

castle rocK trails

The�.5-mileCookFerryTrailmeandersalongthewestsideoftheCowlitzsouthofCastleRock,neverfarfromCookFerryRoad.The8-foot-widegraveltrailisservedbythreeparkinglots,eachnamedafterafishthatpopulatestheCowlitz.Toreachthesouthernmostlot,namedChinook,driveone-thirdmilealongCookFerryRoadfromWestSideHighway.MidwayistheSteelheadparkinglot,whichhasacompostingtoilet.ThetrailendsattheSmeltlot,whichisaccessiblebyCamelotDrive.

cooK ferry trail

Thisdike-toppathwindsmorethan�milesinWestLongview,paralleltoPacificWay.AgoodplacetoenteritfromistheLongviewUnitedMethodistChurchparkinglotat�0thandPacificWay.MarchthroughJuly,waterfowlnestalongthepath.Aboutamilefromthestart,youcometo�8thAvenue.ThepathcontinuesafewhundredyardsandthenhitstheMintValleyGolfCourse.ByridingonPacificWay,it’spossibletopickupthetrailagainwestof4�ndStreetandcontinuetoCoalCreekRoad.

pacific Way trail

ThetrailfollowingthewestsideofColdwaterLakehasbeeninplacesincethe�980s.In�0��,itopenedtomountainbikes.TheportionofLakesTrail���opentobikesgoesabout5milesalongthelake,whichnarrowstoaprettyfjord-likecanyonatitsupperend.Mountainbikersarealsoallowedonthe��0AtrailontheeastsideofColdwaterLake.

coldWater laKes trail

mountain biKe trails

kelso Rotary Skate Park isa�0,000-square-footconcretestructureinasmallparkatthecornerofMinorRoadandBurchamStreetinNorthKelso.FromI-5Exit�9(AllenStreet)taketheeastfront-ageroad(KelsoDrive)northforoneblock.

Woodland Skate Park inHorseshoeLakeParkhasavarietyofstepsandramps.FromExit��ofI-5,headwestablocktoLake-shoreDriveandturnleft.

cloney Skate Park onWashingtonWayinLongviewincludesaspine,pyramid,6-footquarterpipeandsnakerun.

Winlock Skate Park isnexttoWinlockMillerElementarySchool.

Rainier Skate Park isonWestAStreetalongtheColumbiaRiver.Itfeaturespre-fabstructuresatopblacktop.

castle Rock Skate ParkisalongtheEastsideRiverfrontTrail,attheendofThirdAvenue.

NOWOpen!

Walkins WelcomeClean & Classy

360 431-9133

PAPERBACKSgalore 1044 14th Avenue, Longview

(360) 423-9006

4704

24

Largest Selection of Used Books in Cowlitz County!

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sKate parKs

OneofthemostpopulartrailsinSouthwestWashington,LewisRiverTrail��isknownas“therollercoaster”becauseofitsend-to-endundulations.Thetrailparallelstheriver,travelingthroughluxuriantold-growthforestandofferingeye-pop-pingcanyonviews.LeaveonecaratthelowertrailheadoffRoad90�0andtakeanothertotheLowerFallsCampground,fartherupRoad90.Directions:FromInterstate5,takeLewisRiverRoad(SR50�)eastfromWoodland5�.�milestoRoad90�9.Takealefton90�9anddrive0.8tothelowertrailhead,justbeforetherivercrossing.

leWis river trail 31

ThisadventureopenswithspectacularviewsoftheMuddyRiverLaharthatrolleddownthesoutheastsideofMountSt.Helensduringthe�980erup-tion,thenclimbsthroughold-growthforest.TheascentendsatApeCanyon,whichoffersbroadvistasofMountAdamsandtheSmithCreekBasin.It’s9.5milestoaseriesofwoodensteps,whichareaturning-aroundpoint.An-other�milesonaloggingroadwilltakeyoutotheWindyRidgeviewpoint.Direc-tions:FromInterstate5,taketheLewisRiverRoad(50�)eastfromWoodlandfor�4milestoRoad8�.Go��milesonRoad8�totheApeCanyontrailhead.

ape canyon trail 234

��

Masthead RestauRant

454272

Good Food & Fine ales since 1971

www.MastheadRestaurant.com1210 Ocean Beach hwy.

Longview • 577-7972

Voted Best Local Restaurant nine Years Running

•13 specialty salads•16 awesome Burgers•halibut Fish & Chips

•16 Beers on tap•Outdoor dining

�4

road biking

Therideonthisemeraldriverisrelativelyeasyandoffersscenicriverviews.However,thewind-ingroadhasnarrowshouldersinplaces,soit’snotagoodplaceforchildrentoride.Startatthegravelpark-and-ridejustsouthoftheintersectionatKalamaRiverRoadandOldPacificHighwaySouth.TraveleastupKalamaRiverRoadfor�0milesandturnaroundwherethepavementends,attheWeyerhaeusergate.

Kalama river road

Agreatworkout,this�0-milelooptravelsupSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.Lowtrafficandrollinghillsmakethisrideenjoyable,andthesceneryisnice.Thehighwayhasgoodroadshoulders,althoughTowerRoad,whichgetslesstraffic,isn’taswide.Theridebeginsatthepark-and-ridewestofI-5atExit49.RideeastonSpiritLakeMemorialHighwaytoTowerRoad,andturnleft.TowerRoadloopsaroundbacktoSpiritLakeHighway,atwhichpointriderswilltravelrighttogobacktotheparkandride.

toWer road loop

Thisquick,rejuvenating�0-milerideisgreatwhenyou’reshortontime.Theridefeaturesmoderate,rollinghillsandlowtrafficonroadswithgoodshoulders.StartatRiversideParkoffofWestSideHighwayandtravelsouthtoSparksDrive.TravelovertheI-5overpasstoOldPacificHighwayandturnlefttogonorth.AtHeadquartersRoad,turnleft,re-crossI-5,andthengoleftonPleasantHillRoadandbacktoOldPacificHighwayNorth.BackatSparksDrive,turnrightoverI-5toWestSideHighwayandbacktoRiversidePark.

leXington-headQuarters road

Seattle-to-Portland

bicycle classic:This

isthe�4thyearcycling

enthusiastshavebeen

ridingtheSTP’s�00-mile

spanbetweenthecities.

Upto�0,000participants

makethejourneyeach

year;thisyear’srace,

July��-��,isofficially

soldout,thoughitmaybe

possibletoregister.

>> Cascade.org

Wanna race?Tour de blast: Thenewerand

localraceclimbsfromToutle

LakeHighSchool’sparking

lotupMountSt.Helensasfar

asJohnstonRidgeviewpoint

—8�miles.However,begin-

ningorintermediatecyclists

canchooseshorterridesat

��or54miles.Theracehas

beenmovedtoSeptember

inhopesofprimeweather

—Sept.��thisyear.

>> Tourdeblast.com

�5

This�6-mileloopisnotfortheweakofthigh.Itoffersseveralclimbsanddescentswithsomerollinghills.However,it’sascenicrideandtrafficislowtomoderate.StartatWillowGrovePark.TurnrightoutoftheparkonWillowGroveRoad,thenleftonWillowGroveConnectionRoadtoDikeRoad(orcontinueontocompletethe6-milerideWillowGroveloop).CrossOceanBeachHighwaytocontinueonCoalCreekRoad,righttoWoodsideDriveandontoDelameterRoad,thentoGarlock.TurnrightonGarlocktoHazelDellRoad,andturnleft.RidetoDelameterRoad,andtakealeftbackontoDelameterRoadtowhereyoustarted.

coal creeK-delameter loop

Thisisarelativelyflatridesuitableforallridelevels.Bikerscanchoosethelength,goingasfarastheychoose;theridede-scribedhereisabout�8miles.Niceroadshouldersmostofthewayandlowtrafficaddtotheride’sease.Beginatthepark-and-rideatSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,onthewestsideofI-5.RiderightoutoftheparkinglottothesecondlightandturnrightontoOldPacificHighwayNorthtoBarnesRoadtoGeeGee’sTruckStop.PedaloverI-5toJacksonHighway,turnlefttoRayParkjustsouthofToledo.

castle rocK-toledo

Thisfun�8-mileloopisfilledwithbeautifulvalleyviewsandlong,gradualclimbs.SomerollinghillsandaswiftdecentonHeadquartersRoad.BeginatRiversideParkinLexington,offWestSideHighwaynorthofKelso.PedaloverI-5onSparksDrivetoOldPacificHighwayNorth,turnlefttoBondRoad.GotoPowellandturnleft,thentakeanimmediaterightonDorothytoSpiritLakeMemorialHighway.GotoSouthSilverLakeRoad,turnrightonSouthSilverLakeRoadandtraveluntilDavisSpur.TakeDavisSpurtoHeadquartersRoadandturnright.EnjoytheridedownHeadquarters.

leXington-spirit laKe-headQuarters

Formore,checkouttheselocalbikeshops:Bob’s Bike Shop is at 1111 hudson St. in longview. 360-425-8520Canyonview Cyclery is at 1051 14th ave. in longview. 360-200-5550

�6

art & music

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

In�0��,ninesculptureswereinstalledalongfourblocksofCommerceAvenuecenteredonBroadway,joiningseveralothersthathadbeentheresince�0��.GuidedtoursaregiveninconjunctionwithFirstThursdayeventsattheBroadwayGallery.

commerce avenuesculPtures

broadway Gallery: Thiscooperativegalleryshowstheworksofits�0members.Hours:�0a.m.-5:�0p.m.Mondays-Fridays,�0a.m.-�p.m.Saturdays.�4�8Com-merceAve.,Longview.broderick Gallery:WorksfromEngland,CubaandSouthAfricaalongwithownerGeorgeBroderick’spaintings.�4�6CommerceAve.Hours:�0a.m.-5p.m.Tuesdays-Saturdays.broderickgallery.com.longview Public library:TheKothGalleryfeaturesexhibits

ofworksbylocalartistsfallthroughspring.Hours:�0a.m.-8p.m.Mondays,TuesdaysandWednesdays;�0a.m.-5p.m.Thursdays-Saturdays.�600LouisianaSt.mcThreads Wearable Art boutique: HandmadejewelryandfiberartbyLindaMcCord.Hours:��a.m.-5p.m.Tuesdays-Wednesday,��a.m.-7p.m.Thursdaysorbyappointment.��06Broadway.>> mcthreadswearableart.com

lower columbia college Art Gallery:Exhibitsbyvisiting

artiststhroughtheschoolyear.Hours:�0a.m.-6p.m.Mondays-Tuesdays,�0a.m.-4p.m.Wednesdays-Thursdays.InLCCRoseCenter.Teague’s interiors: Longviewdecoratingbusinessfeaturesregularexhibits.��67CommerceAve.,Longview.Tsuga Gallery: Workfrommorethan�0localartists.70MainSt.,Cathlamet.Hours:��a.m.-5p.m.ThursdaysthroughSaturdaysandnoon-4p.m.Sundays.

art galleries

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

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

�7

concerts at the laKeThisyear’slineupforconcertsatLakeSacajaweainLongviewincludestributestoJohnnyCashandTheCars,aswellascountry,bluesandrockacts.Concertsrunfrom6to8p.m.ThursdaysatMartinDock,wherelistenersmaysetuplawnchairs.Serviceclubsprovidelimitedfoodandpeoplebringtheirownpicnics.

July�0:Folsom Prism,modernlookandtributetoJohnnyCash.July�7:Shake it up,Carstributeand’70sand’80srockhits.July�4:Elliot Randall & the deadmen,Americana/country.July��:The Twangshifters,rockabilly,bluesandrockandroll.Aug.7:daniel kirkpatrick & the bayonets,rockandroll.Aug.�4:Ants in the kitchen,blues,soulandrockandroll.

Grab your six-string and head out to the

mount St. Helens bluegrass Festival in

Toledo, Aug. 8-10

Thebuildingfeaturesa5�5-seatauditorium,a��5-seattheater,arehearsalhallandanartgallery.ItofferssweepingexpansesofwoodpanelingandamuralbynationallyrecognizedpainterLucindaParkerinthelobby.TheWollenbergAudito-riumisconsideredthebesthallformusicperformanceinSouthwestWashington,withstate-of-the-artacousticsthatcanbeadjustedbymovingoverheadpanels.Thesmaller,��5-seatCenterStageauditoriumforplayshasa“thrust”configuration,withseatsonthreesidesofthestage.

lcc rose center

Thisisoneofthearea’sforemostarchitecturalgems,builtin�9�5andrenovatedin�009.WithitsItalianRenaissancestyle,chandeliersandintricateornamentationandgrillwork,whatisnowtheColumbiaThe-atreforthePerformingArtsrepresentstheeleganceofaneralongpast.>> columbiatheatre.com

columbia theatre

�8

like a fast-growing vine, wineries are sprouting in southwest Washington. more than simple places to swirl samples near the wine barrels, the wineries range from rustic to elegant. some have live music and events.

Roland Wines’ tastingroomoccupiesanoldgasstationat�4�4ColumbiaHeightsRd.inLongview.Tastingstypicallyincludefourpours:RosedeSoleia,adryrosemadefromthesangio-vesegrape;Dolcetto,alightandfruityred;LaChansondeRoland,ablendofmerlot,cabernetandcabernetfrancgrapes;andSolsticeSyrah.5to8p.m.Wednesdaysand�to5p.m.SaturdaysandSundays.>> Rolandwines.com

Harmony Winesfocusesonlocallygrown,organicfruitsuchasberriesandcherries.Thewineryalsoproducesthreewhites:pinotgrisfromtheCowlitzBarvineyardonWestSideHighway,char-donnayandGewurztraminer.��a.m.-7p.m.daily.555KrollRd.,CastleRock.>> Harmonywineswa.com

mount St. Helens cellarsisattheCrossroadsPlaza,��54MountSt.HelensWay,atI-5Exit49inCastleRock.Severalofitswineshavevolcano-orientednames,suchasSpiritLakeColdwaterRiesling,Dog’sHeadRedandKickAshRed.Noon-6p.m.Fridays-Sundays.>> Mtsthelenscellars.com

capstone cellars hasbeenmakingwinesince�00�;thevintagesareoftenservedatlocalevents.Tastingscanbearrangedbycontactingthewinemakers.4�05PacificWay,Longview>> Capstonecellars.com

bethany vineyard isanoasisofeleganceintherollinghillsafewmileseastoftheI-5Ridge-fieldexit.Visitorscansitoutsidebyasmalllake;concertswithcatereddinnersaresometimesheldthere.Thewinerygrows�8varietiesofgrapesandpurchasesthreegrownintheColumbiaRiverGorge.Noon-6p.m.FridaysandSaturdaysandnoon-5p.m.Sundays.4��5NE�59thSt.,Ridgefield.>> Bethanyvineyard.com

Heisen House hasarusticfeel,withthetast-ingroominaconvertedmilkingparlorwithopenwalls.Nearbysitsthe�898farmhousewherethewinery’sownerslive.Theysometimeshavebandsinsidetheoldrenovatedbarnduringtastings.Thewinesservedincludeadrymuscat,adryroseandtempranillo,aheartySpanishred.Noon-5p.m.SaturdaysandSundays.�8005NE�7�ndAve.,BattleGround.>> Heisenhousevineyards.com

Rusty Grape —actuallyacafe—canbeacozyplaceonaFridaynight.Eveninwinter,theroomfeatureslivemusic,pizzaandtastingsfromthewineries’ninevarieties.Insummermonths,sipperscansitoutsideandwatchmovies.ItfeaturesablackberryPort.Withitsmini-restaurant,thewineryisopenfrom4-9p.m.WednesdaysandThursdays,noon-�0p.m.FridaysandSaturdaysandnoon-6p.m.Sundays.�67��N.E.��9thSt.,BattleGround.>> Rustygrape.com

wine & golf

THREE RivERS GolF couRSE

����S.RiverRoad,KelsoPublic;Dailyrate:$��for�8holes;$�7forseniors.Features:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,liquor,food.>> Threeriversgolfcourse.com

lonGviEW counTRy club4�CountryClubDrive,LongviewPrivateFeatures:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,ban-quetfacility,liquor,food.>> Longviewcountryclub.net

minT vAllEy GolF couRSE400�PennsylvaniaSt.,LongviewPublic;Weekends$�5,$�4afternoon.Features:Proshop,golflessons,club-house,liquor,food.>> Mint-valley.com

�9

COME SEE WHAT EVERYONE’S

TALKING ABOUT

A WHOLE NEW LOOK & FEEL!

NEW

360.423.4653

GET A SECOND ROUND FREE

SkylinE GolF couRSE�0RandallDrive,CathlametPublic;Features:Golflessons,clubhouse,liquor,food.

SuRFSidE GolF couRSE��508JPlace,OceanParkPublic;$�8for9holesand$��for�8holes;seniors$�5for9holesand$�8for�8holesMondaythroughThursday;juniors$�0Features:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,liquor,food.>> Surfsidegolfcourse.com

lEWiS RivER GolF��09LewisRiverRd.,WoodlandPublic;$�5weekdaysand$45weekends/holidaysfor�8holes;$�0weekdaysand$45weekends/holidaysforseniorsandjuniors.Features:Proshop,golflessons,clubhouse,banquetfacility,liquor,food.>> Lewisrivergolf.com

�0

JunEJune 5: ThirteenNightsontheRiverinColumbiaViewParkinSt.Helens.EveryThursdaythroughAug.�8.>> sccchamber.org

June 7:AnnualInternationalFestivalattheCowlitzCountyExpoCenterinLongview.>> ethnicsupportcouncil.org

June 14: WaikikiBeachConcertSeriesatCapeDisappointmentStatePark.FreeconcertseveryotherSaturdaythroughAug.��.>> funbeach.com

June 13-29: AnnualAstoriaFestivalofMusic.>> astoriamusicfestival.orgJune 14:AnnualBeachChowderRun/WalkinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com

June 14-15:AnnualNorthwestGarlicFestivalinOceanPark.>> opwa.com

June 19-22: WoodlandPlanter’sDayswithparade,rides,frog-jumpingcontestandclassiccarshow.>> lewisriver.com/plantersdays

June 20-22:ScandinavianMidsummerFestivalatClatsopCountyFairgrounds.>> astoriascanfest.com

June 21:AnnualKiwanisParadeinSt.Helens.>> sccchamber.org

June 27-28:WinlockEggDaysinWinlock.June 27-28:DoggieOlympicGamesinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com

June 28:HeritageDaysCruiseCarShowatClatskanieCityPark.>> clatskanie.org/cruisers.html

JulyJuly 2-4:Go4thCelebrationinLongviewwithparade,streetfair,kidsactivitiesandfireworks.>> gofourthfestival.org

July 2:AnnualGreatCardboardBoatRegattaatLakeSacajaweainLongview;�0�4themeis“Sports.”July 4:ClatskanieHeritageDaysFestivaland4thofJulyParade.July 4:OldFashioned4thofJulyParadeinOceanPark.>> funbeach.com

July 4:IndependenceDayFireworksontheBeachinLongBeach.>> funbeach.comJuly 4-5:4thofJulycelebrationinSt.Helens.>> sccchamber.org

almost every summer weekend, a family-oriented community festival is going on somewhere in the lower columbia area. so plan your excursions to watch everything from frog-jumping to fireworks. and the best part: most are free.

MusiC on the

Mountain

ConCert series

JUNE�8Science!

JULY�6cody beebe and the crooks

AUG.�0daniel kirkpatrick

festivals

��

July 4:FourthofJulyParadeinWarrentonandAstoria.>> oldoregon.com

July 4: Vernoniaparadeandfireworks.>> vernoniachamber.org

July 5:IndependenceDayFireworksatthePortofIlwaco.>> funbeach.com

July 9-13:ToledoCheeseDays.July 10-13: RainierDaysinthePark.>> rainierdaysinthepark.com

July 10-Sept. 13:ShanghaiedinAstoriaatAstorStreetOpryCompanyPlayhouse.>>seasideor.com

July 11-13:AnnualWinlockPickersFestatWinolequaPark.>> winlockpickersfest.com

July 12:KalamaRiver-to-RiverRunChallenge.July 16-20:AnnualSandSationsandCity

SandSationsinLongBeach.>> funbeach.comJuly 16-20:ColumbiaCountyFairandRodeoinSt.Helens.>> columbiacountyfairgrounds.comJuly 17-19:CastleRockFair,withparade,vendors,youthactivities,musicandmore,atCastleRockFairgrounds.July 18-20:KalamaCommunityFairandParade.July 18-20: NapavineFuntimeFestivalwithparadeandcarshow.July 19-20:ClamshellRailRoadDaysattheColumbiaPacificHeritageMuseuminIlwaco.>> funbeach.com

July 19-20: BaldEagleDaysinCathlametwithparade,trolleyridesandstreetfair.>> wahkiakumchamber.com

July 19:MusicintheGardensontheLongBeachPeninsula.>> funbeach.com

July 20: WoodenBoatShowinCathlamet.July 24-27:CowlitzCountyFairandRodeoatthefairgroundsinLongview.>> cowlitzcountyfair.comJuly 25-27:MaritimeHeritageFestivalatthemarinainSt.Helens.July 25-27:FinnishAmericanFolkFestival,afestivalthatisheldeveryotheryearinNaselle.July 26-27:AnnualLongBeachRodeo,PeninsulaSaddleClubinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com

July 26: RuntotheRockCarShow,CastleRock.July 28:MountainManiaFunRun,CastleRock.July 29-Aug. 2:ClatsopCountyFairatthefairgroundsinAstoria.>> clatsopfairgrounds.com

Clockwise from left, check out the Mount St. helens Bluegrass festival in toledo,

aug. 8-10; longview’s go 4th celebration includes a log-rolling competition; and

thunder Mountain pro rodeo takes place during the Cowlitz County fair, July 25-27.

��

AuGuSTAug. 1-2:OregonTunaClassicinIlwaco.>> funbeach.com

Aug. 1-3: AnnualVernoniaFriendshipJamboreeandLoggingShow.>> vernoniachamber.org

Aug. 1-3:ClatskanieBluegrassFestivalatClatskanieCityPark.>> clatskaniebluegrassfestival.wordpress.com

Aug. 1-10: ClarkCountyFairatfairgroundsinRidgefield.>> clarkcofair.com

Aug. 2:KalamaBluesFestival.Aug. 6-10:AstoriaRegattaMaritimeMagicinAstoria.>> astoriaregatta.org

Aug. 7-10:AnnualLoggersJubileeinMorton.>> loggersjubilee.com

Aug. 8-10: CathlametCorral,annuallongboardracesinCathlamet.>> wahkiakumchamber.com

Aug.8-10: MountSt.HelensBluegrassFestivalinToledo.>> washingtonbluegrassassociation.org/2014fest

Aug. 8-10: AnnualSeasidebeachvolleyballtournament.>> seasidebeachvolleyball.com

Aug. 12-17: SouthwestWashingtonFairinChehalis.>> southwestwashingtonfair.net

Aug. 14-16:WahkiakumCountyFairattheWahkiakumCountyFairgroundsinSkamokawa.Aug. 15-16:Blues&SeafoodinIlwaco.>> funbeach.com

Aug. 16:LongviewSquirrelfestattheCivicCenter.>> facebook.com/LVSquirrelfest

Aug. 17: UntouchablesCarshowinKalama.Aug. 17:AnnualJazzandOysterscelebrationinOysterville.>> funbeach.com

Aug 18-24:WashingtonStateInternationalKiteFestivalinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com

Aug. 22-24:ChehalisGarlicFestandCraftShow.>> chehalisgarlicfest.com

Aug. 23:Hood-To-CoastRelaystartingatMountHood,endinginSeasideseasideor.comAug. 23:HubCityCarShowinCentralia.>> chamberway.com

Aug. 23: AnnualUniqueTinCarShowandSwapMeetwithcontrolledcruisetofollowinLongview.>> uniquetin.com

festivalshop on over to the beloved frog-jumping contest at toledo Cheese Days, July 9-13.

Fromtop,rollonovertotheCathlametCorrallongboardracesAug.8-�0,GreatCardboardBoat

RegattaatLakeSacajaweaonJuly�inLongviewandseethe

CowlitzIndianPowWowonSept.�0atToledo

HighSchool.

��

Aug. 23:AnnualWings&Wheels�0�4atScappooseIndustrialAirPark.>> sccchamber.org

Aug. 23-24:ThreshingBee,anold-timetractorpullinToledo.Aug. 30: Buzzard’sBreathChiliCook-offattheElochomanSloughMarinainCathlamet.>> wahkiakumchamber.com

Aug. 30:AnnualChinookArtFestival.>> funbeach.com

Aug. 30-Sept. 1:CivilWarre-enactmentatFortStevensStatePark.>> visitftstevens.com

SEPTEmbERSept. 4-7:WheelsandWavesCarShowinSeaside.>> seasideor.com

Sept. 5: SlowDragatthePortofIlwaco.>> funbeach.com

Sept. 6-7: RodRuntotheEndoftheWorldcarshowinOceanPark.>> funbeach.com

Sept. 13-14:HighlanderFestivalinKelso.kelso.gov/visitors/highlander-festivalSept. 20: CowlitzIndianPowWowatToledoHighSchool.Sept. 20:AnnualScappooseSauerkrautFestival.>> scappoosecommunity.org

ocTobERoct. 1-nov. 15:WildMushroomCelebrationontheLongBeachPeninsula.>> funbeach.com

oct. 3-4:ColumbiaRiverCountryDays,atvariouslocationsaroundWahkiakumCounty,toincludeaslow-movingparade,piesocial,farmer’smarketandGraysRiverCoveredBridgeauctionanddinner.oct 11-12:AnnualCranberrianFairattheColumbiaPacificHeritageMuseumandCranberryMuseumontheLongBeachPeninsula.>> funbeach.com

oct. 11-12:OneSky,OneWorldKiteFestivalinLongBeach.oct. 10-13: PeninsulaArtAssociationFallShowinLongBeach.>> funbeach.com

oct. 17-18:WaterMusicFestivalconsistsofthreeconcerts.>> watermusicfestival.com

�4

LongviewwasnamedtotheNationalRegisterofHis-toricPlacesin�985becauseit’soneofthenation’sfewplannedindustrialcities.Severaldowntownbuildingswerenamedtotheregister,includingtheColumbiaTheatreforthePerformingArtsandtheBigFourFurni-tureBuildingat���9CommerceAve.,builtin�9�4andnowarestaurant.TheColumbiaRiverMercantile,atthecornerofCommerceAvenueandBroadway,functionedasLongview’sfirststoreandastheheadquartersoftheLong-BellLumberCo.whenitwasbuiltin�9��.It’sbeenrestoredtoresemblewhatitlookedlikeinthecity’searlydays.Insidearegiftshopsandarestaurant.

a cluster of historic build-ings around longview’s civic center and on nearby commerce avenue are among the city’s at-tractions. but make sure to play in the city’s parks.

lake Sacajawea ParkistoLongviewwhatCentralParkistoNewYorkCity.Thislong,skinnybodyofwaterwithitsbroad,greenlawnsistheplacetobewhenthesunisshining.Its4-milegraveledpathisthebestrouteintowntowalkorrun.Troutarestockedinthelake,makingitattractiveforyoungfolkswithfishingpoles.Its60acresholdnolessthan��9speciesoftrees.Inthefall,theleafcolorsshouldn’tbemissed.NeithershouldthebeautifulJapaneseGardensatthenorthendoftheparkandtheSolarSystemWalk,createdbythelocalastronomyclub.

Willow Grove Park isafavoritesiteforlaunchingboatsontheColum-biaRiver,swimmingandpicnicking.Onsummerevenings,kiteboarderscanbeseen,too.The60-acreparkboastspicnictables,firerings,amile-longasphalttrail,abeachvolleyballareaandmilesofscenery.Theparkisopen5a.m.to�0p.m.insummer.ToreachitfromOceanBeachHighway,turnsouthontoWillowGroveConnectorRoadandthenrightontoWillowGroveRoad.

Gerhart Gardens Park isa�4-acreparkontheCowlitzRiverthat’spopularonhotsummerdays,whentheriverleveldropstoexposebroadsandybeaches.Familiescanenjoyusingthepicnictables,horseshoepits,basketballhoops,sandvolleyballcourtandplay-groundequipment.There’salsoaboatramp.GerhartGardensisthehomeofthecity’sonlyoff-leashdogpark,athree-acre,fencedareaattheentrancetothepark.Theparkisat�00FreedomRd.,offofTennantWay,justwestofI-5Exit�6.

longview civic circlemakesitswayaroundR.A.LongPark,passingthehistoricLongviewPublicLibrary,MonticelloHotelandpostoffice.ThecirclewasdesignedaspartofR.A.Long’splannedcity,pointingtravelerstodowntown,theindustrialareaandresidentialareas.Youcanreachthecirclebytaking�5thAvenuetoWash-ingtonWay.HeadwestonWashingtonWayandfollowthecirclearound.

longview

CatchaCowlitzBlackBearsgame.Thiswood-batsummerleagueplaysitshomegamesatDavidStoryFieldinLongview.Ticketsstartat$6to$8.>> cowlitzblackbears.com

HiSToRy

�5

Longview...where you can truly appreciate the beauty and splendor of the Pacific Northwest.

Qualityof Place

Qualityof Place

360.442.5004 www.mylongview.com

Mint Valley Golf Course

Longview named one of the top ten prettiest towns

in America by Forbes - March 29, 2012.

JapaneseGarden

LakeSacajawea

TheTriangleShoppingCenter,thebusiestgeneral-purposeshop-pingareaintown,isbyOceanBeachHighwayand�5thAvenue.ItfeaturesApplebee’srestaurant,RossDressforLess,Michael’s,LaneBryantandmore.Withdozensofindependentlyownedbusinesses,downtownLongviewboastsalotofcharacter.It’sachangingshoppingscene,withnewbusinessesspringingupfromtimetotime.TheprincipaldowntownintersectionisCommerceandBroadway,whichamongotherthingshastheColumbiaRiverMercantile,withgiftshops,officesandabakery.Strollthroughdowntownandyou’llfindapetstore,agallery,antiqueshopsandrestaurants.At��thAvenueandHudsonStreetisthehomegrownBob’sSportingGoods,thelargestoutdoorsstoreintheregion.

OneofLongview’sclaimstofameis

beinghomeoftheworld’sfirstsquirrel

bridge,thenutty narrows bridge.It

wasdesignedin�96�tosparethelife

ofspasticsquirrelswithapenchantfor

playingchicken.Inrecentyears,the

squirrelfrenzyhasspread:twomore

bridgeshavebeeninstalledonthe

streetsnearLakeSacajawea.AndLongviewnowboaststhe

annualSquirrelFest,thisyear

onAug.�6.

That’s nuts!

SHoPPinG

WillowGrovePark

�6

KelsoishometoThreeRiversMall,thelargestenclosedshoppingmallinCowlitzCounty.NexttoI-5,themallisanchoredbyMacy’sdepartmentstoreandJ.C.Penney.TheKelsoPublicLibraryishousedina��,6�7-square-footspaceinthemall.Libraryhoursare�0a.m.to8p.m.MondaysandTuesdaysand�0a.m.to5p.m.WednesdaysthroughSaturdays.Restaurantsandamovietheaterarenearthemall.>> threeriversmall.com

kelso

A wee bit ’o history

“TamO,”asthelocalssay,isa4�-acreparkalongtheCoweemanRiver.Theparkhasseveralballfieldsandbasketballcourts,nottomentionhorseshoepits,aplay-groundandpicnictables.Manypeopleenjoyawalkorbikeridealongthegraveledpathatopthepark’sdike,whichrunsalongtheriver.TheparkisthesiteoftheannualKelsoHighlanderFestival,picturedbelow.Grabyourkilt,it’sSept.��-�4thisyear.It’salsothesiteofStanRisterStadium,whichseats500baseballenthusiasts.

TheCowlitzCountyHistoricalMuseumfeaturespermanentexhibitsontheearlydaysofthisarea,includinganauthenticpioneercabinandreplicasofageneralstoreandloggingbunk-house.Specialexhibitsrotatethroughonehall—acurrentonefocusesonthehistoryofpoliceinthecounty.Ashopincludesagoodcollectionofbooksaboutregionalhistory.Themuseum,405AllenStreet,isopenTuesdaysthroughSaturdaysfrom�0a.m.to4p.m.Admissionisfree;donationsarewelcome.>> www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum

AthrivingtownbeforeLongviewwasevenbuilt,Kelso’shistoryfiguresintoseveralattractions.ScottishlandsurveyorPeterCrawfordarrivedintheCowlitzValleyareain�847andregisteredthefirstdonationlandclaimontheCowlitzRiver.HefoundedthecityofKelsoin�884.

coWliTZ counTy HiSToRicAl muSEum THREE RivERS mAll TAm o’SHAnTER PARk

�7

CatchsomeairatRotary

SkateParkateastofInterstate5off

ofBurchamStreet

HiSToRic doWnToWn

Complimentary Continental Breakfastwith Fresh Waffl es

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

Kitchen & Kitchenette Easy Access I-5 • Near MallBusiness Center • Meeting Room

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

www.guesthousekelso@gmail.com

4703

33

TheKelsotrainstationhasbeenalongstandingcenterpiecetodowntownKelso.Thestationwasbuiltin�9��andrenovatedin�996.Thestation,onFirstAvenue,hasseveralshopsandoffices,aswellasaplacetowaitforAmtraktrains.NearbyisKelsoCityHall,whichfeaturesaloftylobbyandhistoricalartifactsfromtown,suchasagiantwheel-liftfromtheoldAllenStreetBridgeandanantiquestained-glasswindowfromPeter’sRestaurant,whichusedtobeacrossthestreetandhasnowreopenedasabarbecuerestaurant.DowntownbusinessesincludeCostLessAutoParts,severaltaverns,aMexicanrestaurantandtheKelsoTheaterPub.Thetheatershowsmoviesthattendtogetoverlookedbythelocalcineplexesandservesbeer,wineandpizza.

CatlinRotarySprayParkatthecornerofCowlitzWayandMainStreet.Open�0a.m.to9p.m.

HighlanderFestival

isSept.��-�4thisyear

�8

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

HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS

1254 Mt. St. Helens Way NE Castle Rock 360-274-8920

DREW’SGROCERY

Stop by on your way to

Mt. St. Helens

1316A Mount St. Helens Way NECastle Rock, just off exit 49

360-274-8583

by local artists & authors

Reservations: (360) 274-9060

470347

Castle Rock Pharmacy117 1ST ST. SW, CASTLE ROCK

360-274-8211

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR 48 YEARS

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

MOST MAJOR INSURANCE ACCEPTED

SOUVENIRSPOSTCARDS GIFTS

�9

Welcome to Mt. St. Helens & Bigfoot Country!

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

LARGE SELECTION OF BIGFOOT SOUVENIRS

MT. ST. HELENS GIFT ITEMS

No Charge to Park RV or camp

NORTHFORK

SURVIVORS

360 274-6789

470341

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

Sat. 10:00am - 4:00pmClosed Sunday

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

OVER 4000 BOLTS!

4703

49

(Subject to weather, please call ahead)

Castle RockNursery

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

H2

...where plants are our passion

and a little help from us...

470350

40

castle rock area

Zip into town

CastleRockhasdresseditselfupinthepastfewyears.Oneofthetown’smainshoppingstreetshasnew,wideconcretesidewalksthatarestampedandcoloredtolooklikethewoodenplanksthatwerecommonacenturyago.Theroadwayisstampedandcoloredtoresembleriverrock,andtheold-fashionedstreetlightsaredesignedtolookgoodandbrightentheareaconsider-ably.Thecity’shistoricdowntownfeaturesawidevarietyofshops,antiquestores,restaurantsandotherattractions.

AnytriptoCastleRock,theGatewaytoMountSt.Helens,shouldbeginwithahikeupthe�00-foot-highvolcanicrockthatgavethissmalltownitsname.ThetrailtoTheRockstartsatthewestendoftownatLionsPridePark.Afterexploringtheriversidetown,headeasttotheSilverLakeandToutleformoreadventures—suchasbassfishingandziplining.

doWnToWn

CastleRockalsoboaststheonlyfullydevelopedpublicboatlaunchontheCowlitzRiverbetweenToledoandGerhartGardensinLongview.TheAlHelenbergMemorialBoatLaunchopenedin�0�0andhasbeenimprovedsincethen.It’swelcomedbyanglerswhogoaftertheriver’srunsofspringchinook,fallchinook,cohoandsteelhead.TheCastleRockboatlaunchcanbeaccessedthroughtheNorthCountyRecreationSportsComplex,justsouthoftheentrancetothehighschool.

PlAy on THE RivER

LionsPridePark,onHuntingtonAvenueSouth,servesasthetrailheadfortheeastsideofCastleRock’sRiverfrontTrail.ThewalkingandbikingtrailtakesvisitorspastTheRockandalongtheCowlitzRiver.Trailsareonbothsidesoftheriver.Thetrailontheeastsideisa�-milelighted,pavedpaththatextendsthelengthoftown,passingasmallplay-groundandparksforskateboarders,BMXridersandmountainbikers.Therearealsotwofishingpiers.ThegraveltrailonthewestsidestartsatPH�0bridgeandgoessouth.There’sapavedpathfromPH�0bridgenorthtotheCastleRockSportsComplex.

RivERFRonT PATHS

4�

A�7-acreparkneartheconvergenceoftheToutleRiver’snorthandsouthforksopenedseveralyearsagoaftervolunteersdidmuchoftheworkbuildingit.Theareahadbeencoveredbymudbythe�980eruptionofMountSt.Helens.Itnowhas��RVcampingsitesand��fortentsonly.Overnightcampingcosts$�0forRVsand$�5fortents.Onasunnyday,it’sagreatplacetowetone’stoesinthestreamsandsoakupsomerays.

HARRy GARdnER PARk

Clockwise from top left, explore downtown Castle rock shops, stroll the riverwalk trail

at sunset and stop to smell the cornucopia of flowers blooming along city streets all summer.

SilverLake,whichis5mileseastofCastleRockonSpiritLakeMemorialHighway,isagoodplaceforbassandwarmwaterfishing.Boatscanberentedatresortsonthelake.OrexploreTreehouseIslandZipLineAd-venturesonthelake.Thetallestofthesixlinesisabout70feethigh,andziplinerscangoupto40mph.Itcosts$99.>> thizla.com

SilvER lAkE & TouTlE

4�

Northoftown,CampKalamaoffersyear-roundcampingattheKalamaRiver.TheKalamaRiversupportsrunsofsteelheadandsalmon,withrelativelygoodpublicbankaccess.NearbyKressLakeonOldPacificHighwayoffofKalamaRiverRoadisstockedwithtroutandsurplussteelhead.Duringsalmonseasons,anglersfishontheColumbiaRiverbanksandcrowdthemarinaatthePortofKalama.

kalama

hang up the fishing pole and

grab a tube! float the

Kalama river in summer.

cAmP And FiSH AnTiQuES Abound

Opensevendaysaweek,severalantiquedealersofferalargeselectionofantiquesandcollectibles.FreemapsofthecityareavailableatallofKalama’sstores.

a distinctly northwest town with an unusual name, Kalama is known for its antique shops, small-town friendliness and hollywood movie shoots. straddling interstate 5 off of exit 30, the town is named after John Kalama, a hawaiian who hunted, fished and trapped in the area more than a century ago.

a distinctly northwest town with an unusual name, Kalama is known for its antique shops, small-town friendliness and hollywood movie shoots. straddling interstate 5 off of exit 30, the town is named after John Kalama, a hawaiian who hunted, fished and trapped in the area more than a century ago.

PlEnTy oF PARkS

ThePortofKalamaoffersrecreationalfacilitieswitha���-slipmarina,afive-acreday-useparkandatwo-milewalkingpath.Atotemchanpolelocatedatthemarinaparkstands�40feettallandislistedinthe“Guin-nessBookofWorldRecords”asthetallestone-piecetotemintheworld.Theparkandmarinaareaccessiblebyfootviaawalkingbridgeovertherailroadtracksatthesouthendoftown.Thisyear,anewportofficethatincludesahistoricalmuseumwillopen.

‘TWiliGHT’ moviE ScEnES

KalamaHighSchool,at548ChinaGardenRd.,wasusedastheschoolinthevam-pireflick“Twilight.”Thetown’sfunctioninghighschoolhasbecomeapopulardestinationforfollowersofthepopularbooksandmovies.

Clockwise from top left, the tallest one-piece totem in the world is in Kalama, put your boat in at the marina and stop at one of the city’s many antique shops.

4�

44

woodland

Smellthehistory—literally—attheHuldaKlagerLilacGardens.ItsannualLilacFestival—whichshowcasesthefragrantpurple,pinkandwhiteblossoms—isinApril,andthegar-densareopenyear-round.TheHuldaKlagerLilacGardenisanarboretumwithmanyflowers,shrubsandexotictreesinadditiontolilacs.Klager’sVictorian-erahomeisontheNationalRegisterofHistoricSitesandisopentovisitorsduringspecialevents.��5SouthPe-kinRoad.Opentothepublic�65daysayearfrom�0a.m.until4p.m.daily,witha$�fee.

Thefarmwasfounded�0yearsagobyBennoandKlazinaDobbe,whoim-migratedtotheUnitedStatesfromtheNetherlands.Inseason,thebulbfarm’sgiftshopsellsallmannerofbulbs,includ-ingtulips,daffodils,irises,hyacinths,grapehyacinths,alliums,scillaandotherspecialtyvarieties.�066SouthPekinRd.>> hollandamericabulbfarms.com

HuldA klAGER lilAc GARdEnS

THE HollAnd AmERicA bulb FARm Locatedonthenorthsideofthehorseshoe-shapedlakeisHorseshoeLakePark,6.5acresofopenlawnforfieldgames,aplayground,abeach,restrooms,aparkinglot,skateboardparkandaboatlaunch.HorseshoeLakeisopenforswimming(nolifeguardonduty),fishingandboating(5mphspeedlimit).Thelakeitselfis85acresandhasamaximumdepthof�6feet.Itwascreatedin�940,whenabendintheriverwasisolatedbyfreewayconstruction.

HoRSESHoE lAkE PARk

Rich in historical charm and natural beauty, the town of Woodland is more than a jumping-off point for adventures in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Run through fields of tulips at the Holland America bulb farm, tour a famous estate filled with lilacs and relax at a lakeside park.

45

ThePortofWoodlandownstwoparcelsofundevelopedlandalongtheColumbiaRiverthatarepopularwithanglersandpicnickers.The�40-acreAustinPointparcelatthemouthoftheLewisRiverhashalfamileofriverfront.Theportownsanother�60acresatMartin’sBar.BothparcelsareaccessedfromWoodlandDikeRoad.FormoreinformationaboutWoodland,visitthecity’sChamberofCommerceandVisitorat900GoerigSt.>> Woodlandwachamber.com

Perchedonasteepslopeabovethecreek,thewater-poweredgrindingmillwasbuiltin�876andusedbyfamilieswhobroughtgraintothemilltobegroundintoflourorlivestockfeed.Volunteersstaffweekendactivities,whichfeatureeventstypicaltotheearly�0thcentury.Tourscanbearranged.Takeexit��andheadeast,turningrighttocrosstheNorthForkofLewisRiver.TurnleftontoNorthwestHayesRoadtowardAmboy,whichbecomesCedarCreekRoad.About8milesfromWoodland,asignpointslefttothemill.TurnleftonGristMillRoadandtheMillisabout�/4ofamile;>> Cedarcreekgristmill.com.

cEdAR cREEk GRiST mill RivERFRonT REcREATion

46

columbia county

IfyouheadintoRainierfromtheLewisandClarkBridge,youcanexploreanearlyrivertown.Awhite-columned,two-storycityhallbuiltin�9�0marksthecenteroftown.Thecity’sspaciousRiverfrontParkatthewestedgeoftownisafavoriteforfamilies.Ithasbasketballandtenniscourts,askateboardparkandafirst-rateplayground.ItoffersacloseviewofmaritimeactivityatthePortofLongview.Nearbyisaboatlaunchwithrestroomsandalargeparkinglot.

RAiniER

Sandy riverfront beaches, quiet back roads and a huge yew tree are among attractions in Colum-bia County, Ore. Visitors also can check out a kite boarding hot spot, a variety of trails, the largest Zen Buddhist monastery in the Northwest and what’s left of Oregon’s only nuclear power plant.

TheareabetweenPrescottBeachandtheformerTrojanNuclearPowerPlantofferslargemarshesandgoodbirdwatching.The74-acreparkatTrojanincludesa�9-acrelakethatisstockedwithtroutinspring,�00acresofwoodsandwetlands,walkingtrails,ballfields,shelteredpicnicareas,avolleyballcourtandafrisbeegolfcourse.AllfacilitiesareopenMemorialDaythroughLaborDaythoughpeoplemaywalkthroughanytime.>> Portlandgeneral.com/parks

TRoJAn PARk

EastofRainier,LaurelBeachisasmallbutscenicday-useparkthatattractsanglersandbirdwatch-ers.TakeLaurelwoodRoadabout�.5milessouthoftown.You’llhavetowalkuparoughpathandovertherailroadtracks,whichareusedbytrainsonceortwiceaday.FarthersouthonHighway�0,thesiteofLewisandClark’scampsiteonNov.5,�805,hasbeendevelopedintoanattractivepark.The7�-acrePrescottBeachday-useparkchargesasmallfee.You’llalsofindapicnicshelter,playgroundequip-ment,gazebo,horseshoepitandvolleyballcourts.

columbiA RivER bEAcHES

47

Columbia County is conveniently located less than an hour away from the Portland Metro area, Vancouver, Kelso and Longview, Washington. For the day, weekend or longer - enjoy World-Class Windsurfi ng, Fishing, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Cycling, Rural Aviation, Historic Tours and much more. View nature up close, multitudes of birds and animals in their natural habitat, wildfl owers and forests are daily recreational experiences at Columbia County’s full service parks system.

1054 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Phone 503-397-2353 • Fax: 503-397-7215

Reservations: 503-366-3984

Columbia CountyColumbia County

PARKS & RECREATION

1. BEAVER BOAT RAMP & PARKHwy. 30 Clatskanie U.S. 30 and Hwy 47. Within the Clatskanie city limits. Paved parking, boat launch, rest rooms, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

2. BIG EDDY PARK64555 Nehalem Hwy, N., Vernonia. Large fi r trees, open play ground, fi shing, canoeing, and a non-motorized boat launch. 35 camping sites, 14 with full RV hookups.

3. CAMP WILKERSON65866 Aplary Road, Rainier. 280-acre secluded, forested site, 24 Adirondacks (3-sided camp shelters), numerous tent sites, rustic 2 room cabins and a rustic day lodge complete with cooking facilities to accommodate groups of up to 250 people. Bring your horses, ride the trails and camp in one of our horse corral tent sites.

4. DIBBLEE ISLAND PARKColumbia River Channel, Rainier. This is among the areas visited by Lewis and Clark over 200 years ago!

5. GILBERT RIVER BOAT RAMP & DOCKSReeder Road, Sauvie Island. Located within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, this facility provides easy access to the Multnomah Channel for a variety of boating activities and fi shing.

6. HUDSON-PARCHER PARK75503 Larson Road, Rainier. Popular with family groups, sports groups and others looking for peaceful forest and fi eld camp sites. 35 RV spaces, tent camping, cabin/cooking facility for a party of up to 66 people, ball parks, soccer fi eld, basketball court, 3 playgrounds, covered picnic areas and easy access to fi shing, boating or windsurfi ng.

7. J.J. COLLINS MEMORIAL MARINE PARKRm 8.0 Multnomah Channel, Scappoose. This park is only accessible by boat for a wildlife island adventure. Primitive campsites and a covered picnic area.

8. LAUREL BEACHLaurel Beach Road, Rainier. Rustic Day-use only park, featuring access to one of the Columbia River’s many fi shing spots. In addition to offering outstanding bird viewing.

9. ASBURRY PARKSaulser Rd,. St. Helens. Day-use only area, which includes picinic sites, childeren’s ball fi eld and a nature trail.

10. PRESCOTT BEACH73125 Prescott Beach Drive. Day-use only area. One of the Columbia River’s fi nest fi shing and windsurfi ng sites. Features a covered picnic shelter, play-ground equipment, gazebo, a horse-shoe pit and volleyball courts.

11. SCAPONIA PARK22870 Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy., Scappoose. Recreational area featuring a 7-acre nature park and 12 tent sites.

12. SCAPPOOSE R.V. PARK34038 N Honeyman Road, Scappoose. A comfortable, shaded view of this growing rural airport makes the Scappoose R.V. Park a unique spot for picnicking or camping at one of the 6 RV sites.

You r Neighborhood Playgrou nd

ForestsForests

Builtonlogging,youcanfeelheritagethroughthistown.Turn-of-the-centurylumbermanT.J.Flippinbuilthishometolooklikeacastle.Theturretedwhitemansionat6�0Tichenorisaseniorcenterandamuseum.Tours:50�-7�8-�608.ClatskanieCityPark,�00N.E.ParkSt.,hasanoutdoorswimmingpool,asportsfield,playground,horseshoepits,picnictablesandbarbecuepits,tentandRVcampsites,ahorsearena,aboatrampintotheClatskanieRiverandrestroomswithshowers.TheLewisandClarkHeritageCanoeTrailbeginsatthepark,windsalongtheClatskanieRiverandexplorestheislandsoftheLowerColumbia.

clATSkAniE

GreatVowBuddhistMonas-tery,thelargestZenfacilityintheNorthwest,isat79640Quincy-MaygerRd.Itisbuiltinaconvertedelementaryschool.Itisafull-timeresi-dentialtrainingmonastery.GuestscantourthefacilityandattendtheSundayprogram,whichbeginsat�0a.m.>> Greatvow.org

buddHiST monASTERy

Learn to fLYJonesBeachis6mileswestofClatskanieonHighway�0offWoodsonRoad.ThebroadbeachandgustyafternoonwindsdrawkiteboarderstotheColumbiaRiverfromhundredsofmilesaround.Thebeachisusedforfishingandpicnicking.OrputyourboatinjustwestofClatskanieattheintersectionofhighways�0and47attheBeaverBoatRamp.

Rides,livemusic,beer,fireworksatRainierDaysattheParkon

July�0-��.

48

Thistownhasanauthenticambiance,aplacewherepeopleworkwithtoolsandfishingtackle.Here,visitorscansavortheflavorofanAmericabeforestripmallsandfast-foodchainsjammedthelandscape.Cathlamet,pronounced“cath-LA-met,”is�0mileswestofLongviewonOceanBeachHighway(SR4).Thetownhasabout550inhabitants.StopatthevisitorinformationcenteratthecornerofBroad-wayandRiverstreets.PickuptheHistoricTourGuideandsetoutonfootorinyourcar.Nearbyisthe�884PioneerChurch,thesteepleofwhichisatownlandmark.StrolldownBroadwaytoaviewingareaoftheColumbiaRiver—tugboatsmaybedockednearby.Walkthewaterfronttrailfromthemuseumtothemarina,whichcanbejammedwhensalmonfishingisgoodontheColumbia.

wahkiakum county

cATHlAmET

OnthewaywestfromLongview,stopatCountyLinePark,whichrecentlywasrefurbishedwithnewbathroomsandotherimprovements.Ithas�8RVsitesandthreetentsitesnearasandybeachontheColumbiaRiver.

counTy linE PARk

AfterexploringCathlametbyfoot,driveoutMainStreet,whichbecomesHighway409,andcontinueacrossthecurvingbridgespantoPugetIsland.It’saflatlandofdairyfarms,tidyhouseswithScandi-naviannamesonthemailboxesandboathousesperchedonthesloughs.ThehighwaypassesthePugetIslandGrange,dedicatedin�9�8,ontheleft.It’s�milestothePugetIslandferry,thelastferryonthelowerColumbia.ItrunsbackandforthbetweenPugetIslandandWestportontheOregonside.The��-minuteridecosts$5percar.OtherroadsonPugetIslandmakeanexcellentplaceforbicycling.They’reflat,andthere’slittletraffic.It’sabout�0milesallthewayaroundtheisland.

PuGET iSlAnd

reLax & expLoreAcoupleofcharmingtowns—andahistoricbridge—linetheroadwestfromLongviewtothebeach.Cathlametseemslikeasmalltownof50yearsago,andSkamokawafocusesontheColumbiaRiver.Inbetweenthemsprawlsawildliferefugewithdeer,elkandbirds.

49

Pronounced“Skah-MOCK-away,”theriver-sidevillageSkamokawapacksalotoftouristdestinationsintoitstinysize.TheRiverLifeInterpretiveCenter,animposingstructurebuiltin�894asaschool,towersabovethehighway.Onthegroundfloorofwhat’scalledRedmenHallisagiftshopandgallery,whichisopennoon-4p.m.ThursdaysthroughSundays.Itfeaturesexhibitsofartwithalocalflavor.Thesecondfloorhousesexhibitsshowingthearea’shistory.DriveacoupleofblocksdownSteamboatSloughRoadtolookatLurlineHall,anicelyrestored�9��buildingonpilingsthatwasonceasteam-

boatlanding.Skamokawaalsofeaturesthe�8-acreVistaParkontheColumbiaRiver,whichoffersfishing,picnicking,boatingandbeachcombing.Theparkincludestennisandbasketballcourts,abaseballfield,walkingpaths,alargeplayingfield,�5campsitesandfiveyurts—circular,domedtentsonplatformswithenoughspaceforafamilytocampinside.Reservations:�60-795-8605orvistapark.wordpress.com.ForfurtherinformationonCathlametandSkamokawa,calltheWahkiakumChamberofCommerceat�60-795-9996orvisitWahkiakumChamber.com

SkAmokAWA

ThecommunityofGraysRiverinwesternWahkiakumCountyhasjustacoupleofstores,thoughitsmostfamousfeatureisashortdetouroffthehighway.Thecommunity’shistoricalclaimtofameisacoveredbridgebuiltin�905.The�58-foot-longbridgeisthelastsuchstructureonapublicroadwayinthestate.Originallybuiltatacostof$�,700,itwentthroughamajorrenovationin�989.Driveacrossitswoodplankdeckandimagineyou’reinahorse-drawnbuggy.ThebridgeisaccessedbyLoopRoad.ForinformationontheElocho-manandGraysrivers,seePage�8.

GRAyS RivER

Bringyourcameratocaptureaplethoraofwildlife

There’salwayssomeonehavingfunatSkamokawa’s

VistaPark

50

astoria

NestledamongalineupofshopsisAstoria’shistoricalgem–TheMaritimeMuseum–whichprovidesaretroactivepeekatthehistoryoftheColumbiaRiver.Acapsizedshipinthemuseum’swindowmakesithardtomissthisnauticaltimecapsule.Inside,visitorslearnabouteverythingfromtheperiloustripsofthemanyshipsthathavetraversedtheColumbiaRivertoahands-onlookatareconstructedUSNavyDestroyerbridge.Walkaroundthebridgetobeinstantlytransportedbackintime.ThemuseumalsodedicatesspacetovideofootageoftheColumbiaRiverbar–atreacherouspathforseagoers–andthehistoryofgillnetting.Themuseumisopendailyfrom9:�0a.m.to5p.m. >> crmm.org

columbiA RivER mARiTimE muSEum

lightship columbia: TakeinviewsfromaboardthedockedLightshipColumbia,anout-of-commissionshipthatwasonceusedasalight-houseoffthemouthoftheColumbia.Checkouttheofficer’squartersandradioroombelowdecktogetaglimpseofwhatlifewaslikeforthosemanningthelightship.

Astoria-megler bridge: TotakeinaviewoftheColumbiaRiver,drivetheAstoria-MeglerBridge,whichconnectsOregontoWashingtonandtrailsintoscenicHighway�0�.

Goonies House: StepintothemoviewithavisittothehousethatwasusedonsetofTheGoonies.Itisat�68�8thSt.atDuane.>> Oregonfilmmuseum.org

Climb the 125-foot tall astoria Column for a spectacular view of the city, as well as the Colum-bia river, pacific ocean (see above).

Astoria Music Festival

KEITH CLARK, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

astoriamusicfestival.org 503.325.989

JUNE 13–29

Metropolitan

Angela Meade

“…one vocal thrill after another.” NEW YORK TIMES

CoHo ChartersCoHo Chartersand motel

“The Fish Finders”Salmon Sturgeon

Best Sturgeon & Salmon Fishing

May through September Beautiful Boats

experienced Skippers

Bring Coupon for $10 oFF

Charter Fishing Since 1956PO Box 268, Ilwaco, WA 98624

www.cohocharters.com1-800-339-2646

“one Call

does It all”

trips starting at $11225 + tax

4544

76

Ifatriptothemuseumstillleavesyouthirstingformorefromthearea,kickbackatFortGeorgeBrewery,whichisashortwalkfromthemuseum.CraftbeerisbrewedonsiteatFortGeorge,whichisseatedinwhatwasformerlyanautomotiveservicestation.Thebeerisservedinmasonjarsalongsideampleportionsofitsmanydishes,includinghouse-madesausages,plumpburritosandorganicfries.Ifyou’renotinthemoodforabigdinner,nurseabeeronthetopdeckoftherestaurantinthecompanyoflivemusicanddancing.Thepubisopen��a.m.to��p.m.weekdays,��a.m.to��a.m.weekendsand��p.m.to��p.m.Sundays.Fortaproomhoursandalivemusicschedule,visitfortgeorgebrewery.com.

Thedowntownstripboastsatreasuretrekofyesteryear’sitems.ShopssellingusedwarespepperthestreetsinAstoria,cateringtothosewhoprefervintageorretrofinds.Thehuntisonasyoumakeyourwaythroughthedown-townarea,whichhasthesamevintagefeelasmanyofitsstores’treasures.

dininG dESTinATion doWnToWn

5�

5�

seaview

Hereyoucanfollowagentlepathalongtheshorelineorspotawinterpopulationoftrum-peterswans.Seaview,consid-eredoneofthebestexamplesofearlycoastalcommunitiesintheNorthwest,wasfoundedin�88�andquicklybecametheplaygroundforwealthyvacationersfromPortland.Thefinehousesandcottagesliningitslanesprovideaniceplacetowalkorbike.There’sapocketofantiqueshopsandmalls,plusfinecuisineattheShoalwaterRestaurant.

Long Beach

AtthecommercialhubofthePeninsulayou’llfindarcadesandgo-carts,alongwithrestaurants,galleries,kiteshops,giftshops,bakeriesandbookstoresand...averylongbeach.Oneofthebetter-knownattractionsisJaketheAlligatorMan,whoresidesinaglasscaseatMarsh’sFreeMuseum,actuallyanoffbeatstore.Jakeappearstobeasmallmummifiedhumanfromthewaistupandagatorinhislowerextremities.We’llletyoubethejudge.

washington coast

5�

The Long Beach Peninsula’s beach, 28 miles long, is one of the longest continuous sandy beaches in North America, and there’s public access every few miles. The Boardwalk is a short walk from most places in downtown. The elevated path is nearly a half-mile long and features interpretive displays, sitting areas and great views. Most of the beach is open to motorized vehicles. During summer months, 1.4 miles of the beach is closed to vehicles, between Seaview and the Bolstad access in Long Beach.

Fun in the sun!

ilwaco

ThevintagefishingvillageofIlwaco,withitsbusymarinaforcommercialandpleasureboats,datesbacktothe�880s.ItsportisnestledjustinsidetheColum-biaRiverbar.ThePortofIlwacoisarealworkingfishingvillage.SeveralcharterboatcompaniesoffertripsintothelowerColum-biaRiverandouttotheoceantocatchsalmonandsturgeon.Guestmoorageisavailableyear-round.Themarinawaterfrontdrawsvisitorsforitsrestaurants,giftshops,galleries,retailseafoodoutlets,baristasandbookstore.

ocean park

HeadingnorthfromLongBeach,you’llwanttostopinOceanPark,homeoftheannualNorthwestGarlicFestival,June�4-�5thisyear.OceanParkhasgrownintoafull-serviceseasidecom-munitythatwelcomessome�0,000seasonalresidentseachsummer.Beforeyourvisit,makesureyougotoOPWA.comandprintouttheOceanParkAreaWalkingTour,whichtakesvisitorspastlocallandmarksandhistoricalbuild-ings.AmongthehighlightsofthetourisTheWreckage,ahomebuiltin�9��largelyfrommaterialssalvagedfromthebeach.ThehomeisnowontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.

nahcotta

ThissmallfishingtownontheWillapaBaysideofthePeninsulaoffersabeautifulviewofthebayandLongIsland.YoucanexploretheNahcottaTidelandsInterpretiveSiteandlearnabouttheshellfish,wildlifeandplantsoftheWillapaBayecosystemattheinterpretivecenterinOceanPark.Thecenter,areplicaofanoysterstationhouse,celebratesthehistoryofoystergrowinginWillapaBay.�60-665-4547

oysterville

NorthofNahcottaisOysterville,placedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlacesin�976.Homesheredateto�86�andgracetree-linedstreets.The�89�churchisopentothepublic.Oystervilleboaststhestate’soldestoperatingpostoffice—andlikelythesmallest.It’sattheOystervilleStore,acombinationgrocery/souvenir/bookstore.

Timeless.

Invigorating.

Delicious.

funbeach.com800.451.2542

heritage Museum

TheColumbiaPacificHeritageMuseum,��5S.E.LakeSt.inIlwaco,celebratesthehistoryandcultureofSouthwestPacificCountyandthemouthoftheColumbiaRiver.IthasexhibitsabouttheChinookIndiantribe,includingatra-ditionaldugoutcanoe.Exploreapioneervillageandlearnaboutfishing,loggingandcranberryfarming.Andthere’sareplicaofatownstreet,circa�9�5,withbarbershop,barandchurch.ThroughAugustthisyear,there’saspecialex-hibitonthe��5thanniversaryofthe“ClamshellRailroad,”whichonceranalongthebeach.>> Columbiapacificheritagemuseum.org

World Kite Museum

TheonlysuchinstitutioninNorthAmerica,theWorldKiteMuseumfeaturesfantastickitesfromaroundtheworldandthroughouthistory.Themu-seumboastsacollectionofmorethan�,500kites,includingthemostcompletecollectionofJapanesekitesoutsideJapan.Themuseumisat�0�SidSnyderDrive,LongBeach.It’sopen��a.m.to5p.m.daily,MaythroughSeptember.Admissionis$5foradults,$4forseniorsand$�forchildren.>> Worldkitemuseum.com

washington coast

54

55

fort Columbia

BuilttodefendtheColumbiaRiverfrom�896to�947,FortColumbianearChinookwasfullymannedandoperationalthroughthreewars.Today,visi-torswillfindpicnicareas,hikingtrailsandhistoricalbuildingsatthestatepark.Peerintotheinnardsofthemassivegunem-placements.Youcanevenstayovernightinoneoftheheritagehouses.Hoursvaryinthesum-merandwinter.AstateparksDiscoverPassisrequired.

Cape Disappointment

OneofWashington’smostpopularstateparks,CapeDisappointmentcoversnearly�,000acreswithavarietyofcampsitesandpicnicareasthatprovidedramaticviewsoftheoceanandtheColumbiaRiverEstuary.Visitorsalsocanexplorebunkersofanoldmilitaryfort,hiketotheCapeDisappoint-mentandNorthHeadlighthouses,wanderthroughcoastalforests,viewwildlifefromtheNorthJetty,exploreBeard’sHolloworWaikikiBeach,orvisittheLewisandClarkInterpretiveCenter,describedatright.Theparkis�milessouthwestofIlwacoonLoop�0�.ADiscoverPassisrequired,>> parks.wa.gov

Lewis & Clark interpretive Center

ThebestmuseumtolearnabouttheLewisandClarkExpeditioninthesepartsistheinterpretivecenterthatbearstheexplorers’names.Percheduponacliff,ontopoftwogunemplacementsthatonceguardedtheColumbiaRiver’smouth,istheLewisandClarkInterpretiveCenteratCapeDisappointment.Thecenterallowsvisitorstorelivethe�804-�806journeyofTheCorpsofDiscoveryonaself-guidedwalkthroughdisplays,paintings,artifacts,photographsandentriesfromtheoriginaljournals.Thecenterisopen�0a.m.to5p.m.dailyyearround.Costis$�foradultsandseniors,and$�forchildrenages7-�7.>> Capedisappointment.org

see the Light

TakeshorthikestoexploretheNorthHeadlighthouse(seenhere)andtheCapeDisappointmentlighthouse.Bringyourcamera,becausesweeping,postcard-esqueviewsareeverywhereyouturn.

56

washington coast

Leadbetter point

PerchedonthetipoftheLongBeachPeninsulaisLeadbetterPointStatePark,whichseparatesWillapaBayfromthePacificOcean.LeadbetterPointborderstheWillapaNationalWildlifeRefuge.Tensofthousandsofshorebirdsfeedandresthereduringspringandfallmigration.Here,visitorscanenjoyhiking,fishing,birdwatchingandclamming.StateRoute�0�endsatLeadbetterPointStatePark.>> parks.wa.gov

Cranberries

TheCranberryMuseumspotlightsthehistoryandmethodsoffarmingthisbitterfruit,whichhasbeenaroundformorethan�00yearsinSouthwestWashington.Tourthemuseum’s�0-acredemonstra-tioncranberryfarmorshopfortreatsinthegiftshop.Peakgrowingseasonismid-Septemberthroughharvestinearlytomid-October.Don’tmissthecrimsonbogsduringharvesttime.Themuseumisat�907PioneerRd.,LongBeach.>> cranberrymuseum.com

Watch artists carve

epic sandcastles at the annual

sandsations in Long Beach,

July 16-20

57

Motel RV & Tent Sites

Reservations1-800-835-4634

(360) 665-4585

Waterfront Dining

Saturday Market, May–September

PORT OF ILWACO

- Charter Fishing -- Waterfront Dining -

- Fresh Seafood -- Shopping -

- Working Waterfront -

Saturday Market,May–September

at the Port of Ilwaco MarinaLocated at the mouth of

the Columbia River

Follow us on Facebookat Discover Ilwaco

www.portofilwaco.com360-642-3143

Clam digging

ThousandsflocktotheLongBeachPenin-suladuringdigs—abouteightweekendsperyear.Everydigiscontingentonhavinghealthyenoughclams.Forupdatedinformation,calltheDepartmentofFishandWildlifehotlineat�60-696-6���ext.�0�0.>> wdfw.wa.gov

58

Cannon Beach

ThissandystretchoftheOregonCoastisbestknownasthehomeofHaystackRockanditshabitatofsealife.It’soneofthefewplacesyoucanabsorbanintimateviewofstarfish,anemoneandotherdelicateseacreaturesthatresideintherockytidepooladjacenttoHaystackRock.Tryyourhandatmaneuveringthejaggedrocks,butbecarefultomindtheircolorfulinhabitants.Ifeveryoutireoftheoceanscenery,thecozytown’sstreetsarelinedwithcoffeeshops,eateriesandartexhibits.Fortheoenophile,theWineShackoffersSaturdaytastingsandengagingchatterwithasommelierinitsquaintshop.ArtexhibitsfeaturingworkthatdrawsfromlocalsceneryalsoareacommonfixtureinCannonBeach.Unwindattheendofthedayatoneofitsmanyrestaurants,includ-ingBill’sTavernandBrewhouse.>> cannonbeach.org

AshortdrivefromCannonBeach,Seasidemaintainsamorecasualvibewithitslineupofshopsthattouteverythingfromsweettreats(icecream,anyone?)tobeachware.Dogsareacommonstapleontheboardwalkthatfringesthebeach,soleashupyourpuporfindyourstridesolointhesun.Foranaddedchallenge,takeyourpoochtothesandandcombthebeachforsanddollars.Thesandystretchesaredottedwiththejaggedpiecesofsealife.Therealchallengeisfindingonestillintact.Seasidealsooffersmyriadoptionsforthoselookingtogetactive.Kayaks,canoes,paddleboats,bikesandsurfboardsareavailabletorentiftraversingthecoastonfootisn’tenough.>> Seasideor.com

oregon coast

seaside

PlentytoseeatEcolaStateParkbetweenSeasideandCannon

Beach

59

hiDDen geMsHighway 101 meanders along the rugged coastline through bustling coastal towns between sea cliffs, beaches and sea stacks. Explore everything in between from As-toria to Lincoln City and beyond. Don’t miss hiking a network of trails, exploring hidden tide pools and visiting iconic lighthouses.

ViewfromEcolaStateParklookingsouth

towardCannonBeach

60

tillamook

Knownasthelandof“cheese,trees,andoceanbreeze,”Tillamookofferswhalewatching,duneclimbing,animpressivecollectionof�0WarBirdsattheTillamookAirMuseumandthestate’slargestcolonyofpuffins.Mostfamously,itisthehomeoftheTillamookCreamery,wherethecooperativemakescheese,yogurtandicecream.Morethan�milliontourthefactoryeachyear. >> GoTillamook.com

pacific City

YoucansipabrewfromthebeachsideporchofPelicanPub,amicrobreweryrightinfrontofHaystackRock.Thisaward-winningbreweryisagoodlaunchingpointforhiking,camping,bikingandbeach-combing.Don’tmissthedorymentakingoffatthebottomofCapeKiwanda(doryfishingboatsarelaunchedfromthesurf).>> Pacificcity.org

oregon coast

Lighthouses gaLoreNine sentinels stand tall along the Oregon coast. Seven are open to the public, and many offer tours. From north to south: Tillamook Rock (seen here, near Cannon Beach)cape meaRes (near Tillamook)Yaquina Head (near Newport)Yaquina BaY (near Newport)HeceTa Head (near Florence)umpqua RiveR (near Reedsport)cape aRago (near Coos Bay)coquille RiveR (near Bandon)cape Blanco (near Port Orford)

6�

Lincoln City

With7,500permanentresidents,LincolnCityisoneofthelargertownsontheOregonCoast.Alongwithplentyofbeachaccessandshopping,LincolnCityalsoofferstheChinookWindsCasinoandtheupscaleSalishanResort.There’salsoaglassartstudio.LincolnCityis95milessouthofCannonBeach.FromSouthwestWashington,thequickestwaytogetthereisheadsouthonI-5toPortland,thensouthwestonHighway�8.>> Oregoncoast.org

southern coast

SouthofLincolnCityonHighway�0�,you’lltravelthroughDepotBay(whalewatching),Newport(aquarium),Florence(playonthedunes),CoosBay(myrtlewood),Bandon(gogolfing),andGoldBeach(jetboats).>> Visittheoregoncoast.com

Atlowtide,explorethetidepools.Athightide,enjoythemanycoastal

eateries.

6�

OnawindypointintheopenreachesoftheeasternColumbiaRiverGorgestandsanimposingwood-and-stonemuseumwithacollectionthateasilymatchesthatoflargerinstitutions.The48,�00-square-footColumbiaGorgeDiscoveryCenterandMuseumincludesfourattractions:theForestService’smuseumofnaturalandhu-manhistoryintheGorge,theWascoCountyHistoricalMuseum,aseparateexhibitabouttheLewisandClarkExpedition,andaraptorshowfeaturingninebirdsofprey.Throughspringandsummer,workersshowoffthetwogreat-hornedowls,twobaldeagles,twokestrels,arough-leggedhawk,ascreechowlandared-tailedhawkinraptorsinthecenter’s�40-seatauditoriumat��a.m.and�p.m.everyday.>> gorgediscovery.org

columbiA GoRGE diScovERy cEnTER mARyHill muSEum oF ART

Itmayseemoddtofindaworld-classcol-lectionofRodinsculpturesintheremotereachesoftheGorge,butconsiderthemu-seum’shistory.ThewealthyandeccentricSamuelHillbuiltthecastle-likestructureashishome,butitwasdedicatedasamuseumin�9�6,withavisitbythequeenofRoma-nia.Todaythemuseumhouses87Rodinsincludinghiswell-known“TheThinker,”�00chesssets,Orthodoxicons,paintingsandNativeAmericanart.>> maryhillmuseum.org.

The columbia River Gorge is a scenic wonder, with peaks towering as much as 5,000 feet above the river. it’s also flowing with tourist attractions, from windsurfing to wine-tasting. There’s plenty to keep visitors busy for several days.

And muSEum

STonEHEnGE

AnothereasternGorgeoddityisthefull-scalemodeloftheNeolithicmonumentinEngland.Unliketheoriginal,thisone’smadeofconcrete.Stonehill,alsobuiltbySamuelHill,isthreemileseastoftheMaryhillMuseum,justoffHighway�4.

columbia gorge

WindsurfinginHoodRiver

6�

Hood RivER

Thisvibranttownhasbecomeameccaforallthingsoutdoors.Insummer,thewindyreachesoftheColumbiaRiveroffHoodRiverattractwindsurfersfromaroundtheworld.Infall,thenearbyorchardsoftheHoodRiverValleysellfruitbybushel.Inwinter,downhillandcross-countryskiingareasarelessthananhour’sdriveaway.Andhikingtrailsandfishingareavailableyear-round.Thetownitselfiswell-suppliedwithtrendyeateriesandshopsthatareconstantlyevolving,invitingreturnvisits.Parkalongthemainstreet,OakStreet,andexplore.AtoneendistheHoodRiverHotel,arenovated�0�-year-oldstructurewithfinediningandelegant,thoughcozy,rooms.OakStreetalsohasabrewery,afly-fishingshopandclothingandgiftshops.Downatthewaterfront,parkandwatchthewindsurfers.Beginnerscansignupforalessonfromoneofthetown’sshops.

columbia gorge destinations

mulTnomAH FAllS Oregon’sfamous6�0-foot-tallcascadeisthemostpopulartouristattractioninthestate.Mostpeoplestrollafewyardstothebaseofthefalls.Anetworkoftrailsswitchbacksupthehillandconnectswithothernearbyfalls,buttheserouteswon’tbeopenuntilaroundMemo-rialDayin�0�4.

bonnEvillE dAm ThisisthefirstdambuiltonthelowerColumbiaRiverandit’sstillthemostimpres-siveone.TheCorpsofEngineersoperatesavisitorcenterthatexplainsthedam’shistoryandpowergeneration.Andinfall,youcanseehundredsofsalmonswimmingupthefishladder.Oneofitsclaimstofameis“HermantheSturgeon,”an��-footfishinatank.OntheOregonside,anglerscanfishfromRobinsandBradfordIslands.

cAScAdE lockS ThetownofCascadeLocksmaybebest-knownasthelocationoftheBridgeoftheGods,anarrowsteelstructurethat’stheonlybridgeacrosstheColumbiaRiverformiles.Butdon’toverlookthetown’sMarineParkafewblockstotheeastandgrabsomeicecreamandaburgerattheiconicEastWindDrive-In.TakeExit44ofI-84inOregon.

HikES

Historic columbia River Highway State Trail —threepartstotalmorethan��miles,goodforafamilybicycling,andpopularwithhikers,too.You’llseetwotunnels,avisitorcenter,cliff-sidevistasandaccesstoafewstateparks.

Theupperportionofcolumbia Hills State Park andadjacentColumbiaHillsNaturalAreaPreservearetwoofthebestplacesforeasternGorgeflower-watching.Theareaisabout8mileseastofTheDalles.

coyote Wall/catherine creek isadra-maticgeologicalodditythatformsagi-ant,�-mile-longstepontheWashingtonsideoftheGorge.Atopthe�00-foottallcliffaremilesofopen,rollingmeadow.

Eagle creek isajump-offpointforahalf-dozentrails,butmostlyisknownforitsconcentrationofworld-classwater-falls—��.It’sabout7.5milestothelasttwo,TunnelFallsandTwisterFalls.Butmanywalk�.9milestoPunchbowlFalls.dmytrok/Flickr

ColumbiaGorgeDiscoveryCenterandMuseum

PunchbowlFallsonEagleCreek

64

columbia gorge

RiFFE lAkE

At606feethigh,MossyrockDamisthetall-estinWashington.RiffeLake,theimpound-mentbehindthedam,reachesfor��miles,withseveralpublicparksandboatlaunchesmaintainedbyTacomaPublicUtilities.Foraquicklookatthetopofthedam,stopattheparkinglotjustoffHighway��,��mileseastofI-5.Aconcretefishingpier,completewithrodholders,hugsthecliff,andpeoplereelinseveralspeciesoffish.Afull-fledgedpark,MossyrockPark,isontheothersideofthereservoir,accessedthroughthetownofMossyrock.The640-acreparkhasa�5�-sitecampgroundandaswimmingarea.

mAyFiEld lAkE

You’reneverfarfromwateratIkeKinswaStatePark,whichhugstheshorelineofMayfieldLakewheretheTiltonandCowlitzriversflowintoit.The454-acreparkhasalmost9milesofwaterfront.Someofthepark’s�0�campsitesaredispersedamidtreesalongthelake,andtheparkhasfivecabinsthatcanbereserved.Toreachthepark,drive�4milesonHighway��fromI-5,thennorthontoSR���(SilverCreekRoad)Go�.9milestotheY-intersection,thencontinueonSR���(HarmonyRoad)eastfor�.6milestothepark.OrstopbyMayfieldLakePark.Ithas55campsites,aboatlaunchandaswimmingarea.

lAkE ScAnEWA

Theterm“lake”mayseemastretchforLakeScanewa,the6�0-acrereservoircreatedin�994whenCowlitzFallsDamwascompleted.TheU-shapedlakeextends�0.5milesuptheCowlitzRiverand�.5milesuptheCispus.Infall,theareaisregularlystockedwithsurplussalmon,anditgetstrout,too.The��0-acrecampgroundisabout5milesupstreamontheCowlitz,wherethereservoirlookslikeariver.Acrosstheriver,bluffstowermorethan�,000feet.Thecampgroundhas�00sites.Toreachit,takeHighway��SavioRoad,whichisabout46mileseastofI-5,andfollowthesigns.

CowlitzRivernearMayfieldLake

LakeScanewa

WhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResortWhitePassSkiResort

R a i l R oa d & M u s e u MC h e h a l i s - C e n t R a l i a

may 24 - aug 31saturdays & sundayssept 6 - sept 27saturdays only

saturdays1pm | 3pm | 5pmmemorial day & labor day

1pm | 3pm

for more information: steamtrainride.com | 360-748-9593 |

I-5 exit 77

sundays1pm | 3pm

steam train rides in 1920’s coaches pulled by a 1916 steam locomotive.

r e g u l a r s e a s o n s c h e d u l e

spec ial eventsmurder mystery dinner trainsdinner trainseaster trainspumpkin trainssanta steam trains

the polar expressreservations required

™

sCeniC BYWaYHighway 12 through Eastern Lewis

County is called the White Pass Scenic Byway. The major two-lane

route leads over that mountain pass — but there’s plenty to see

and do on the way there. Trophy fishing, mountaineering,

skiing, rock climbing ... experience all of it along

this amazing route through Washington’s Cascades.

TAidnAPAm PARk

Attheupper(eastern)endofRiffeLake,thiscampgroundfeatures�6�pleasantsitesinthetrees.There’salsoanimpressivefishingbridgeovertheCowlitzRiverwhereitflowsintoRiffe.Evenonnastydays,thewheelchair-accessiblebridgeattractsanglersfromafar,whotrytheirluckforcoho.Toreachthepark,takeHighway��forapproximately�7miles(5milespastMorton).TurnrightonKosmosRoad,thenleftontoChampionHaulRoad,whichispaved.Driveapproximately4milestotheparkentrance.Onthewaytotheparkinsummer,youmayseeparaglidersfloatingoverhead;theylaunchfromPetermanRidge.

PAckWood

TheareaaroundPackwoodandWhitePasscontainsdozensofopportunitiesforhiking.Oneoftheeasieronesisthe4ƒ-miletrailtolovelyPackwoodLake.It’satarelativelylowelevation,soit’ssnow-freemuchoftheyear.Thelakeis�mileslongandhalfamilewide;thepeaksoftheGoatRocksWilder-nessAreatoweraboveitsupperend.Ithascampsitesandanoldrangerstation(butnolongerageneralstore).TrailNo.78isopentohikersandhorsebackridersonly.ThenearbyPipelineRoadTrailisalsoopentoATVsandmountainbikes.Toreacheither,takeSnyderRoad(ForestRoad��60)fromthetownofPackwood6milestothetrailhead.

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