Northwest Coastal Oregon
Astoria to Cape Lookout on US101

Four Days in Grayland, Part I


Travel, History, Studies, Notes, Reading, Reports
By Michael P. Garofalo

February 14, 2022

 

Astoria     Warrenton     Seaside     Cannon Beach     Nehalem Bay     Manzanita 

Rockaway Beach     Garibaldi    Tillamook     Netarts Bay     Cape Lookout   

Blog Reports     Seasons and Months     Four Days in Grayland          


Cape Disappointment     Ilwaco     Chinook     Seaview     Long Beach    

Ocean Park     Oysterville     Willapa Bay     Naselle     Chinook Indians     

Native Americans     History 1700-1880     History 1880-1950     Bibliography         

Shellfish     Oysters     Clams     Fishing     Food     Cranberries     Rocks       

Information     Weather     Maps     Walking     Beachcombing     Yurt Camping             

Timber Industry     Washington     Oregon     

Cloud Hands Blog     Green Way Research     Four Days in Grayland    

 

 

 

 

Astoria


Astoria   Population 9,500   A small town with many tourist attractions.  There are many motels, restaurants, cafes, grocery, museums, theaters, historical sights, marina, docks, hospital, gas, stores, services, supplies. 

Clatsop County   Population 38,000   The Clatsop County Courthouse is in Astoria.  Astoria is the largest city in Clatsop County. 

Astoria Images  

"Astoria is a port city and the seat of Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest city in the state of Oregon and was the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.[7] The county is the northwest corner of Oregon, and Astoria is located on the south shore of the Columbia River, where the river flows into the Pacific Ocean. The city is named for John Jacob Astor, an investor and entrepreneur from New York City, whose American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria at the site and established a monopoly in the fur trade in the early nineteenth century. Astoria was incorporated by the Oregon Legislative Assembly on October 20, 1876.  he city is served by the deepwater Port of Astoria. Transportation includes the Astoria Regional AirportU.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 101 are the main highways, and the 4.1-mile (6.6 km) Astoria–Megler Bridge connects to neighboring Washington across the river."

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Museums in Astoria

Astoria Lodging

Fort Astoria (1811-1825) History

Astoria Food 

Astoria   History1    History2

Astoria Column Historical Tower

Charter Boat Services in Astoria 

Lower Columbia River: Astoria to Portland, Ilwaco to Vancouver

Long Beach Peninsula  

Lewis and Clark Historic Sites

Clatsop County, Oregon  Population 38,000 

Fort Clatsop  Camp of Lewis and Clark in the Winter of 1805.  Video: Winter Story

Fort Steven's State Park  A World War II military base defending the Columbia River. 

Northwest Coastal Oregon Travel Guide: Astoria to Cape Lookout.  By Mike Garofalo. 

Clatsop People

 

Astoria to Ranier Travel Highlights   

I drive Oregon Road 30 from Ranier to Astoria, take the Lewis and Clark bridge to Longview, and then down Interstate 5 to our home in Vancouver, Washington. 

 

 

 

Warrenton

Warrenton City     Population 5,000     Images   On US101. 

Lewis and Clark Historic Sites

Motels, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, boardwalks, bike paths, rentals, grocery, museums, marina, docks, hospital, gas, stores, services, supplies. 

Fort Clatsop  Camp of Lewis and Clark in the Winter of 1805.  Video: Winter Story

 

 

 

Seaside

Seaside   Population 6,500     Images

A very busy town for tourists coming from Portland.  On flat land and rolling hills near the shore.  On US 101. 

Seaside Restaurants 

Motels, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, boardwalks, bike paths, rentals, grocery, museums, marina, docks, hospital, gas, stores, services, supplies. 

South of Seaside on US101 are many hills, rugged river canyons, and steep forested cliffs and mountains all the way to Cannon Beach.   

Northwest Coastal Oregon Travel Guide: Astoria to Cape Lookout.  By Mike Garofalo. 

 

Return to Top Index

 

 

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach   Population 1,700    Images 

Nestled in a cove along a rugged coastline.  Many very nice new homes.  On US 101. 

Motels, restaurants, cafes, grocery, gift shops, gas, stores, services, supplies. 

Ecola State Park     Images

Both north and south of Cannon Beach are many hills, rugged river canyons, capes, and steep forested cliffs and mountains all the way to Nehalem Bay. 

Some grand ocean views from high up on the hillside on US101 as you get close to Nehalem Bay at Mt. Neahkahnie. 

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Nehalem Bay:  Manzanita and Nehalem
 


Nehalem Bay State Park   (NBSP)

Nehalem Bay State Park     Images    Google Map

Nehalem Bay State Park Wikipedia

NBSP Yurt Camp:  2022  January    Reports    20    21    22    23a   23b    

NBSP Yurt Camp:  Reports   2020 January

 

Manzanita

Manzanita City   Population 400.  Motels, restaurants, cafes, banks, grocery, gas, supplies.  Images   On US 101. 

Explore Manzanita

Manzanita Visitor Center

Manzanita   Restaurants    "You can enjoy a farm-to-table experience at several local restaurants; A Mighty ThaiBig Wave CafeBread & Ocean, and Neahkahnie Bistro just to name a few. Each serves seasonal, regional items year-round.  The area also features more conventional food offerings, including pizza, Mexican cuisine, casual fine dining, pies, pastries, contemporary and old-fashioned candy, ice cream and seafood."

The Big Wave Restaurant  On Highway 101 at Manzanita main street corner.  I enjoy their fish dishes. 

Manzanita Library   Tillamook County Library System 

Manzanita News and Expresso

Travel Options

Have a Great Time at the Beach

Neahkahnie Mountain   Hiking trails to peak.

Neahkahnie Mountain  "This peak is an inspiring place, where the Tillamook tribe believed their most powerful god resided. In fact, the name Neahkahnie comes from their words Ne ("place of") and Ekahnie {Ekone] ("supreme deity")."  

Four Days in Grayland   By Michael P. Garofalo.   Camping and travel adventures in the Pacific Northwest. 

 

Nehalem

Nehalem City   Population 400.   Cafes, grocery, gas, supplies.  Images 

Nehalem Restaurants

Nehalem River     116 miles long.  Images

Nehalem Valley Historical Society Museum in Manzanita

Nehalem Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Wheeler 

Oswald West State Park Wikipedia

Oswald West State Park

Lower Columbia River: Astoria to Portland, Ilwaco to Vancouver

Long Beach Peninsula  

Wheeler   Population 400.     Images   Cafes, grocery, gas, supplies.

I have camped in a Yurt at Nehalem Bay State Park five times in the last two decades. 

Yurt Camping in the Coastal Northwest     By Michael P. Garofalo

Nehalem Spit Trail

Fishing, crabbing, walking beach dunes and shore, kite flying, river side exploring, mountain trails hiking, kayaking. 

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Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach   Population 1,400.      Images    Google Map      On US 101. 

Rockaway Beach Travel  

Rockaway Beach Restaurants

Rockaway Beach Old Growth Cedar Preserve   Raised boardwalk trail, 1.1 mile, into old growth cedar forest.  Bog and forest. 

Rockaway Big Tree Boardwalk  Includes the largest cedar tree in Oregon. 

All Trails

Rockaway Beach Library   Tillamook County Library System 

Lake Lytle Images

Lake Lytle Pier

Bar View Jetty Beach Walk  

Rockaway Beach Travel    Travel II

Motels, restaurants, cafes, grocery, gas, supplies.

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Garibaldi

Garibaldi    Population 797.   Images.   Google Map   Motels, restaurants, cafes, grocery, gas, supplies.    On US 101. 

Garibaldi Restaurants 

Garibaldi Maritime Museum

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Barview Jetty County Park    Campground, picnic, hiking.  At the north jetty to Tillamook Bay. 

Garibaldi Library   Tillamook County Library System 

Myrtlewood Shop

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Tillamook

Tillamook City   Population 5,300    Images    On US 101 and at the junction with Oregon 6 that heads east to Banks, and then on Oregon 26 into Portland.  Also, the 101 junction with Oregon Road 131 heading west to Netarts. 

Motels, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, grocery, banks, museums, dairy farms, lumber industry, library, creamery, hospital, gas, stores, services, supplies. 
The Tillamook area has over 149 dairy farms on green flat land east of the bay. 

7th Yurt Camp:  2022  February   Reports   24a    24b    25    26    27
Yurt Campsite at Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon, for 3 nights   Booked
Tillamook, Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay, Netarts, Oceanside, Bayocean, Sand Lake, Pacific City, Tillamook State Forest
Photos, Notes, Links, Information, Travel, Activities, Guides

 

Tillamook Travel Guide 1

Tillamook Library   Tillamook County Library System 

Tillamook County   Population 25,300   The City of Tillamook is the County Seat. 

Tillamook Travel Guide 2

Tillamook Heritage Route

Tillamook Restaurants

Tillamook Shopping    Images

Tillamook Creamery   Tours 

Tillamook Air Museum

Tillamook History

Three Capes Scenic Loop

Three Capes Virtual Tour

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum

Tillamook Coast Visitors Guide

Blue Heron French Cheese Company

Northwest Coastal Oregon Travel Guide: Astoria to Cape Lookout.  By Mike Garofalo. 

Tillamook Chamber of Commerce

 

Tillamook Indian Nation

Tillamook Indian People   The Tillamook are a Native American tribe from coastal Oregon of the Salish linguistic group. The name "Tillamook" is a Chinook language term meaning "people of [the village] Nekelim (or Nehalem)",[1] sometimes it is given as a Coast Salish term, meaning "Land of Many Waters". The Tillamook tribe consists of several divisions and dialects."

 

Tillamook Bay

Tillamook Bay Inlet

Tillamook Bay History

Bayocean Development Failure Story

Tillamook Bay Shellfishing   Clams and Crabs

Tillamook Bay Fishing

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

Clay Myers State Natural Area

Bob Straub State Park

Barview Jetty County Park    Campground, picnic, hiking.  At the north jetty to Tillamook Bay. 

Oyster Farming in Tillamook Bay - A History

Tillamook Bay Environmental History

Port of Tillamook Bay  Information, History

"The bay is protected from the open ocean by shoals and a 3 mi (5 km) sandbar called the Bayocean Peninsula. It is surrounded closely by the Coastal Range except at its southeast end, where the town of Tillamook sits near the mouths of the KilchisWilsonTrask and Tillamook rivers, which flow quickly down from the surrounding timber-producing regions of the Coastal Range to converge at the bay. The short Miami River enters the north end of the bay. The small fishing village of Garibaldi sits near the cliffs opening of the bay in the ocean. The rivers that feed the bay are known for their prolific steelhead and salmon runs. The mixing of freshwater from the rivers with the ocean's saltwater makes the bay an estuary.

The name "Tillamook" is Coast Salish word meaning "Land of Many Waters", probably referring to the rivers that enter the bay. At the time of the arrival of Europeans, the area along the coast was inhabited by the Tillamook and other related Coast Salish tribes. Historians believe they entered the area around the year 1400 and Lewis and Clark estimated the population in 1805 south of the Columbia River along the coast at approximately 2,200."
- Tillamook Bay

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Netarts Bay

 

Netarts, Oregon   Population 744   Images   Unincorporated community.   On Oregon Road 131. 

"Netarts is a small community situated at the mouth of Netarts Bay, just south of Oceanside. Found amid lush coastal rainforest, Netarts, in the language of the local Tillamook tribe, means “near the water.”  On the shore of Netarts Bay, the town is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a long, club-shaped stretch of forested sand called Netarts Spit. This was once the earliest settlement site of the Tillamook Indians. Inside the bay, at low tide, many search for different varieties of clam, and a nearby marina offers boat and crab pot rentals. Nearby Cape Lookout State Park, on the opposite shore of Netarts Bay, has tent camping, yurts, cabins, and a rewarding hike to a great, panoramic vista for whale watching."
Netarts Bay Travel

Netarts Bay, at maximum high tide, is 9 feet deep on the average.  This is a shallow bay for small boats.  I have seen men dropping crab pots from small boats.  I have seen people fishing at high tide off the rock road dike along the east side of Netarts Bay.  People also park along the Bay's east side road and go clam digging at low tide.  At low tide nearly the entire Bay look likes a mud flat.  Seals sleep in the sunshine on a higher sandy area in mid Bay. 

Netarts - Cafes

Netarts Bay 

Netarts Bay Trip Advisor

Netarts Bay Travel

Weather in Netart's Bay Annually

General History of the Netarts Bay Area, By William Hawkins, 1994  PDF 

Where to Clam and Crab in Netarts Bay  By Oregon Fish and Game Department  Includes Map

Netarts Travel

When traveling in the Off Season (November-May) keep in mind that many cafes and stores in small villages close more often during Monday-Thursday, or offer fewer service hours during the week.  Also, the COVID flu epidemic restrictions also affected many small businesses from 2019-2021.  Tillamook City offers a full range of services all during the week. 

Naveen's Bayside Market and Deli in Netarts  The old lady on duty was not in a good mood - poor old Naveen. 

Netarts - Tillamook Coast

The Schooner Restaurant and Lounge in Netarts 

 

Oceanside  "Oceanside is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Tillamook CountyOregon, United States. The population was 361 at the 2010 census. Oregon Route 131's northern terminus is in the community, which is just north of NetartsSymons State Park is in Oceanside, while Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge lies just offshore."  There are many expensive newer homes up the hillside at Oceanside. 

Oceanside Travel

Oceanside Information

Three Arch Rocks off the shore at Oceanside. "These spectacular sea stacks are composed of the Grande Ronde flow of the Columbia River Basalts, which reached the ocean 15.6-17 million years ago. They were once part of Maxwell Point. Each of the three largest stacks (Storm Rock, Finley Rock, Shag Rock) is an arch and there are six smaller rocks."

 

Netarts Bay Geology

Netarts Bay, at maximum high tide, is 9 feet deep on the average. 

Beach Sand Composition Geology

Three Arch Rocks

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge    "The entire Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex protect over a million nesting seabirds, including common murres, tufted puffinscormorants, and storm-petrels." 

Zeolites of Tillamook Seashore

Northwest Coast: A Natural History.  By Stewart T. Schultz.  Portland, Timber Press, 1990, index, bibliography, 389 pages.  VSCL. 

"Netarts Bay is an estuarine bay on the northern Oregon Coast of the U.S. state of Oregon, located about 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Tillamook. The unincorporated community of Netarts is located on the north end of the bay and Netarts Bay Shellfish Preserve, managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, is located on the south side of the bay. The sand spit on the west side of Netarts bay is part of Cape Lookout State Park.  The bay is approximately 5 by 1.5 miles (8.0 by 2.4 km) and totals 2,325 acres (9.41 km2) in area, making it Oregon's seventh largest bay.  Of that, 812 acres (3.29 km2) are permanently submerged—the balance of 1,513 acres (6.12 km2) is intertidal land. It experiences a maximum tidal range of 9 feet (3 m).  The bay is part of a watershed of 13 square miles (34 km2) that is fed by at least 16 small creeks. From north to south, there is Fall Creek, Hodgdon Creek, O'Hara Creek, Rice Creek, two unnamed creeks, Yager Creek, three unnamed creeks, Whiskey Creek, an unnamed creek, Austin Creek, two unnamed creeks, and Jackson Creek."
- Netarts Bay 

"Oregon is blessed with the vision of former Governor Oswald West who legislated that all of Oregon’s coastline be accessible to everyone. This was remarkable foresight given the state’s sparse population in 1911. More than 150 years later we appreciate his commitment to beauty beholden to all."

"Another common question about our sandy beach is, “Why does sand squeak when you walk on it?” The answer is that the music is caused by friction from the sand grains rubbing against each other as we apply weight through our footsteps as we scoot our feet through the sand. However, there are certain conditions to be met. The type of sand that squeaks is usually a silicate, a feldspar, or a carbonate, the grains must be rounded (no sharp corners or edges), they should be around 300 micrometers in diameter, and they squeak best when they are dry (moisture on the grains acts as a lubricant, decreasing the friction)."
Jim Young, Oceanside, Oregon

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Cape Lookout


Cape Lookout State Park  [CLSP]    Images   

Many options for walking and hiking in this part of the rugged Oregon coastline.  
Cape Lookout State Park is on the north end of the Netart's Spit, which is the west side of Netarts Bay.
Along the portion of the Trees to the Sea Byway, along Oregon Road 131 (Whiskey Creek Road, Cape Lookout Road).   
For a market and cafe near this State Park go north 5 miles along the east side of Netarts Bay to the village of Netarts. 

 

7th Yurt Camp:  2022  February   Reports   24a    24b    25    26    27
Yurt Campsite at Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon, for 3 nights   Booked
Tillamook, Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay, Netarts, Oceanside, Bayocean, Sand Lake, Pacific City, Tillamook State Forest
Photos, Notes, Links, Information, Travel, Activities, Guides

 

Cape Lookout State Park Sightseeing

Cape Lookout State Park, My Yurt Camp:  2022  February Reports   Weather 53-60F High, 33-387F Low, no rain, patchy clouds, wind at 10 mph. 

Weather in Netart's Bay Annually

Four Days in Grayland   By Michael P. Garofalo.   Camping and travel adventures in the Pacific Coastal Northwest. 

 

Cape Lookout State Park

Yurt Camping in the Coastal Northwest     By Michael P. Garofalo

Cape Lookout State Park Trail Guide

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

Clay Myers State Natural Area

Bob Straub State Park

Cape Lookout Hiking Trail   Maps, 6 miles of hiking trails in CLSP and many miles of sandy beaches. 

Forest Plants on Cape Lookout Peak Trail: red adler, sitka spruce, salmonberry, salal, evergreen huckleberry, skunk cabbage, western hemlock, western red cedar. 

Netarts Bay Geology

Tillamook Coast Visitors Guide

North Coast Food Trail

Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site

Sand Lake Recreation Area

Three Capes Scenic Loop

Three Capes Virtual Tour

Pacific City  Population 1,000

Northwest Coastal Oregon Travel Guide: Astoria to Cape Lookout.  By Mike Garofalo. 

 

"Cape Lookout is a sharp rocky promontory along the Pacific Ocean coast of northwestern Oregon in the United States. It is located in southwestern Tillamook County, approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Tillamook, just south of Netarts Bay. The promontory extends 1.5 miles (2.4 km) perpendicular to the coast, and is approximately 0.5 miles (0.80 km) wide at its base, tapering as it extends outward from the coast. Cape Lookout State Park is located on the north side of the promontory, which is part of the Siuslaw National Forest. Cape Lookout Road travels past the base of the cape. Cape Lookout is a member of Tillamook's Three Capes Scenic Drive.  he Cape Lookout Trail is a popular hiking trail, extending 2.5 miles (4.0 km) through Sitka spruce forest to the tip of the promontory. The cliff-top hiking trail offers views of Cape Kiwanda and Cascade Head to the south as well as Cape MearesThree Arch Rocks, and Neahkahnie Mountain to the north.[2] Migrating whales can also be seen, generally from December through June, as they pass the end of the cape.he Cape Lookout Trail is a popular hiking trail, extending 2.5 miles (4.0 km) through Sitka spruce forest to the tip of the promontory. The cliff-top hiking trail offers views of Cape Kiwanda and Cascade Head to the south as well as Cape MearesThree Arch Rocks, and Neahkahnie Mountain to the north. Migrating whales can also be seen, generally from December through June, as they pass the end of the cape.  he cape was named on July 6, 1788 by British fur trader John Meares, who was sailing south from Nootka Island,"
Wikipedia

 

 

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

 

 

Four Days in Grayland
By Michael P. Garofalo

 

 

Part I: Southwestern Washington
Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, Long Beach Peninsula, Lower Columbia River
A Traveler's Hypertext Notebooks, Studies, Guides, and Resources


Part II: Grayland Beach
A Beach Camper's Hypertext Notebook
Studies, Readings, Activities, Seasons, and Tips 


Part III: Doing and Seeing
   
Photographs, Blog Posts, and Reports from 2021-2022  


Part IV: Reflections of Beachcombers
   
Poetry, Short Essays, Commentary, Quotations   

 

Alphabetical Index


 

The Four Days in Grayland Series began in September, 2021.

 

 

                                

 

 

 

 

Southwestern Washington
Notebooks

 

Grays Harbor


Grayland Beach
 

Willapa Bay
 

Long Beach Peninsula
 

Lower Columbia River (North Side) from Ilwaco east to Camas


Olympia to Vancouver, Interstate 5 Corridor South
 

Native Americans in the Area


Northwest Coastal Oregon: Astoria to Cape Lookout


Yurt Camping at Coastal State Parks in the Northwest


Counties in Southwestern Washington


Bibliography, Reading Lists, Sources, Links, Documents


 

Four Days in Grayland Homepage


 

 

Alphabetical Index to Four Days in Grayland

 

Aberdeen

Astoria 

Bay Center  

Boating, Charter Boats for Fishing or Tours  (Westport, Ilwaco, Aberdeen, Astoria)

Agate Hunting, Coastal Geology, Rock Hounding  

Beach Camping in Yurts

Beachcombing

Beach Driving  

Beach Picnics

Berries, Cranberries, Wild Berries, Berry Foraging 

Bibliography - General Information for Traveler's and Campers

Bibliography, Information, Reading, Resources

Bicycling  

Bird Watching 

Blog Reports of Monthly Yurt Camping Trips

Boat Usage, Kayaking, Canoeing

Books, Suggested Reading, Best Books

Camas

Camping in Yurts

Camping Notebooks

Canoeing and Kayaking 

Cape Disappointment, Washington

Cape Lookout, Oregon

Castle Rock 

Centralia 

Charter Boats for Fishing and Tours  (Westport, Ilwaco, Aberdeen, Astoria)

Chelais 

Chinook

Chinook Indians

Clam Digging

Clark County    Population 425,000     Cities: Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Battle Ground

Cloud Hands Blog  By Michael P. Garofalo.  Blogging since 2005. 

Columbia River from Ilwaco to Vancouver

Columbia River Gorge

Counties in Southwestern Washington

Cowlitz County     Population 102,000     Cities: Longview, Kelso; Columbia River, Mt. St. Helens, Cowlitz River, Cascades

Cowlitz Indian Peoples

Cowlitz River

Cranberries, Wild Berries, Berry Foraging 

Day Picnics and Day Camping at the Beach  

Driftwood Gathering, Beachcombing, Agate Hunting, Sea Shell Gathering

Driving on the Beach in Washington

Facebook of Michael P. Garofalo

Fishing

Food and Seafood

Foraging, Beachcombing, Walking

Fort Vancouver, Hudson Bay Company, 1825-1850, History

Four Days in Grayland Homepage   

Four Days in Grayland Photographs and Blog Posts (Most Recent First) 

Geology Coastal, Rock Hounding, Agate Hunting

Glamping: Camping in Yurts or Small Cabins, Camping Comforts

Good Books, Reading Lists, Bibliography

Gorge of the Columbia River

Grays Harbor

Grayland Beach

Grayland Beach Yurt Camping

Grays Harbor County    Population 74,000     Cities: Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Westport, Montesano

Green Way Research Hypertext Notebooks of Michael P. Garofalo 

Hiking Quotations, Sayings, Poems

Hiking Trails

Hoquiam

Ilwaco

Indians, Native Peoples in the Area

Information, Bibliography, Reading, Resources

Interstate 5 Travel Corridor from Olympia to Vancouver, Driving South

Inter-tidal Ocean Shores

Jetty Fishing

Kalama  

Kayaking and Canoeing 

Kelso  

Kite Flying

Lewis County    Population 75,000     Cities: Centralia, Chelais

Lewis River

Libraries

Long Beach City

Logging and Timber Mills Industry

Long Beach Peninsula

Longview 

Lower Columbia River from Ilwaco East to Washougal

Marinas and Docks: Westport, Tokeland, South Bend, and Ilwaco

Michael P. Garofalo Biography

Months and Seasons Activities

Mushrooms Foraging  

Naselle River 

Native Peoples in the Area

Native Peoples, Lower Columbia River, North Side - Bibliography

Native Peoples Northwest - Bibliography

Nehalem Bay 

Ocean Park

Ocean Shores

Olympia

Olympia south to Vancouver, Interstate 5 Travel Corridor

Oregon - Northwest Coast, From Astoria to Cape Lookout

Oysters

Pacific County    Population 23,000     Cities: Raymond, South Bend, Long Beach, Ilwaco

Photographs of Monthly Yurt Camping Trips

Photography

Pier Fishing

Raymond

Reading, Information, Bibliography, Resources

Reading, Bibliography - General Information

Reports of Monthly Yurt Camping Trips

Ridgefield 

Rock Hounding, Agate Hunting, Coastal Geology 

Seafood and Food

Sea Shell Gathering, Beachcombing, Agate Hunting

Seaside Nature Studies

Seaside Picnics and Day Camps

Seasonal Events

Seasons and Months Activities

Shellfish (Clams, Mussels, Oysters) and Seaweed

South Bend

Southwestern Washington - Notebooks, Studies, Travel

Southwestern Washington Home Alternate A

State Park Yurt Camping

String Figures, String Games and Play (he he)

Surf Fishing

Studies in Southwestern Washington 

Swimming, Boogie Boarding, and Surfing  

Timber Industry

Toledo

Trails and Paths

Vancouver, Washington

Videos from some Yurt Camping Trips

Wahkiakum County     Population 4,000     Cities: Cathlamet, Skamokawa

Walking Trails

Walking Quotations, Sayings, Poems

Washington - Southwestern - Travel  

Washougal

Westport

Wild Berries, Berry Foraging, Cranberries 

Willapa Bay

Willapa Bay - Bibliography, Resources, Reading

Woodland

Yurt Camping

Yurt Camping Reports
 

 

 

 

 

 

Counties in Southwestern Washington

The geographical focus area of my Notebooks for Four Days in Grayland

 

Clark County    Population 425,000     Cities: Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Battle Ground; Columbia River, Cascades

Cowlitz County     Population 102,000     Cities: Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock; Columbia River, Mt. St. Helens, Cowlitz River, Cascades

Grays Harbor County    Population 74,000     Cities: Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Westport, Montesano; Chelais River, Grays Harbor

Lewis County    Population 75,000     Cities: Centralia, Chelais, Pe Ell, Toledo, Packwood; Forestry, Agriculture, Chelais River, Cascades

Pacific County    Population 23,000     Cities: Raymond, South Bend, Long Beach, Ilwaco; Willapa Bay, Long Beach Peninsula, Columbia River  

Wahkiakum County     Population 4,000     Cities: Cathlamet, Skamokawa; Columbia River, Willapa Hills, Grays River

The total population of these six Counties is 703,000   Except for Clark County, all of other five counties are in rural, forested, riverside or marine areas, famlands in valleys.  Five of these six Counties have only small cities. 

List and map of the Counties in the State of Washington

 

In contrast, the City of Portland, Oregon, across the Columbia River from Vancouver, has a population of 650,000; Mulnomath County, which includes Portland, has a population of 735,000, and the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 2,753,000. 

Our two married children lived in Portland from 2000-2016 while we lived in Red Bluff, California, from 1998-2017.  We traveled extensively in Oregon from 1999-2019.  All our family now lives in Vancouver.  Since my wife and I have lived in Vancouver, Washington, in the northeast Orchards neighborhood, from 2017-2022, we have traveled far more in Southwest Washington as well as the Columbia Gorge, and throughout Washington. 

To drive south on Interstate 205 or 5 from Vancouver into Portland involves encountering considerable traffic and reduced speeds.  It is 50 miles of urban and suburban development, and heavy traffic, from my home in Vancouver to Wilsonville, Oregon, and the start of the agricultural Willamette Valley.  Most of the roads to the Oregon coast are very busy with business and tourists from larger Oregon cities heading to the beach. 

To drive north on Interstates 205 or 5 from Vancouver is far easier, more scenic, with far less traffic, and faster.  Interstate 5 and 205 meet just north of Vancouver in the Salmon Creek area.  Interstate 5 follows the Columbia River from Vancouver to Longview.  You can see the Columbia River from Woodland to Longview.  The views include rivers, forest, hills, mountains, farmlands.  The key roads to the coast for me are WA 4 and WA6, and both have little traffic, spectacular rural or riverside scenery, and driving through forests and farms. 

So to get to my imaginary and the real "Grayland Beach" I drive north into Southwest Washington. 

 


Michael P. Garofalo

 

 

 

Mike Garofalo at the Klickitat River in Southwest Washington, 2019

 

 

Cloud Hands Blog of Michael P. Garofalo       

Facebook of Michael P. Garofalo    

 

 

 

Return to the Alphabetical Index of Mike Garofalo's Hypertext Documents
 

Green Way Research

 

January 23, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

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Long Beach Peninsula

Coastal Southwestern Washington State
Four Days in Grayland, Part I


Travel, History, Studies, Notes, Reading, Reports
By Michael P. Garofalo

January 8, 2022

Cape Disappointment     Ilwaco     Chinook     Seaview     Long Beach    

Ocean Park     Oysterville     Willapa Bay     Naselle     Chinook Indians     

My Driving Tours of Willapa Bay      Maps    

Blog Reports     Seasons and Months     Four Days in Grayland          


Native Americans     History 1700-1880     History 1880-1950     Bibliography         

Shellfish     Oysters     Clams     Fishing     Food     Cranberries     Yurt Camping       

Information     Weather     Maps     Walking     Beachcombing              

Timber Industry     Washington     Oregon     

Cloud Hands Blog     Green Way Research     Four Days in Grayland                
 

 

 

Alphabetical Index to the Long Beach Peninsula
A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide by Mike Garofalo

 

 

Cape Disappointment

 

Cape Disappointment State Park  CR  Camping, Yurts, Fishing, Trails     Images

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse  In operation since 1856. 

Cape Disappointment Weather

Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center   History     Wikipedia

Discovery Bicycling and Walking Trail

Fort Canby State Park is the old name for Cape Disappointment State Park   

Travel Adventure and Ghost Tales and History  

North Head Lighthouse     Images

U.S. Coast Guard Station  

"Cape Disappointment State Park (formerly Fort Canby State Park) is a public recreation area on Cape Disappointment, located southwest of Ilwaco, Washington, on the bottom end of Long Beach Peninsula, the northern headlands where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The state park's 2,023 acres (819 ha) encompass a diverse landscape of old-growth forest, freshwater lakes, freshwater and saltwater marshes, and oceanside tidelands. Park sites include Fort Canby, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse, and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.[2] Cape Disappointment is one of several state parks and sites in Washington and Oregon that are included in Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.[3]"

 

 

               

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

Chinook

 

Chinook - Wikipedia   Population 450.    Images

Chinook County Park

Chinook:  Travel    Port   Port-Estuary

Chinook: Baker's Bay    Gray's Bay

Chinook Food    Columbia River Road House   Old Fishtrap Seafood and Spirits

Chinook Tribal Nation

Chinook   Dock   Boat Launch 

Return to Top Index

 

              

 

 

Cranberries, Wild Berries, Berry Harvesting

 

Wild Berries of Washington and Oregon.  By T. Abe Loyd and Fiona Hammersley Chambers.  Lone Pine, 2014, 256 pages. 


Both the Long Beach Peninsula and Grayland have many acres in lowland bog farms that are growing and harvesting cranberries.  There are alos many cranberry farms south of Bandon, Oregon. 

There are Cranberry Museums in both Long Beach and Grayland.  Currently, there is a clean and tidy Ocean Spray bottling plant by the bridge over the Johns River between Aberdeen and Westport.

The Native Peoples in Southwestern Washington have been harvesting wild berries for over 2,000 years.  There were ceremonies for the Berry Harvest in July.  Groups would travel to prairie and boggy areas where berries were plentiful, and camp nearby while harvesting.  Some areas were periodically burnt by Native Peoples to produce better crops of berries in the years ahead. 

 

Grayland Cranberries: Cranberry Road Winery  

Cranberry Museum Furlow Pickers 1933    

Cranberry Bogs  

Driving Tour in Grayland Cranberry Coastal Bogs

Washington's Cranberry Coast.  By Sydney Stevens for the Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation.  Arcadia, 2014, 128 pages.  Images of America Series.
History of the cranberry farmers in Grayland and Long Beach.

Wild Berries of the Northwest.  By J. Duane Sept.  Calypso, 2015, 96 pages. 

Foraging Washington: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Foods.  By Christopher Nyerges.  Falcon, 2017, 272 pages. 

Elderberries: The Beginner's Guide to Foraging, Preserving and Using Elderberries for Health Remedies, Recipes, Drinks.  By Alicia Bayer.  2017, 162 pages. 

 

CW = Chinook Language (Wa Wa)  Using George C. Shaw and George Gibbs.

Berry  In CW: o'lil-lie or o'lal-lie    Berry: Wikipedia

Blackberries   In CW:  klik'-a-muks or klale o'lil-lie   Botany: Rubus fructosis    Blackberry: Wikipedia 

Blueberry   In CW:  klale o'lil-lie     Blueberry: Wikipedia   Botany: 

Cranberry   In CW:  so'-le-mie or siwah isalk    Cranberry: Wikipedia     Botany:

Cranberry Museum - Long Beach

Huckleberry    Huckleberry: Wikipedia    Botany:

"From coastal Central California through Oregon to southern Washington and British Columbia, the red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) is found in the maritime-influenced plant community. Huckleberries were traditionally collected by Native American and First Nations people along the Pacific coast, interior British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana for use as food or traditional medicine.[2][6][7] The berries are small and round, 5–10 millimetres (0.20–0.39 in) in diameter, and look like large dark blueberries. In taste, they may be tart, with a flavor similar to that of a blueberry, especially in blue- and purple-colored varieties, and some have noticeably larger, bitter seeds. The fruit is versatile in various foods or beverages, including jam, puddingcandypieice creammuffinspancakessalad dressingsjuiceteasoup, and syrup.[2][7] Traditional medical applications included treating pain, heart ailments, and infections.[7]  In the wild, huckleberries are consumed by bearsbirdscoyotes, and deer."

"Rubus berries, such as blackberry, raspberry, black raspberrydewberryloganberry, and thimbleberry all produce dye colors. These were once used by Native Americans." 

 

Olallieberry 1935 Cultivar in Oregon

Red Chokeberry    Botany: Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'

Rubus is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae, with over 1,350 species. Raspberries, blackberries, and dewberries are common, widely distributed members of the genus. Wikipedia

Bramble:  A bramble is any rough, tangled, prickly shrub, usually in the genus Rubus, which grows blackberries, raspberries, or dewberries. "Bramble" is also used to describe other prickly shrubs such as roses. Wikipedia

 

Sallal Berries   In CW: sallal olallie     Botany:      Sallal Berries: Wikipedia

Salmon Berry      Botany:     Salmon Berry: Wikipedia  

"Rubus spectabilis, the salmonberry, is a species of bramble in the rose family Rosaceae, native to the west coast of North America from west central Alaska to California, inland as far as Idaho."

 

Pick (verb)   In CW: iskum or tikegh or pick

Ripe (verb)   In CW:  piah

"Folklore in the United Kingdom and Ireland tells that blackberries should not be picked after Old Michaelmas Day (11 October) as the devil (or a Púca) has made them unfit to eat by stepping, spitting or fouling on them.[47] There is some value in this legend as autumn's wetter and cooler weather often allows the fruit to become infected by various molds such as Botryotinia which give the fruit an unpleasant look and may be toxic." 

 

See Also:  Beachcombing     Berries, Cranberries     Birds and Waterfowl     Clam Digging    

Fishing     Food and Seafood     Foraging     Mushrooms     Oysters     Rock Hounding 

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

Ilwaco

 

Ilwaco   Population 1,200.  City and marina on north shore of the Columbia River nearest to the Pacific.   On shallow Baker's Bay. 

Work on the north jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River Bar began in 1915.  Work on the south jetty at the Columbia in Oregon began in 1885. 

Illwaco   NOKSKA'ITMITHLS  (Chinook Name)   On the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment and Baker's Bay 

Chinook River

Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia.  Edited by Robert T. Boyd, Kenneth M. Amers, and Tony A. Johnson.  University of Washington, 2015, 464 pages.

Ilwaco   Images     Boardwalk Wildlife  

American Indian Place Names in Washington

Ilwaco    Cape Disappointment State Park  CR  Camping, Yurts, Fishing, Trails 

Discovery Bicycling and Walking Trail

Ilwaco Fishing   Charter Boats    Images 

"Ilwaco: this town was named for the son-in-law of Chinook Chief Comcomly, Elowahka Jim which then became Ilwaco. ... The name “Mukilteo” means “good camping ground.” Nahcotta: this community is named for Chinook chief Nahcati who was friendly with the American settlers when the town was established in 1888."

Ilwaco:  Jetty Fishing     Pier Fishing     Dock Fishing  

Ilwaco   Food   Cafes

Ilwaco: Port of Ilwaco

Ilwaco Ocean Beach Hospital 

Ilwaco Museum:  Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum  and gift shop. 

Ilwaco:  Baker's Bay 

Ilwaco - Chinook Indian People

Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company

Ilwaco Shopping

Ilwaco: Images of Port and Docks

Ilwaco Things to Do in Ilwaco

Ilwaco  Long Beach Peninsula

Return to Top Index

 

 

Ledbetter Point State Park

Ledbetter Point State Park 

Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge  WB  The Long Island, Ledbetter Point, Lewis and Porter Point Units of the WBNWR. 

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

Long Beach City

Long Beach   Population 1,390.  WB.  Long Beach 29 mile Peninsula with wide sandy beaches facing the Pacific. 

Long Beach WB   Images   Travel   Lodging, shops, restaurants, rentals.  Long Beach's 8 mile Discovery Bicycling Trail

Long Beach Peninsula     Images

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau and Information   Videos on Facebook

Long Beach Peninsula.  By Nancy L. Hobbs and Donella J. Lucero.  Arcadia, 2005, 130 pages.  History, photographs. 

Long Beach Travel Opportunities

Long Beach:  Cranberry Museum and Gift Shop

Shopping on the Long Beach Peninsula

Friends of the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Discovery Bicycling and Walking Trail

Food:  Benson's By the Beach   Breakfast     Lunch    Dinner   Crab Pot

Visitor Information     Tourist Information

Ocean Park Timberland Library

Long Beach - Chinook Indian People

The wide, flat, sandy beaches of Southwestern Washington are excellent locations for flying kites.  From Copalis to Ocean Shores, from Westport to Grayland, from Ocean Beach to Long Beach ... miles and miles of wide flat beaches for flying kites.  A very popular Spring and Summer sport along coastal Washington. 

There are retail stores and gift shops that sell kites in Ocean Shores, in Westport, and in Long Beach.  I thought Ocean Shores Kites had a wide inventory of kites.  There is Wind World in Long Beach.  I have purchased kites from The Kite Company in Newport, Oregon; and from Into the Wind in Boulder, Colorado. 

Long Beach is famous for its World Kite Museum.  They host many events.  They host the Washington State International Kite Festival every third week in August.  They have many exhibits and video tours.  Online collections of photographs. 

 

Return to Top Index

 

 

Long Beach Peninsula

 

Long Beach Peninsula     Images

Long Beach Peninsula.  By Nancy L. Hobbs and Donella J. Lucero.  Arcadia, 2005, 130 pages.  History, photographs. 

Seafood Markets

Tourist Information

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau and Information in Seaview   Videos on Facebook

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

Naselle

 

Naselle Naselle River  Images   Store  Gas  Inland from the Columbia River.  The Naselle River flows into the south end of Willapa Bay

Naselle River  Images  . 

Naselle is about six miles east of the junction of US101 and WA4.    Junction of US101 and WA4.  Johnston's Landing.  Along the wide Naselle River valley, and near the bridge over the Naselle River.  The Naselle River flows into the south end of Willapa Bay.  Parking near the bridge.  62 miles east of Exit 39/I5. 

Fort Columbia Historical State Park    South of Naselle

Megler-Astoria Bridge   South of Naselle 

"Naselle: this settlement is named for the Na-sil band of Chinook Indians."

Chinook Village

Discovery Bicycling and Walking Trail

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

Ocean Park

Ocean Park Timberland Library

"Ocean Park was once a station on the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company, a narrow gauge railroad that ran along the Long Beach Peninsula from 1889 to 1930.[4] One of the oldest buildings in Pacific County is the Taylor Hotel building, built in 1887, currently in use as Adelaide's Cafe and Yarnshop named after Adelaide Taylor, the wife of the original hotel owner. The oldest building in Ocean Park is the Lamberson Cabin, built in 1883 by Buell Lamberson. The cabin has been kept in private family ownership through the generations for the use of Lamberson descendants."

Ocean Park

Ocean Park Shopping

Ocean Park  Wikipedia   Population 1,600 

Washington's Cranberry Coast

Oceanview

Seaview

Oceanside

Return to Top Index

 

 

Ledbetter Point State Park

Ledbetter Point State Park 

Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge  WB  The Long Island, Ledbetter Point, Lewis and Porter Point Units of the WBNWR. 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

Oysterville

Loomis State Park

Loomis Lake State Park

Klipsan Beach

Nahcotta

Ilwaco - Chinook Indian People

Return to Top Index

 

 

Seaview 

Seaview Information   South of Long Beach. 

42 Cafe and Bistro    Depot Restaurant

Sportsmens Cannery

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau and Information in Seaview

Seaview - Wikipedia

Discovery Bicycling and Walking Trail

 

Return to Top Index

 

 

Weather

The temperature of the water in the lower Columbia River at the Columbia Bar is from 45 to 50 degrees F in the winter.   

The Columbia River channel begins at the Columbia River bar and continues five miles upriver at a depth of 55 feet and a width of 2,640 feet. After which, it maintains a depth of 43 feet and a width of 600 feet for 100 miles to the Portland Harbor.

Weather - Westport    Annual details.  Maps and charts. 

Average annual water temperature on the coast in Westport is 52°F, by the seasons: in winter 49°F, in spring 50°F, in summer 57°F, in autumn 54°F. Minimum water temperature (46°F) in Westport it happens in March, maximum (59°F) in August.

 

 

Willapa Bay 


General Notes

Willapa Bay Images   WB  

Willapa Bay is in Pacific County with a total County Population of 20,920. 

Willapa Bay:  Willapa Hills

Willapa Bay:  Detailed Map

Willapa Hills and Bay


Willapa Bay Estuaries   There are many estuaries at the mouths of the various rivers that flow into Willapa Bay, and the Bay itself is an estuary. 

"Willapa Bay is a major estuary on the Pacific Coast and at mean high tide encompasses approximately 70,400 acres (28,500 hectares). An estuary is defined as the area near the mouth of a river, or rivers, in the case of Willapa Bay, where oceanic tidal waters and freshwater currents collide and mix. Biologically, estuaries are among the most productive environments on earth and provide important habitat for a large variety of organisms. This high productivity is due basically to physical and biological processes unique to estuaries. Dissolved organic nutrients from detrital (dead plants and animals, and excrement) material enter the estuary from inflowing rivers. Saltwater pushed along the estuary bottom by the incoming tide brings in other nutrients of marine origin. Currents and tides circulate fresh and salt water, distributing and, to a certain extent, trapping dissolved and suspended matter. Deposition of these substances fertilizes the estuary and plant life flourishes. This plant life includes grasses, rushes, sedges  of estuarine marshes, benthic algae (diatoms), epi-benthic algae, and eelgrass on intertidal sediments. Some plants are fed upon directly by fish and wildlife but most die and enter the food chain in the form of detritus or partly decomposed plant material. This detritus, suspended in the water and deposited on the bottom, is a high-quality food for consumers because of its high nutritional value. A number of studies have shown that many species of fish and invertebrates feed wholly or partially on detritus. Therefore, detritus feeders are the critical link between plant production and the production of higher consumers. Consequently, the ultimate ecological value of primary production in marshes occurs when detritus of marsh plant origin enters the food web of the estuary."  Willapa Estuary

"An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and maritime environments and are an example of an ecotone. Estuaries are subject both to marine influences such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water and to riverine influences such as flows of freshwater and sediment. The mixing of seawater and freshwater provides high levels of nutrients both in the water column and in sediment, making estuaries among the most productive natural habitats in the world."

"Estuaries are a happy land, rich in the continent itself, stirred by the forces of nature like the soup of a French chef; the home of myriad forms of life from bacteria and protozoans to grasses and mammals; the nursery, resting place, and refuge of countless things."  -  Stanely A. Cain

 

 

Willapa Bay Climate  90 inches of rain each year in South Bend on Willapa Bay. 

Willapa Bay Watershed

South Bend Climate  90 inches of rain each year.  30% of the oysters consumed in the USA come from Willapa Bay.  Westport Climate

Northwest Washington Coast Ecoregion

Trees in the Willapa Forest:  Coastal Temperate Rainforests, Late-successional coastal lowland forest

Logging in the Willapa Hills

"Willapa Bay is a bay located on the southwest Pacific coast of Washington. The Long Beach Peninsula separates Willapa Bay from the greater expanse of the Pacific Ocean. With over 260 square miles (670 km2) of water surface. Willapa Bay is the second-largest estuary on the United States Pacific coast. Early settlers called the bay Shoalwater Bay and this name is found on old maps and charts of the region. Willapa Bay is fairly shallow: more than half of its surface area lies in the intertidal zone, and half of the volume of water inside it enters and leaves with every tide. The bay is an estuary formed when the Long Beach Peninsula, a long sand spit from the Columbia River to the south, partially enclosed the estuaries of several smaller rivers. It is a ria, which formed after the rise in sea level at the end of the last ice age flooded several small river valleys."  -  Wikipedia

Chinook Indian People

 

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

 

Shellfish in Willapa Bay

 

Clams

 

                                  

 

Clam Digging Razor Clams   Washington State Fish and Wildlife 

Clam Digging  Razor Clam Rules and Best Beaches for Digging  

Clam Digging Seasonal Schedule [Sept-Dec 2021]

Clam Digging Tides Grays Harbor

Clam Digging and Crabbing in Washington.  By John A. Johnson.  Adventure North Publishing, 1997, 125 pages.  VSCL. 

Clam Digging and Crabbing in Oregon.  By John A. Johnson. 

Clams - Eating  Tinned Clams - Conservas    My favorite is canned in Galicia, Spain, from Ramón Peńa, Razor Clams in Brine, $18.99, 4/6 pieces. 

Clamming in the Pacific Northwest.  By Ken Axt.  Frank Amato, 2016, 88 pages.  VSCL. 

Clam Digging Westport 

Clam Digging Grayland and Twin Harbors   This stretch of beach is referred to in books as the 'Twin Harbors' Beaches

Preparing and Cooking Razor Clams

The Secret Life of Clams: The Mysteries and Magic of Our Favorite Shellfish.  By Anthony D. Dredericks.  Skyhorse, 2014, 286 pages.  FVRL

Clam Digging Tools:  Waist waders with attached boots.  Waterproof top as needed [mine is Riverruns].  Waterproof and warm gloves, hat, and warm clothing.  Clam shovels (9"x18" and 11'x31") and one cylindrical plastic clam digging tool.  Headlamps for night clamming.  Mesh basket for holding razor clams.  Snacks in your pocket.  Friends to have fun with at the seashore.

If you work at shellfishing and have some luck then you will need: A clam opening knife and cutting pad.  Pot in camp big enough to clean and cook clams, oysters, or crabs. Surf fishing for redtail surf perch is supposed to be very good using clam baits on the high tide immediately after the razor clammers have dug at low tide. 

Chinook Indian People

 

Return to Top Index

 

Oysters  


Oyster History on Willapa Bay, Schooner Trade, Boom Years, Fishery to Farm.  The Sou'wester Fall, 2005.  By the Pacific County Historical Society, South Bend. 

Willapa Bay and the Oysters.  By Nancy Lloyd.  Oysterville Hand Print, 1999, 61 pages. 

Oysters: A Celebration in the Raw.  By Jeremy Sewall and Marion Lear Swaybill.  Abbeyville Press, 2016, 216 pages. 

The Essential Oyster: A Salty Appreciation of Taste and Temptation.  By Rowan Jacobsen.  Booomsbury, 2016, 304 pages. 

Ekone Oyster Company and Taylor Shellfish Farms Tinned Shellfish Products.  I have eaten their smoked oysters, albacore tuna, mussels, and octopus, ordered from Caputo's.    "Ekone is a Chinook Jargon word meaning “Good Spirit.”  Ekone evokes the ethos of Taylor Shellfish Farms. Fifth generation oyster farmers from Willapa Bay in the southwest corner of Washington, the Taylor family harvest impeccable oysters – shucked and in shell, and to our delight, tinned smoked oysters and mussels. Here, where the cold waters of the Pacific meet the waterways flowing from Willapa Hills, is the cleanest, most productive coastal ecosystem in the continental United States; producing, in our opinion, the best tinned oysters around.

"Located on the shores of Willapa Bay in Washington state, Ekone Oyster Company and Taylor Shellfish Farms are small independent, family run oyster businesses. We specialize in smoked oysters, offering a variety of flavors, as well as shucked and in shell oyster products.  Originally home to the Chinook Tribe, Willapa Bay is a large estuary in the southwest corner of Washington. It is considered the cleanest and most productive coastal ecosystem remaining in the continental United States. It is here, where the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean meet the rivers and streams flowing out of the Willapa Hills, that we grow the Pacific oyster for processing in our cannery.  In order to produce the finest tasting oyster, we have to be responsible stewards of the environment where the oysters grow. Water quality is vital to growing healthy shellfish. We strive for good management practices, both in our cannery and on the bay, ensuring our commitment to our family, the local community, and for the future. All of our oysters are sustainably farmed, harvested and processed in strict accordance with local, state and federal health guidelines.  For over thirty-five years, the family at Ekone and five generations of Taylors have been producing quality, local and sustainable products. From our signature smoked oyster line, to live, in-shell, shucked oysters and the newest Ekone Seafoods items, we strive to bring you the best product we can, truly in the Chinook “Good Spirit.”  Cannery in South Bend. 

When camping at Grayland Beach, I tend to cook and eat fish or shellfish.  Westport has three seafood markets.  Tokeland has Nelson's Crab Specialty Market.   Goose Point near Bay Center.  Ekone Taylor Oysters.  All the small towns in the area have food markets with foods to compliment seafood dishes and campground cooking.   

The Magic of Tinned Fish: Elevate Your Cooking with Canned Anchovies, Sardines, Mackerel, Crab and Other Amazing Seafood.  By Chris McDade. 
Artisan, 2021, 208 pages.  VSCL.  Recipes, history, resources, online ordering.  VSCL. 

Return to Top Index

 

 


Fishing, Surfcasting, Jetty Fishing, Pier Fishing  

Fishing  Washington State Fishing Regulations  NS SS

Fishing: The Complete Guide to Surfcasting: Tackle, Technique, Species, Locations and More.  By Joe Cermele.  Burford, 2011, 288 pages.  VSCL. 

Fishing From the Beach

Grayland Beach and Twin Harbors Beach Surf Fishing 

Surf Fishing Grayland Images

Fishing from the North Jetty in Ocean Shores     Ilwaco Jetty and Docks   Cape Disappointment Jetty   South Jetty in Westport

Fishing in freshwater rivers, streams and lakes in Washington

Fishing Biography: Casting Into the Light, 2019.  A fisherwomen's lifetime of fishing adventures and friendships and surfcasting around Martha's Vineyard MA. TRL

How to Catch Redtail Surf Perch UTube   2 oz round weight, Gulp Sandworm Nereis Camo dried, # 2 hook, 2 hook rig

Light Tackle Surf Perch Fishing.  J. D. Richey.  2014, 52 pages.  VSCL. 

11 Best Beaches for Surf Perch Fishing in Washington and Oregon

Redtail Surf Perch - Wikipedia

Washington River Maps and Fishing Guide.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.

Fishing in Washington

Westport: Fishing from the South Jetty in Westport

Tokeland   Population 200   Willapa Bay   Images   Small marina, jetty, boat ramps, RV parks.  Shoalwater Casino.  Restaurant.  Historic hotel. 

Westport: Fishing and crabbing from the Docks, Boardwalks, and Pier at Westport

Fishing  My surfcasting rod is an 11 foot Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod, 4 piece.  Reel: KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel.  Line: Kast King Braided line, 30 lib, 327 yards, Moss Green.  Tackle box with surf fishing and jetty fishing gear.  I have a valid current Washington fishing license and shell fishing license.   

Chinook Indian People

Surf fishing for redtail surf perch is supposed to be very good using clam baits on the high tide immediately after the razor clammers have dug at low tide. 

Casting into the Light: Tales of a Fishing Life.  By Janet Messineo, 2019.  Surf fishing in Marthas Vineyard, MA. 

Return to Top Index

 

Food, Cooking, Eating, Campsite Cooking, Food Markets, Seafood Markets


When camping at Grayland Beach, I tend to cook and eat fish or shellfish.  Westport has three seafood markets.  Tokeland has Nelson's Crab Specialty Market.   Goose Point near Bay Center.  Ekone Taylor Oysters.  All the small towns in the area have food markets with foods to compliment seafood dishes and campground cooking.   

The Magic of Tinned Fish: Elevate Your Cooking with Canned Anchovies, Sardines, Mackerel, Crab and Other Amazing Seafood.  By Chris McDade. 
Artisan, 2021, 208 pages.  VSCL.  Recipes, history, resources, online ordering.  VSCL. 

The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook: Salmon, Crab, Oysters and More.  By Naomi Tomsky.  Countryman Press, 2019, 256 pages.  VSCL.  

Flannel John's Razor Clam and Oyster Cookbook: Tastes from Willapa Bay and the Long Beach Peninsula.  By Tim Murphy, 2016, 52 pages.

Campground Cooking Series

Kinds of Tinned Shellfish

Hook, Line and Supper.  By Hank Shaw.  H & H, 2021, 336 pages. 

The Tinned Fish Cookbook.  By Bart van Olphen.  Experiment, 2020, 144 pages. 

Sea and Smoke: Flavors from the Untamed Pacific Northwest.  By Blaine Wetzel and Joe Ray.  Running Press, 2015, 272 pages.

Oysters     Clams     Redtail Surf Perch    

Shell Fish Canned: I enjoy eating tin canned shellfish (Conservas: Mussels, Oysters, Crab, Clams, Sardines, Salmon, Mackerel, etc.) from canners such as Jose Gourmet from Lisbon, Portugal; Ramon Pena from Galicia, Spain; Ekone Oysters from Willapa Bay, Washington; Nelson's Crab, Willapa Bay; Bela sardines from Portugal; etc.   

 

                              

Return to Top Index

 

 

 

Native Americans in Southwestern Washington
Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, Chehalis, Longview, Columbia River

 

"The Willapa or Willoopah, also known as Kwalhioqua / Kwalhiokwa, were a Northern Athapaskan-speaking people in southwestern WashingtonUnited States. Their territory was the valley of the Willapa River and the prairie between the headwaters of the Chehalis and Cowlitz Rivers.  Together with the Clatskanie people (also: Tlatskanai / Klatskanai, according to tradition originally part of the "Suwal/Swaal" subgroup) in the upper Nehalem River Valley and along the headwaters of the Klaskanine and Clatskanie River in northwestern Oregon they spoke dialects of the now extinct Kwalhioqua-Clatskanie (Kwalhioqua–Tlatskanai) language, the Willapa dialect was the most divergent. The Kwalhioqua lived north of the lower Columbia River, the Clatskanie (Tlatskanai) to the south, separated by the territory of the Lower Chinook-speaking Shoalwater Bay Chinook (or Willapa Chinook) or Clatsop and the Kathlamet (Cathlamet), who spoke another Chinookan variant. The Kwalhioqua-Clatskanie people were dispersed among Coast Salish peoples in the 19th century and their language was extinct before the 1930s." -  Wikipedia, 2021

Native American tribes have lived in the Grays Harbor region for over 8,000 years.  They were expert fishermen and canoe travelers.  Such tribes in the Olympic Peninsula and Chelais River Valley and Grays Harbor included: Chelais, Chinook, Copalis, Hoh, Makah, Klallam, Muckleshoot, Niqqually, Quinault, Shoalwater Bay.  Here is a list of some of the books I have read about Native American People and Cultures of the Northwest.  Read more History of Native Americans in this area. 

The Quinault Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe of Quinault, Queets, Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Chinook, and Cowlitz people. They are a Southwestern Coast Salish people of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

 

Native American Cultures in Southwestern Washington 

Bridge of the Gods, Mountains of Fire: A Return to the Columbia Gorge.  Text and photos by Chuck Williams.  Elephant Mountain Arts, Hood River, Oregon and Friends of the Earth.  1993, 191 pages.  Excellent coverage of the Native Peoples of the Columbia River from John Day Dam to Astoria.  Nine-tenths of the Native population along the river died from communicable diseases from 1800-1840.  History of European settlement from 1830 to 1900 is chronicled.  An excellent collection of photographs.  FVRL = Fort Vancouver Regional Library System.   

Cedar: Tree of Life to the Northwest Coast Indians.  By Hilary Stewart.  University of Washington, 1984, index, 192 pages.  Detailed illustrations and a few photographs.  TRL. 

Legends of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.  By Roy I. Wilson.  Cowlitz Indian Tribe, 1998, 401 pages.  VSCL. 

Native Americans of the Pacific Coast: Peoples of the Sea Wind.  By Vinson Brown.  Happy Camp, 1985, 272 pages.  FVRL.

Peoples of the Northwest Coast: Their Archaeology and Prehistory.  By Kenneth M. Ames.  Thames and Hudson, 1999, 288 pages.  FVRL.

Stone, Bone, Antler and Shell: Artifacts of the Northwest Coast.  By Hilary Stewart.  University of Washington, 1996, 140 pages.  FVRL.

Chinook Indian People

 

 

Native American Languages in Southwestern Washington 

Dictionary of the Chinook Jargon, Or, Trade Language of Oregon.  By George Gibbs, 1863.  Cramoisy Press, New York.  DCJ Gibbs 1863.  Free public domain Kindle E-book.  Sagwan Press, 2015, 88 pages.  VSCL. 

Chinuk Wawa: Kakwa nsayka ulman-tilixam laska munk-kemteks nsayka / As Our Elders Teach Us to Speak It.  By the Chinuk Wawa Dictionary Project.  400 pages, 2012.  Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Oregon.  FVRL. 

Making Wawa: The Genesis of Chinook Jargon.  By George Lang.  UBC Press, 2018, 216 pages. 

The Chinook Jargon and How to Use It: A Complete and Exhaustive Lexicon of the Trade Language.  By George Coombs Shaw.  Franklin Classics, 2018, 88 pages.  VSCL. 

Chinook Indian People

 

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Driving Tour #1: Kelso-Longview to Westport
Touring on WA Road 4, US101, and WA Road 105


This is very scenic drive that will take you along the north side of the Columbia River, through the Willapa Hills, winding along fertile river valleys, weaving along the east and north sides of the dramatic wide Willapa Bay, passing over numerous beautiful river estuaries, looking around in the small coastal towns, and finally cruising by the wide straight beaches of Westport. 

This travel route is my favorite driving adventure in Southwestern Coastal Washington. 

Washington State Route 4 is also know as the Ocean Beach Highway, Lewis and Clark Trail Scenic Byway, and Washington State Scenic Highway.

From Longview to US101 near Naselle via WA4 it is 62 (100 km) miles.  From Naselle to Raymond it is 36 miles (57 km), and from Raymond to Westport on WA105 it is 33 miles (53 km); for a total driving distance of 131 miles (210 km).  The distance from my home in Vancouver to Longview is 41 (65 km) miles via US Interstate 5.  Thus, from Vancouver to Westport via this route it is 172 miles (276 km).   

These are all well maintained State and Federal highways.  They are wide, nicely paved, generally flat, with ample turnout options, and small communities and towns (Cathlamet, Skamokawa, Rosburg, South Bend, Raymond and Westport) for supplies and services along the roads. 

I don't find the traffic on these roads bothersome, it is mostly very light.  I drive around 40-50 miles per hour, and pull off the road to let all faster vehicles pass.  You will share the road with with logging trucks, trucks with trailers, service vehicles, SUV's and RV rigs on these roads.  For the entire distance of 131 miles (210 km) be always alert to side traffic entering the road from lanes, streets, gravel roads, and pull-outs.  Finally, the driver must concentrate on driving and not sightseeing, looking at the scenery, and staring at beauty.  Switch drivers frequently.  Stop at scenic pull-outs to stand and rest.  Be SAFE while driving.  Never drive after using alcohol or cannabis. 

 


              


Begin this delightful driving trip at U. S. Interstate 5 (Exit 39 Interchange) and Washington Road 4 (WA4).  Maps  
Pictures of Exit 39 Area   Google Map  At Exit 39 is the Three Rivers Mall, many fast food restaurants, motels, big box stores, shopping. 
Follow WA Road 4, WA4, heading west for the next 62 miles.   

Kelso  Population 11,925  CR  Junction of WA4 and Interstate 5, Exit 39.  Along the Cowlitz River. 

Longview  Population 37,520   Images   CR   By the Cowlitz River (the boundary between Kelso and Longview) and the Columbia River. 
Museum    Sacajawea Park and Japanese Gardens. 
 

The first 7 miles on WA4 from Exit 39 to the Junction with WA432 is through the many businesses, stores, services, restaurants, and homes along WA4 through Kelso and Longview.  Shoppers can stock up on everything here.  Two big bridges go over the Cowlitz River; and the big Longview/Ranier (1930) bridge crosses over the Columbia River.   

Junction of WA4 and WA432.  This ends the city environment, and from here on driving west on WA4 is through rural and forest areas first along the Columbia River.  You will pass sloughs and lilly ponds. 

Stella

Abernathy Creek  and Fish Technology Center 

After Mill Creek Street the road follows on the road dyke right along the Columbia River.  This is about 15 miles west of Exit39/I5. 
Everything to your right, to the north, all those cliffs, hills and dense forests are the Willapa Hills.  

County Line Park  WA4 road is at times right along the Columbia River in this area.  Limited parking, restroom. 

There are many spots to pull off and fish from the dyke in the Columbia River at high tide time.  There are many fish hatcheries off of WA4 and US101. 

Look for the small green WA4 mile marker signs on the left side of the road as you are driving west on WA4. 
GREEN MILE MARKER =
GMM  The numbers will decrease as you drive west on WA4. 

 

Cathlamet     Population 532   CR     Images  On WA4   Marina, ramp, stores  You begin to drive inland from here on.  Nearby ferry across the Columbia.  GMM 36.

Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge   Images  Large refuge for deer.  Viewing Station.  Beautiful low areas inland.  GMM 34.

Columbian White-Tailed Deer National Wildlife Refuge   Viewing Station. 

Skamokawa   On WA4.  Images  CR  Kayaking  B&B Campground at Vista Park, yurts, boat ramp, playgrounds, yurts.  Museum. 
The road WA4 turns inland from Skamokawa most of the way to Naselle.  You will be driving through the forests of the Willapa Hills
Evidence of logging is everywhere.  GMM 27.  33 miles east of Exit 39/I5. 

Gray's River     Images   CR  Crosses WA4 near Rosburg 

Gray's River Valley  GMM 19-13. 

Gray's River Covered Bridge   Some beautiful small river valleys in these areas along WA4.  

Deep River    Images   Boat Launch  GMM 11. 

Rosburg   Population 416  CR  Store  47 miles east of Exit 39.

Junction of WA4 and WA401.  Head south on WA401 if you want to get to the Ilwaco/Astoria Bridge.  GMM 8.

Naselle Naselle River  Images   Store  Gas  CR  Naselle is about six miles east of the junction of US101 and WA4.  GMM 7-4. 

Naselle River  Images   WB   GMM 1. 

Junction of US101 and WA4.  Johnston's Landing.  Along the wide Naselle River valley, and near the bridge over the Naselle River. 
The Naselle River flows into the south end of Willapa Bay.  Parking near the bridge.  62 miles east of Exit 39/I5. 

Turn right onto US101 and drive north.  As soon as you start driving north on 101 there is a green mile marker on the right side of the road that is numbered GMM 29.  The GMM numbers will increase as you drive north on US101 to Raymond. 

 

Nemah River   Images   US101   As you drive north on US101 you will cross the South Fork of the Nemah river, its Middle Fork, and its North Fork. 
The forest of the Willapa Hills along the road is quite dense at times.  Evidence of logging and reforestation.  US101 is wide, straight, relatively flat and a very good road from here to South Bend.   GMM 29-37. 

 

 

Nemah River Natural Area Preserve

 

              

 

Willapa Bay:  Bear River  WB   US101  Boat ramp   Here begins your views of Willapa Bay. 

Willapa Bay:  Palix River  WB 

Willapa Bay:  Palix River Natural Area Preserve    Boat Ramp


Bay Center Village   Population 300  Images   Willapa Bay   Cafe, No stores.    

Bush Pioneer County Park   In Bay Center Village   WB  Camping   USk101  Also a KOA campground in Bay Center.   

 

Willapa Bay:  Niawiakum River  US101 

Willapa Bay:  Niawiakum River Natural Area Preserve   Preserve


Willapa Bay:  Bone River  Images  WB  

Willapa Bay:  Bone River Natural Area Preserve   GMM 45.

Willapa Bay Overlooking Ridges  GMM 45-49.  Dramatic views from roadside turnouts. 

Bruceport County Park  Images   Camping   US101   Overlooking the Pacific, trails, rugged small campsites. 

 

Stuart Slough   There are many sloughs in this area.  Wide open views.  Some huge flat cattle farms in the area. 

Willapa River Valley and Willapa Bay Ports  GMM 50-54.  US 101. 

 

 

              

 

South Bend

South Bend  Population 1,637   WB  Images   Pacific County  Along the Willapa River   US101  

South Bend:  County HQ   Courthouse   WB 

South Bend:  Pacific County Historical Society and Museum    

South Bend Timberland Library  In an old rundown Carnegie library building. 

South Bend Climate  90 inches of rain each year  30% of the oysters consumed in the USA come from Willapa Bay. 

South Bend:  Goose Point Oysters, small marina, South Bend is famous for its Oysters

South Bend Travel    Bay   Sights    Williams Campground     Helen Davis Memorial Park   Boat ramp 

South Bend:  Willapa Hills State Park Trail   56 miles 

South Bend:  Bruceport County Park  Images   Camping   US101   Overlooking the Pacific, trails.  South of South Bend. 

Many fish canneries are in or near South Bend and Raymond.  There are numerous commercial and public docks in the area. 

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Raymond

Raymond  Population 2,975  Pacific County  WB  Junction of US101, WA 6, and WA 105. 
The largest town on the east side of Willapa Bay and largest city in Pacific County. 
Raymond is 35 miles north of Naselle, 56 miles west of Centralia, and 25 miles south of Aberdeen. 

Raymond Images  WB  

Raymond:  Carriage Museum   Willapa Seaport Museum    Harbor/Docks    Sightseeing    Paddling    

Raymond:  Willapa River  Images   WB  There is a north and south fork of the Willapa River in Raymond.  

Raymond:  Steamboats of Willapa Bay   There is a huge Weyerhaeuser lumber mill in Raymond. 
Many fish canneries are in or near South Bend and Raymond.  There are numerous commercial and public docks in the area. 

Raymond Timberland Library

Raymond:  Willapa Paddle Adventures   Paddling canoes or kayaks on the many Willapa Bay rivers is very popular. 

Raymond:  Willapa Hills State Park Trail   56 miles east to Centralia.  River biking trail from Raymond to South Bend. 

Numerous rusted metal sculptures along the roadway in Raymond. 

 

 

As you leave Raymond you will turn left onto WA 105 and drive west to Tokeland. 

Look for the small green WA4 mile marker signs on the left side of the road as you are driving west on WA 015.  GREEN MILE MARKER = GMM
The numbering on WA105 begins with GMM 1 in Raymond, and the GMM increases as you are heading west and north on WA 105. 

Willapa River Docks  GMM 1.

Willapa River Valley and Airport   GMM 2-5.  Lovely flat valley, cattle grazing, forested hillsides.

Views of Willapa Bay: Dramatic scenes looking south from the roadway dyke into this huge Willapa Bay.  GMM 10-15,. 

 

Smith Creek State Wildlife Recreation Area   WB   Boat ramp

Willapa Bay:  North River  WB     Paddling   Near Smith Creek

 

              


Willapa Bay:  Cedar River  WB   Images  Approximately 2 miles east of Tokeland on WA105.  GMM 10. 

"The river's lowermost course runs through part of the North Willapa Bay Wildlife Area Unit, part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.  The mouth of the Cedar River merges with Willapa Bay in a tidally-influenced estuary. There is a 275 acre protected unit called the Cedar River Estuary, managed by Forterra. This area is a tidal ecosystem with salt marshes, tidelands, and coniferous forests. It also includes Oyster Island, Bone Creek, and Norris Slough."

North Willapa Bay Wildlife Area

 

         

 

 

Tokeland   Population 200   Willapa Bay North   Images   Small harbor.  Old Hotel  Restaurant.  WA105

Tokeland:  Nelson Crab: Specialty Market; Offering local canned tuna, salmon, and dungness crab, etc.  Wines, gifts. 

 

               

 

Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge  WB    Images

Dexter By the Sea  WA105   WB

Shoalwater Indian Reservation    Casino     Images  GMM 17

"In the days before European settlement the shores of Shoalwater Bay were a mix of a bountiful natural environment and many native villages. The north end of the bay around the present day reservation was populated predominantly by Lower Chehalis speaking peoples. The Southern end of the bay, near present day Bay Center and southward was inhabited by Willapa Chinook peoples. The original territory of the Shoalwater Bay peoples was a vast network of waterways along the coast. For the Lower Chehalis Shoalwater’s village of “Naaphs Chaahts” (today’s reservation) was the southern tip of the territory. From there it extended northward to “ts-a-lis” the lower Chehalis word for Westport, meaning “place of sand”. Early explorers pronounced the word “Chehalis” and gave this name to the river and the people living up river who later became the Chehalis tribe. From Westport the territory went east up the Chehalis river to present day Satsop, Washington."  Source

North Cove  Parking Area, Northcove Beach Access  GMM 20

Smith Anderson Road leads to many beautiful cranberry bogs.  GMM 21. 

Seashore Conservation Area State Park near North Cove or Tokeland  WA105

Old Highway 105   

Beach Driving Access = A paved and/or gravel road leading to the drivable beach area. 

Warrenten Cannery Road    Beach Driving Access  Very long sand dunes and beach, dry sand road, sketchy access and warnings. 

Midway Beach Road    Beach Driving Access  GMM23

Grayland Community  GMM25

Grayland Beach State Park  It is 10 miles from Grayland SP to the Westport Marina. 

Cranberry Beach Road   Beach Driving Access    Restrooms, picnic area  GMM 25

Grayland Beach Oba State Park   Walking Beach Access  GMM26  

Bonge Ave  Beach Driving Access  GMM30  

Twin Harbors State Park   Walking Beach Access

Junction of WA105 and WA105 Spur Road into the Westport Marina (3 miles).  GMM 31

Schafer Island Beach Approach  Walking Beach Access

Cohasset Area   Housing in the unincorporated area

West Ocean Ave  Beach Access   Picnic area, trails, bikepath to Westport, Westport Lighthouse  GMM 32.

Westhaven State Park  Images    Jetty, picnic, parking, restrooms, surfing, trails for walking/biking.  GMM 34

Point Chelais and the South Jetty 

Westport Marina  GMM 34.

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Maps of Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor

 

 

             

              

              

 

 

         

 

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Information, Bibliography, Sources, Readings about Willapa Bay


Coast Country: A History of Southwest Washington.  By Lucile McDonald.  Long Beach, Midway Printery, 1989.  Index, 183 pages.  TRLS = Timberland Regional Library System, WA [I pick up my reserved books and videos as the Westport Branch of the TRLS.].   

The Historical and Regional Geography of the Willapa Bay Area, Washington.  By Jean Hazeltine.  South Bend, 1956, 308 pages.  FVRL

Shoalwater Willapa.,  By Douglas Allen.  Snoose Peak Publishing, South Bend, WA, 2004.  Index, notes, sources, 286 pages.  TRLS.  

Telling Our Stories: Voices of Grays Harbor.  By students of the Evergreen State College, Grays Harbor Campus.  Gorham Printing, Centralia, WA, 2012.  155 pages.  TRLS.  

A Tidewater Place: Portrait of the Willapa Ecosystem.  By The Willapa Alliance, Long Beach, WA, 1993.  Color photographs and text, 50 pages.  TRLS.  

Willapa Bay:  The Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Northwest Coast has good coverage on Willapa Bay. 

Willapa Bay   Blog Reports and Photographs by Michael P. Garofalo. 

The Northwest Coast: Or, Three Years' Residence in Washington Territory.  By James Gilchrist Swan.  Adesite Press, 2017, 448 pages. 

 

Information, Books, Guides, Reference Books, Field Guides, Handbooks

Grayland Beach, Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, Olympic Peninsula, and the Pacific Northwest

 

                                         


 


Useful Books for Your Vehicle While Traveling:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest.  By Peter Alden and Dennis Paulson.  Knopf, 1998, 488 pages.   Regional Guide (Washington and Oregon): birds, animals, trees, wildflowers, insects, weather, nature preservers, etc.  This is a handy, small, and sturdy field guide for enthusiasts of natural history studies. Over 1,500 small colored photographs, some maps and drawings.  I carry in my car along with camera, binoculars, magnifying glass, tools, and walking backpack (with 10 essentials) and recreational supplies.  VSCL.   

Washington: DeLorme Atlas and Gazetter.  Detailed topographic maps, back roads, recreation sites, GPS Grids.  Yarmouth, Maine, DeLorme Publications, 2016, 12th Edition.  Indexes, 104 pages.  ISBN: 0-89933329X.  VSCL.  An oversized map book.  I keep this map in my Ford Escape.  An essential tool for travelers.  Very convenient to use.  Since I drive on paved roads, this book provides sufficient detail for my needs.  Handy for home study. 

Also, use more detailed maps, as needed, such as good County maps, topographic maps, walking and hiking guides, fishing guides, birding guides, local tourist maps, etc.  And, Google NAV and Google Maps on your cellphone can really provide detailed information and directions. 

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Useful Books for Your Picnic Table by the Sea

The Flora and Fauna of the Pacific Northwest.  By Collin Varner.  University of Washington Press, 2018, 462 pages.  Over 1,000 outstanding large photographs of 800 species of the most frequently observed plants and animals of the region.  What you are likely to see in Washington and Oregon from the seashore to 60 miles inland.  This book is oversized and heavy - like a large photography book on your coffee table at home.  VSCL. 

The New Beachcomber's Guide to the Pacific Northwest.  By J. Duane Sept.  Harbor Publishing, 2019, 416 pages.  Covering the Pacific Northwest most common shoreline-dwelling flora and fauna.  Focused on the kinds of inter-tidal marine life you might find on the shorelines of Washington and Oregon.  Hundreds of colored photographs and good descriptions.  Handy book for your backpack when heading out to walk the shore an hour before low tide ends; and the glossy paper stock would probably hold up in field conditions.  VSCL. 

Bring any book you like to enjoy at your sunny picnic table or comfy camp chair. 

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Nature Studies in Grayland Beach, Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Pacific Northwest
Useful Books for Your Campsite or Home Study

 

A Birder's Guide to Coastal Waqshington.  By Bob Morse.  Featuring Ocean Shores, Long Beach Peninsula, Forks, Westport, Tokeland, and 160 Birding Hot Spots.  R. W. Morse Co., 2001, Index, 249 pages, spiral bound text.  VSCL.  Detailed coverage of birding locations and how to get there. 

Beachcombing   SEE  Beachcombing

A Coast of Scenic Wonders: Coastal Geology and Ecology of the OUter Coast of Oregon and Washington and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  By Miles O. Hayes, Jacqueline Michel, and Joseph Holmes.  Pandion Books, 2020, 229  pages. 

The Flora and Fauna of the Pacific Northwest.  By Collin Varner.  University of Washington, 2018, 462 pages.  VSCL.  Outstanding photographs, larger size. 

Grayland Beach Nature Studies.  By Michael P. Garofalo.  2021-  

More Northwest Coastal Field Guides

National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest.  By Peter Alden and Dennis Paulson.  Knopf, 1998, 488 pages.  This is a handy and sturdy field guide for enthusiasts of natural history studies.  I carry in my car along with binoculars, magnifying glass, and supplies in my backpack.  VSCL.   

Natural History of the Pacific Northwest Mountains.  By Daniel Mathews.  Timber Press Field Guide, 2017, Index, 583 pages.  VSCL. 

A Naturalist's Guide to the Hidden World of Pacific Northwest Dunes.  By George Poinar Jr.  Oregon State University, 2016, 288 pages.  VSCL.  PND 2016

The New Beachcomber's Guide to the Pacific Northwest.  By J. Duane Sept.  Harbor Publishing, 2019, 416 pages.  VSCL.  BG 2016 

The Northwest Coast: A Natural History.  By Stewart T. Schultz.  Timber Press, 1990, index, 389 pages.  VSCL. 

The Northwest Coastal Explorer.  By Robert Steelquist.  Timer Press, 2016, 282 pages.  Overview of key features with pictures and text. VSCL.

Plants of the Pacific Northwest.  By Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon.  Partners, 2004, 528 pages. 

Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast: An Illustrated Guide to Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.  By Eugene N. Kozloff.  University of Washington, 1983, 378 pages.  A technical scientific presentation.   VSCL. 

Seashore of the Pacific Northwest.  By Ian Sheldon.  Lone Pine, 1998, 192 pages.  VSCL. 

The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans.  By Cynthia Barnett.  W.W. Norton, 2021, 432 pages.  VSCL.

Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.  Tracking and Identifying Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates.  By David Moskowitz.  Timber Press, 2010, 364 pages.  VSCL. 

Books in my personal home library (VSCL) about Washington State.

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Automobile Traveling in Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Pacific Northwest
Useful Books for Home Study and Your Automobile Library
History, Events, Accommodations, Highlights, Sightseeing, Cities, Parks


Washington: DeLorme Atlas and Gazetter.  Detailed topographic maps, back roads, recreation sites, GPS Grids.  Yarmouth, Maine, DeLorme Publications, 2016, 12th Edition.  Indexes, 104 pages.  ISBN: 0-89933329X.  VSCL.  An oversized map book.  I keep this map in my Ford Escape.  An essential tool for travelers.  Very convenient to use.  Detailed! 

The Last Wilderness: A History of the Olympic Peninsula.  By Murray Morgan.  University of Washington, 2019, 262 pages.  VSCL. 

The Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Northwest Coast.  By Allan and Elizabeth May.  Atlanta, Georgia, Longstreet Press, 2000.  Index, 370 pages.  VSCL.  For both home and filed use. 

Moon Olympic Peninsula: Coastal Getaways, Rainforests, Waterfalls, Hiking and Camping Travel Guide.  By Jeff Burlingame.  Moon Travel, 2021, 256 pages.  Covers the coastal towns and travel highlights from Forks south to Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, and Illwaco.  For home and field use.  VSCL. 

Washington's Pacific Coast: A Guide to Hiking, Camping, Fishing & Other Adventures  By Greg Johnston.  Seattle, Washington, Mountaineers Books, 2015.  Index, 318 pages.  ISBN: 9781594859397.  VSCL.  

By the Shore: Explore the Pacific Northwest Like a Local.  By Nancy Blakey.  Sasquatch Books, 2018, 256 pages.  VSCL. 

Pacific Northwest, Fodor's Travel.  22nd Edition, 2020. 

The Pacific Northwest: An Interpretive History.  By Carlos Arnaldo Schwantes.  Revised and enlarged edition, 1996.  Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Press, 1989, 1996.  Index, bibliography, 568 pages.  ISBN: 978-0803292284.  Professor Schwantes, Ph.D., is a field historian and author.  VSCL. 

Books in my personal home library (VSCL) about Washington State. 

Washington River Maps and Fishing Guide.  Edited By Doug Rose.  Frank Amato Publications, 2013.  87 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571885135.  VSCL.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.

Washington Road & Recreation Atlas  Landscape maps, recreation guides, detailed roads, and public lands.  Santa Barbara, California, Benchmark Maps, 2015.  Index, 126 pages.  Oversized map book.  ISBN: 970929591988.  VSCL.  I keep this map in my home library, in the travel section.  An essential tool for travelers.  Very convenient to use. 

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Beachcombing, Kite Flying, Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing, Walking, Camping and other Seashore Activities in this Region
Grays Habor, Willapa Bay, Olympic Peninsula, Pacific Northwest

Beachcombing     Fishing     Digging Razor Clams     Oysters     Kites     Walking


The Essential Guide to Beachcombing and the Strandline.  By Steve Trewhella and Julie Hatcher.  Princeton University Press, 2015, 304 pages. 

The New Beachcomber's Guide to the Pacific Northwest.  By J. Duane Sept.  Harbor Publishing, 2019, 416 pages.  VSCL. 

By the Shore: Explore the Pacific Northwest Like a Local.  By Nancy Blakey.  Sasquatch Books, 2018, 256 pages.  VSCL.  Roughly arranged by the four seasons.  Good on Puget Sound coastal activities.  Coastal activities, projects, sightseeing, events. 

The Flora and Fauna of the Pacific Northwest.  By Collin Varner.  University of Washington, 2018, 462 pages.  VSCL.  Outstanding photographs, larger size. 

A Naturalist's Guide to the Hidden World of Pacific Northwest Dunes.  By George Poinar Jr.  Oregon State University, 2016, 288 pages.  VSCL. 

More Northwest Coastal Field Guides

The Northwest Coastal Explorer.  By Robert Steelquist.  Timer Press, 2016, 282 pages.  Overview of key features with pictures and text. VSCL.

Washington's Pacific Coast: A Guide to Hiking, Camping, Fishing & Other Adventures  By Greg Johnston.  Seattle, Washington, Mountaineers Books, 2015.  Index, 318 pages.  ISBN: 9781594859397.  VSCL.  

Books in my personal home library (VSCL) about travel in Southwestern Washington State. 

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Deeper Reading

Landscape and Memory.  By Simon Schama.  Vintage, 1995, 655 pages.  VSCL.

The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans.  By Cynthia Barnett.  W.W. Norton, 2021, 432 pages.  VSCL. 

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Grayland Beach  2021-2022

 

Grayland  Population 953   SS  The Grayland Community has two markets, cafes, stores, gift shops and services that are are all located along coastal Washington Highway 105.  Be careful when parking off narrow WA105.  Slow Down!   

There are many country homes and cranberry fields east of WA105. The many back roads east of WA105 in Grayland are very quiet, picturesque, and free of traffic ... great for bicycling or long walks.  Whereas, West of WA105 are houses, cabins, State Parks, sand dunes, and the seashore.  

The Grayland Beach Community is 6 miles south of the large Westport marina and Westport city, and 10 miles north of the small Tokeland marina.  From Grayland to Raymond it is 27 miles to the southeast, and from Grayland to Aberdeen it is 23 miles to the northeast. The scenic road from Westport to Raymond, WA105, was completed in the 1960's. 

In 2022, I plan to camp four days and three nights at Grayland Beach State Park every month.  I will stay in a Yurt (winter) or a tent.   My Reports.
Therefore, Grayland Beach will be the central point for my explorations of the southern side of Gray's Harbor and the northern side of Willapa Bay. 
This webpage will cover my exploration of the beaches of Grayland State Park, the area 30 miles north and south of Grayland, Westport, from Grayland to Aberdeen (WA105), and from Grayland to Raymond (WA105).

Grayland Beach:  Google Maps

 

"There are those to whom place is unimportant,
But this place, where sea and fresh water meet,
Is important—
Where the hawks sway out into the wind,
Without a single wing beat,
And the eagles sail low over the fir trees,
And the gulls cry against the crows
In the curved harbors,
And the tide rises up against the grass
Nibbled by sheep and rabbits….
I sway outside myself
Into the darkening currents,
Into the small spillage of driftwood,
The waters swirling past the tiny headlands."
Theodore Roethke, The Rose, 1964

 

"Once in his life a man ought to concentrate his mind on the remembered earth, I believe.  He ought to give himself up to a particular landscape in his experience, to look at it from as many angles as he can, to wonder about it, to dwell upon it.  He ought to imagine that he touches it with his hands at every season and listens to the sounds that are made upon it.  He ought to imagine the creatures there and all the faintest motions of the wind.  He ought to recollect the glare of moon and all the colors of the dawn and dusk."
-  N. Scott Momaday

 

 

Grayland Village Images   SS  

Camping at Grayland Beach State Park   Images   Reservations   A yurt site costs $80 per night, and a tent site $25 per night in 2021. 

Grayland Beach SP     Images   Grayland Beach SP Printed PDF Brochure     Westport  SS 

Grayland Beach SP is just four miles south of Twin Harbors State Park

Grayland Beach:  My Cloud Hands Blog posts about Grayland Beach with commentary and photographs. 


Grayland Stores:  The Local Market, Grayland ACE True Value Hardware Store, Pomegranate Gifts.  Westport Stores

Grayland Food: Wheelhouse Restaurant, Long's Bar/Grill, The Local Market. Other stores were closed.    Westport Shop & Kart Supermarket

 

Grayland Cranberries: Cranberry Road Winery   Cranberry Museum Furlow Pickers 1933     Cranberry Bogs   Driving Tour in Grayland Cranberry Coastal Bogs

Washington's Cranberry Coast.  By Sydney Stevens for the Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation.  Arcadia, 2014, 128 pages.  Images of America Series.
History of the cranberry farmers in Grayland and Long Beach.

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Grayland:  Food/Cooking     Westport Timberland Library    Bicycling    Walking     Beachcombing   Fishing or shopping in nearby Westport.  

Grayland Birding:  Midway Beach Road   "Located just south of Grayland Beach State Park, the beach access area near Midway Beach Road is a popular spot for shorebirds migrating through the region. In the spring months, there will be over twenty species of shorebirds in this area, highlighted by the “Streaked” Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs that frequent this stretch of beach. Even in the off-season, huge flocks of pelicans have been spotted near this area, which is quite rare to see this far north. With eagles constantly flying around and the occasional blue heron sighting, Midway Beach is a fun place to avoid the more crowded parks and have a great time birding."

Grayland Beach Area Vehicle Access Roads to Drive on the Beach: Midway Beach Road, Cranberry Beach Road, Bonge,

Grayland Beach Area Vehicle Parking Closer to Shore [all have restrooms except for North Cove]: Tokeland, North Cove, Westport Jetty, Westport Lighthouse. 

Grayland Tai Chi and Chinese Yoga by Michael P. Garofalo.  I camp at Grayland State Park, mostly in mid-month. For Qigong (Chi Kung, Chinese Yoga) I practice the Eight Section Brocade.  I practice the Yang Style of Taijiquan using the Long 108 Form and the Short 24 Form and the Eight Immortals Cane Form My Qualifications?  Grayland:  Taoism.  Let's walk the tide line at Grayland and talk Taoism.  Sit in the shade of shore pines and savor the sayings of Lao Tzu.  Ponder Process Philosophy.

Grayland Beach State Park Clam Digging at Low Tide  SEE  Clam Digging

Grayland Beach Beachcombing:  "Grayland has hands down the best beachcombing in the Grays Harbor County. Grayland is part of a 12 mile stretch of sandy beach line with plentiful sand dollars, driftwood, bullwhip kelp, sea creatures, cool rocks, shells and incredible amounts of flotsam. The locals host an annual Driftwood art and Glass float hunt each year. Because of this, beachcombing can get competitive, especially after a big storm. Arrive early to inspect the high tide line and follow the tide out. You can drive on this beach, but beware of soft sand at the beach approaches to the north. The best shell and driftwood collections are to the south. Cross a few streams and you will soon find the sand scattered with driftwood, moon shells and periwinkles."  5 Best

Grayland Beach SP Surf Fishing  SEE  Surf Fishing   Nearby Westport has many jetty, dock, boardwalk, pier, and charter boat fishing options. 

Grayland Beach SP     Images   Westport  SS 

Grayland Beach SP Printed PDF Brochure     Reservations Made Online 
This campground is very popular in the summer months and during clamming season. Over 90% of people camping here during the rainy season (from October to April) are using trailers, truck camper shells, RVs big and small, vans, etc.  I make reservations well in advance for a nice yurt.  Why? Affordable and sheltered from 72 inches of rain.  

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Reports and Photos about my Camping Adventures in 2021 and 2022
At Grayland Beach State Park and Twin Harbors State Park


Booked = Reserved  
Make Your Own Reservations Online

Cloud Hands Blog Posts about Grayland Beach and Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor   
 

1st Camp: 2021 September   Reports  1   2   3   
Yurt Campsite at Grayland Beach State Park for two nights 

2nd Camp:  2021 October     Reports  4   5   6   7 
Cabin Campsite at Twin Harbors State Park for three nights 

3nd Camp: 2021 October      Reports  8   9   10  11 
Yurt Campsite at Grayland Beach State Park for three nights  Booked

4rd Camp:  2021 November   Reports  12   13   14   15    
Cabin Campsite at Twin Harbors State Park for three nights  Booked  

5th Camp:  2021 December    Reports  16  17  18  19     
Cabin Campsite at Twin Harbors State Park for three nights   Booked

6th Camp:  2022  January    Reports  20  21  22  23    
Yurt Campsite at Nehalem Bay State Park, Oregon, for 3 nights  Booked     

 

7th Camp:  2022  February  Reports  3 nights in a Yurt

8th Camp:  2022  March  Reports  3 nights in a Yurt

9th Camp:  2022  April  Reports    3 nights in a Tent  

10th Camp:  2022  May  Reports   3 nights in a Tent  

11th Camp:  2022  June Reports   3 nights in a Tent  

12th Camp:  2022  July  Reports   3 nights in a Tent  

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Four Days at Grayland, Campsite by the Sea, On a Corner of the Sea

 

Grayland Beach SP Yurt Campsites   Video of All Campsites   My Photos

Grayland Beach SP Weather  Current Weather Report and Week Ahead Predictions for Grayland   Grayland averages 76 inches of rain each year. 

 

Grayland Beach SP Activities I enjoy: Sitting and staring, thinking and day dreaming, walking around, reading, photography, surf fishing, clam digging, long vigorous walks, practicing Taijiquan or Qigong, beachcombing for little treasures, kite flying, frolicking in the surf, playing games, doing nature studies, playing a harmonica, smelling the sea, listening to the waves, writing, working with tools, reading, string figure playing, using waders, cell phone usage, staying warm, ...  For rest, I sit and stare, sit or lay down in my beach tent, play games, lay on the cushion in the back of my my Junior RV Ford Escape or sit inside the Escape for warmth, doze and sleep.  I have a stove, teapot, and hot water for tea and coffee and instant foods.  I bring a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, dried fish or beef, good bread, and goodies to eat; and, bring a couple of grams of cannabis and apricot brandy.  I enjoy reading books like: The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans, by Cynthia Barnett.  I stay in a tent, a yurt, or a cottage or motel by the sea. 

My favorite drive from Vancouver to Grayland Beach is from Longview to Westport, Tour 1

Another alternative is to drive north on the Interstate 5 Freeway from Vancouver to Chelais, for 79 miles, an easy and safe drive.  Then, drive west on WA Road 6 though Pe Ell to Raymond, for 52 miles.  You will drive on an excellent two lane road (WA 6) through lovely forested country and agricultural valleys, rolling hills, and encounter very little traffic.  Then, drive northwest on WA 105 along the beautiful coast road from Raymond through Tokeland and north to Grayland, for 27 miles.  Total distance: 158 miles, about 4 hours of easy driving with very little traffic from Chelais to Grayland.  An easy effort for my Ford Escape.

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Beachcombing  

Agate Hunting on the Washington Coast.  By M. J. Grover.  2021, 108 pages. 

Beachcombing    Tips   Magazine   Top Spots Northwest

Pacific Northwest Beachcombing   Grayland Beach

The Beachcomber's Companion: An Illustrated Guide to Collecting and Identifying Beach Treasures.  By Anna Marlis Burgard.  2018, 128 pages. 

Beachcomber's Guide to the Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest.  By J. Duane Sept.  Harbor, 2009, 224 pages. 

Beachcombing at Miramar: The Quest for an Authentic Life.  By Richard Bode.  1997, 208 pages. 

Beachcombing the Pacific.  By Amos L. Wood.  Schiffer Publishing, 1987.  Index, 225 pages.  VSCL. 

The Essential Guide to Beachcombing and the Strandline.  By Steve Trewhella and Julie Hatcher.  2015, 304 pages. 

The New Beachcomber's Guide to the Pacific Northwest guide to the flora and fauna of the inter-tidal areas of beaches. 

A Naturalist's Guide to the Hidden World of Pacific Northwest Dunes 

Books on Beach Activities and Coastal Nature Studies

5 Best Beachcombing Beaches in Grays Harbor

Beachcombing is very interesting for those closely following the changes of the tides each day, the major seasonal differences, the intensity of storm conditions, and the biotic communities by the seashore. 

Just walk the beautiful beaches of Grayland.  Savor the enjoyment in walking outdoors by the sea shore. 

To be a fisherman is to first cast your bait into the water; to be a beachcomber is first to walk.   

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Beachside Day-Use "Campsites" or Picnic Sites     

Drive to a Beachside Picnic Site (sort of a Day-Use "Campsite"): 
You can usually day camp from 8 am to 5 pm; weather, tides, season, and surf conditions permitting.  You cannot camp on the beach at night. 

Know the tide information and surf conditions and expected weather.  What season are you in?  What at storm conditions?  Know the current legal rules and regulations regarding driving in the area you are in.  Are you on public land or private land?  Know what your vehicle can do and cannot do on the firm moist beach sand.  Avoid getting stuck.  Drive safely a short distance to the selected beach "campsite."  The vast stretches of the dry sand dune environment are for walker's only. 

"Recreational use is the province of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.  The commission has established driving regulations to protect the beach and its visitors.  A "drivable beach" is defined as the area of firm, wet stand upland from the clam beds over which the tide ebbs and flows daily.  This area is considered hard enough to support the weight of an ordinary passenger vehicle and provide traction for the tires.  The dry sand area is everything upland from the water line, except for this strip of firm wet sand that is designated as drivable beach.  Parking is permitted only in the landward 100 feet of the drivable beach." 
-  Amos L. Wood,
Beachcombing the Pacific

Obviously, you can carry a lot more recreational and comfort gear in a car to a day use "campsite" or picnic site.  At Grayland Beach I can drive to the beach on gravel Cranberry Road, then up to a half mile or so north or south on hard packed sand to a nice spot.  I rarely drive more than a half mile from the gravel roads.  I drive slowly and carefully in my Ford Escape AWD Titanium.  This Ford SUV can carry enough for two people for beach day camping.  When tent camping alone I set up my beach day camp as follows: 

Use your vehicle as a shield against the cool ocean wind and sand spray.  I also set up a small pop-up beach nylon half-tent.  I have a low chair for the half-tent and a good higher camp chair.  I have a Therma Rest self-inflating mattress for the back of my Ford Escape.  Sometimes, when it is cold and windy, you will enjoy sitting or lying in your vehicle.  I use wool blankets and warm clothing for beach day camping. 

I bring my kitchen box, food box, and water.  I use a one burner butane Coleman stove for cooking. 

I bring surf fishing and clam digging gear.  I bring gear for nature studies while walking the shore lines both at high and low tides.  I bring stuff for my sit still hobbies: reading books, listening to MP3's, using my cellphone, playing string figures, tying fishing rigs, using the camera, flying kites ...

I don't burn wood at the beach.  I keep and leave my campsite clean and neat. 

Walking to Day-Use or Hourly-Picnic Use "Campsite":  Wide sandy beaches are common at Ocean Shores, Twin Harbors, and Long Beach.  It can be a very long walk from your tent campsite or a parking lot to the shore.  Walking in sand is more strenuous.  Thus, carrying a filled backpack, a low chair, and a half-tent, food, water ... and walking through sand dunes and beaches would challenge many an older person's (I'm 75) arms and legs.  Thus, if you want to carry more while walking to the beach for a day campsite you will prefer (even as a solo tent camper) using a small beach wagon-cart.  Better yet, at Grayland Beach, I drive to my selected beach "day campsite." 

 

Beaches on the Washington Coast

Bicycling on long bike paths, quiet country roads, on dirt trails, on quiet coastal city streets, or on big tire bikes on the sandy shore ... all readily available in the Region. 

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Bird Watching

 

A Birder's Guide to Coastal Waqshington.  By Bob Morse, 2001.  Featuring Ocean Shores, Long Beach Peninsula, Forks, Westport, Tokeland, and 160 Birding Hot Spots.  Detailed coverage of birding locations near Westport and how to get there.  Excellent resource!  RWMorse, 2001, 270 pages, ring-bound.  VSCL.  FVRL

Pelagic Boat Trips for watching oceanic seabirds out of Westport Marina in the summer months. 

Bottle Beach State Park  Near Westport  SS   Bird Watching Area, Mudflats, Swamps   

Birds of the Pacific Northwest.  By John Shewey and Tim Blount.  Timber Press Field Guide, 2017, 560 pages. 

Johns River Wildlife Area   Images   Near Westport  SS   History  Game Farm Road off 105  Walking trails, boat launch, bird watching.  

Birds of Washington Field Guide.  By Stan Tekiela.  Adventure Pubs., 2001, 332 pages. 

Jetties, marina, and pier in Westport

American Birding Association Field Guide to the Birds of Washington.  By Dennis Paulson and Brian Small.  Scott and Nix, 2020, 368 pages. 

Jetty and small marina and wetlands around Tokeland.  Tokeland   Population 200   Willapa Bay   Images  

In the Spring, many birds flock to the shallow waters and river estuaries of both Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay. 

 

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Driving Tours of Mike Garofalo

Tour 1:  Longview to Westport  (WA4, US101,WA105) 
Columbia River, Willapa Bay (East and North Sides of the Willapa Bay), Raymond, Grayland, Westport
Driving west and north for 131 miles. 
 

Tour 2:  Westport to Aberdeen  (WA105) 

Tour 3:  Westport to Raymond  (WA105)

More Notes on Driving From Vancouver to Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay

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Forks  Population 3,500  OP  Olympic Park Region

 

Four Days in Grayland by Michael P. Garofalo

Four Days in Grayland Index

Four Days in Grayland, Part I     Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide 

Four Days in Grayland, Part II    Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments 

Four Days in Grayland, Part III   Photographs, Blog Posts, and Notes from 2021-2022  

Four Days in Grayland, Part IV    Reflections of a Beachcomber: Poetry, Short Essays, Reports, Commentary, Quotations

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Hiking, Walking, Hiking Trails, Walking Paths, Bicycle Paths, Beachcombing

Ocean Beaches, 15 miles of wide sandy beaches and sand dunes from North Cove to Westport.   

Johns River Wildlife Area   Images   Near Westport  SS   History  Game Farm Road off 105  Walking trails, boat launch

Walking Quotations, Reflections, and Information.  Compiled by Michael P. Garofalo. 

Westport State Park - Westport Light Trail  Images   Westport Dunes Trail  SS

Bottle Beach State Park  Near Westport  SS   Bird Watching Area, Mudflats, Swamps   

Willapa Hills State Park Trail  Near South Bend-Raymond, and 56 miles to Chelais.  Former railroad route 

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History

Native American tribes have lived in the Grays Harbor region for over 8,000 years.  They were expert fishermen, hunters and gatherers.  They made good canoes, were expert sea fishermen, and could travel considerable distances by canoe.  They built more weather secure wood homes inland for winter, and temporary shelter camps near shorelines, rivers, and lakes for better seasonal hunting and gathering.  They knew when the bird migrations, or peak razor clam times, or best kelp beds, or seasonal salmon runs would provide more needed food for eating and drying.  The abundant local natural resources for food, and the ingenuity and customs of these hardy people provided life for countless generations. 

Native American coastal tribes in the Olympic Peninsula, Chelais River Valley, Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay areas included: Chelais, Chinook, Clatsop, Copalis, Cowlitz, Hoh, Makah, Klallam, Muckleshoot, Niqqually, Quinault, Queets, Quileute, Shoalwater Bay, and Willapa.  Here is a list of some of the books I have read about Native American People and the Cultures of the coastal Northwest.  

On May 7, 1792, a Yankee commercial sailing ship from Boston arrived in Grays Harbor.  The Captain of this merchant vessel was Robert Gray.  He and Captain George Vancouver were exploring and documenting this area at the same time in separate sailing ships.  Later that year, Captain Gray, in his ship Columbia, crossed the bar and entered the Columbia River at Astoria.  The Spanish, Russians, French, British and Americans were all fur trapping in these areas from Vancouver Island to the Columbia River. 

By 1805, President Jefferson had the Lewis and Clark Expedition survey and document American interests from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Northwest Pacific coast.  Fort Vancouver Washington was founded in 1825 by The Hudson Bay Company.  The Treaty of 1818 and Oregon Treaty of 1846 between England and USA were significant.  All the Olympic Peninsula covered in this webpage became a Territory of the USA in 1848, and Washington became a State of the USA in 1889.  

Settlement by Europeans began in the 1850-1870's in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay coastal areas.  The Europeans developed many fishing, lumber, farm, commercial, retail, shipping, tourism, professional and other businesses.  Tourism in Ocean Shores, Aberdeen, Westport, Long Beach and Ilwaco has been important since 1960.  However, Northwest coastal winters are wet, cold, windy, and only for tougher tourist souls.  It is very hard to make a living in these small coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, so incomes, opportunities, and populations are still low in the area. 

Documentation, maps, research, books, libraries, Net ...   The Native American Cultures of the northwest coast were fishermen, hunters, and gatherers.  They had no iron tools.  They were preliterate cultures of storytellers, singers, dancers, and chanters.  The Europeans coming after 1790 were sailors, traders, merchants, farmers, explorers, as well as storytellers, singers and dancers; and, a few were writers, map makers (William Clark), accountants, administrators (John McLoughlin), scientists (David Douglas), reporters, and book users.  The University of Washington was founded in 1861.  What I can know about the past rests largely on my reading research, travels to museums and locales, and my curiosity.  This webpage primarily covers Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties.    

The Last Wilderness: A History of the Olympic Peninsula 

The Pacific Northwest: An Interpretive History  By Carlos Arnaldo Schwantes, 1996. 

Coast Country: A History of Southwest Washington.  By Lucile Saunders McDonald, 1966. 

Contested Boundaries: A New Pacific Northwest History.  By David J. Jepsen and David J. Norberg.  Wiley-Blackwell, 2017, 416 pages.  FVRL

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Kite Flying  NS SS WB 

Kite Store: Ocean Shores Kites, and one store in Westport

The wide beaches of Ocean Shores and Twin Harbors are excellent for flying kites. 

Stunt Kites: A Complete Flight Manual of Maneuverable Kites.  By David Gomberg.  Cascade Kites, 1994, 89 pages.  VSCL.

 

         

Kites:  I own a variety of kites.  I fly single string kites.  I fly two string stunt kites.  Yes, you can learn to launch a site by yourself.  The beaches at Twin Harbors or Ocean Shores are very wide and there is plenty of room for safe kite flying. 

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Libraries in the area are part of the Timberland Regional Public Library System.  Besides nice, clean, and comfortable facilities these public libraries offer books, media, Net access, magazines, etc.  Often, the local public library has information on local history, recreation, travel, and natural history.  I worked for the County of Los Angeles Public Library System from 1974-1998. I currently have library cards at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System (FVRL) and the Timberland Regional Library System (TRL). 

 


Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest.  By Steve Trudell and Joe Ammirati, 2009. 

Music Playing  I own a wide variety of albums in MP3 format that I loaded on a memory chip into my cellphone.  I bring earphones and a small USB bluetooth speaker. 

Musical Instrument Playing: My harmonicas [C, Am]   Bring your guitar, flute, harmonica ...

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Native American tribes have lived in the Grays Harbor region for over 8,000 years.  They were expert fishermen and canoe travelers.  Such tribes in the Olympic Peninsula and Chelais River Valley and Grays Harbor included: Chelais, Chinook, Copalis, Hoh, Makah, Klallam, Muckleshoot, Niqqually, Quinault, Shoalwater Bay.  Here is a list of some of the books I have read about Native American People and Cultures of the Northwest.  Read more History of Native Americans in this area. 

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Photography:  I have all the gear for a Canon Single Lens Reflex camera.  I own a Samsung A20 cellphone with a very good camera.  Eventually, by the end of 2022, all the photographs in Four Days in Grayland will have been taken by either Michael P. Garofalo or Blanche Karen Garofalo.  I use software from Corel Paint Shop Pro 2020. 

 

 

Seasons and Months


Winter Season
   

Damp, cold, an average of 47F high, and often rainy weather.  Bring your rain gear. 
Beachcombing, Clam Digging  Crabbing  Reading  Walking  Quotations and Poetry  Fishing
Put on good (examples): rain pants, rain coat, boots, and warm clothes and use an umbrella to go walking and beachcombing. 
If your walking in the surf or shallow rivers or surf fishing you might need chest waders.
Use indoor facilities (museums, libraries, stores, cafes/bars, your car) to deal with the rain, wind, chilly days, and fog of the coast. 
If you don't have hobbies to do while just sitting indoors, then get some.  Nature Studies
Take care when driving on wet roads and encountering pooled water on WA105; and take care in fogging mornings.
Storm Watching 


Spring Season
  
May and June have mild, an average of 56F high, and fairly clear weather.
Bird Migrations  Clam Digging  Beachcombing  Fishing  Kite Flying  Walking  Bicycling 
Festivals/Contests  Quotations and Poetry   Nature Studies   Reading   


Summer Season
  
The weather is pleasant, an average of 65F high, and rain free.   
Fishing  Tourists/Families  Kite Flying  Beachcombing   Surfing  Walking 
Bicycling  Festivals  Quotations and Poetry   Nature Studies   Tent Camping   Reading  


Autumn Fall Season
 
The weather is pleasant in early Autumn, and colder and wetter in later Autumn.  A range of 52F to 67F highs; and 7 to 18 days of rain each month.  Bring your rain gear. 
Activities  Quotations and Poetry   Nature Studies    Fishing   Reading     Clamming Season     Beachcombing
 

By the Shore: Explore the Pacific Northwest Like a Local by Nancy Blakey, 2018.  Roughly arranged by the four seasons. 

 

Every Month of the Year:  Beachcombing, Fishing, Camping, Reading, Observing, Learning, Exploring, Your Hobbies

 


January
Weather: 12 inches of rain total from 18 days.   
Quotations and Poetry

Yurt Camping
Storm Watching

 

February
Weather: 8 inches of rain total from 15 days.   
Quotations and Poetry

Yurt Camping
Storm Watching

 

March
Weather: 8 inches of rain total from 17 days.     
Quotations and Poetry

Yurt Camping
Whale Watching

 

 


April
Weather: 6 inches of rain total from 14 days. 
Quotations and Poetry   
Fishing in the many rivers and streams that flow into Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor  
Bird Migration Peak - Bottle Beach, Midway Road, Estuaries
Fishing

Whale Watching

 

May
Weather: 3 inches of rain total from 7 days.   
Bird Migration Peak - Bottle Beach, Midway Road, Estuaries
Fishing in the many rivers and streams that flow into Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor  
Quotations and Poetry   
Walking   Kites   Fishing
Whale Watching

 

June
Weather: 2 inches of rain total from 7 days.
Quotations and Poetry  
Walking   Kites
Fishing   Tent Camping 

 


July
Weather: 1 inch of rain total from 3 days. 
Quotations and Poetry  
Walking  
Kites   Fishing  
Tent Camping

Boat trips for watching birds on the ocean
 

August
Weather: 2 inches of rain total from 3 days.
Quotations and Poetry  
Walking 
Kites   Fishing

Tent Camping 
Boat trips for watching birds on the ocean

 

September 
Cranberries, Cranberry harvesting 
Quotations and Poetry
Weather: 4 inches of rain total from 7 days. 
Surf Fishing for Red Tail Surf Perch
Clam Digging Variable Season

Walking   Kites   Fishing
Tent Camping

Salmon runs in the rivers
 

 

 


October
Cranberries  Cranberry harvesting, Festival Fun Run/Walk 
Quotations and Poetry    Surf Fishing  
Weather: 7 inches of rain total from 13 days. 
Clam Digging Variable Season  Halloween

Yurt Camping
Salmon runs in the rivers

 

November
Weather: 13 inches of rain total from 18 days. 
Quotations and Poetry    Surf Fishing
Yurt Camping  
Storm Watching

 

December
Weather: 12 inches of rain total from 18 days. 
Quotations and Poetry
Yurt Camping
Christmas activities and lights
Storm Watching


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Storm Watching, Winter Storms, Extreme High Tides, Flooding

Storm Watching  Article in The Daily News about a November 60 mph wind storm wave surge with photo of the Westport Tower by Greg Jacobs. 

Where to Storm Watch on the Grays Harbor Coast and Tips for Storm Watching by Douglas Scott. 

 

Twin Harbors Beaches are those sandy, wide, ocean facing beaches from Westport to Tokeland.  Westport is on the south shore entrance to Grays Harbor and Tokeland is on the north shore entrance to Willapa Bay.  Hence, the area is called "Twin Harbors."  Midway Road Beach, Grayland Beach State Park, Twin Harbors State Park, and Westhaven State Park are all parts of the Twin Harbors Beaches Area.  Clam season announcements refer to Twin Harbors regulations. 

 

 

Weather, Climate, Air, Clouds, Fog, Wind, Rain, Frost


Annual Climate or Weather Patterns in Westport or Ocean Shores in Grays Habor

 
Month High Low Rainfall Inches Rain Days
         
January 47 38 12 18
February 50 38 8 15
March 53 40 8 17
April 56 42 6 14
May 60 46 3 10
June 64 50 2 7
July 67 53 1 3
August 68 54 2 3
September 67 51 4 7
October 60 46 7 13
November 52 41 13 18
December 47 37 12 18

 

"Occasionally also termed "Cool-summer Mediterranean climate", this subtype of the Mediterranean climate (Csb) is a less common form of the Mediterranean climate.  As stated earlier, regions with this subtype of the Mediterranean climate experience warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 22 °C (72 °F) during its warmest month and an average in the coldest month between 18 and −3 °C (64 and 27 °F) or, in some applications, between 18 and 0 °C (64 and 32 °F).  Also, at least four months must average above 10 °C (50 °F).  Cool ocean currents and upwelling are often the reason for this cooler type of Mediterranean climate.  The other main reason for this cooler type is the altitude. Winters are rainy and can be mild to chilly. In a few instances, snow can fall on these areas.  Precipitation occurs in the colder seasons, but there are a number of clear sunny days even during the wetter seasons.  Csb climates are found in in the Pacific Northwest (namely western Washington, western Oregon and southern portions of Vancouver Island in British Columbia."  - Wikipedia  

Current Weather Report and Week Ahead Predictions for Westport   Westport averages 76 inches of rain each year.   Westport Climate

The summer high in August is around 68 degrees.  The winter low in January is 38.  There are 127 sunny days in Westport.  Westport gets some kind of precipitation, on the average, 193 days per year or 53% of the year.  Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.  Westport averages 1 inch of snow a year. 

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Westport

Westport    Population: 2,100   SS  Google Map     Images

Westport is a busy small fishing port.  The marina features a long wide boardwalk, many gift and food shops on Westhaven Drive, and many beautiful boats moving in and out of the docks.  There are many jetties and rock groins that were built to protect the Westport Harbor area.  Around the marina are many cabins, motels, and RV parks.  Warehouses and fish processing plants set a backdrop for the marina. There is fishing from the south jetty, harbor jetty, boardwalks, docks, and a quite long pier.  In this area is a dramatic four story observation tower, lighthouse  and a maritime museum.

Westport Weather: Current Weather Report and Week Ahead Predictions for Westport   Westport averages 76 inches of rain each year. 

The marina features many highly regarded charter fishing boats and services.  Westport Charter Fishing Services  Images of charter fishing out of Westport. 
I've read that some boats charter out for whale watching and bird watching.  Back in the 1890's, Westport Harbor welcomed sea vessels hunting whales.  Westport Marina is the largest on the Pacific Coast of Washington. 

"Westport is the "sports fishing capital of the world" and can be quite busy during the summer salmon, halibut, and albacore tuna season.  Salmon fishing is also done in the boat basin as is crabbing for Rock and Dungeoness Crabs.  Surf fishing for Sea Perch occurs along the southern beaches and jetty fishing for Sea Bass, Greenling, Perch, and Ling Cod is common.  Whale watching trips both inside the harbor and on the ocean are popular from early March through May."  - Bob Morse

South of the Westport marina is Montesano Main Street with services, supplies, supermarket, banks, stores, cafes, coffee, churches, schools, library, medical, motels, etc., all for a working class city of 2,100 people.     

There is surfing and boogie boarding at the south jetty.   Westhaven State Park.  Picnic areas, restrooms, beachcombing, surf fishing, beach trails, surfing. 

The majority of the in-land homes and apartments are older, smaller, showing the effects of the sea climate, and humbler.  Small is beautiful, and affordable for family median incomes of $41,000.  A few large beautiful homes and big condominiums in prime high dune locations overlooking the sea near the Lighthouse area.    

I tent or yurt camp at Grayland Beach State Park, and sometimes at the larger Twin Harbors Beach State Park.  Both are close to Westport.  

Westport is 25 miles southwest from Aberdeen.  Westport is 33 miles north of Raymond.  Westport is 6 miles north of the Grayland Beach Community

You are allowed to drive safely, weather and tides permitting, on the "driveable beach" from the Westport Lighthouse to Grayland's Cranberry Beach Road.  

On a clear day you can see across the bar of Grays Harbor (5 miles) to the many large condominiums, large expensive homes, big hotels and extensive development on Ocean Shores that were built after 1990.  Also, from the Westport tower you can see off into the north the the Quinault River mountain ranges.  

 

Westport Harbor Images

Westport Sightseeing  An extensive hypertext Visitor's Guide to Westport

Westport Images  SS

Westport: Grays Harbor Lighthouse State Park   A long paved bike path connects to light house, Westhaven and Westport docks.   

 

              

 

              

 

 

Westport: Maritime Museum   

Westport Timberland Library

Westport: Pier, Float Dock 20, Fisherman's Boardwalk   Images 

Westport  SEE ALSO  Fishing, Clam Digging, Cranberries, Crabbing, Jetties, Kites, Beachcombing

Westport Restaurants

Westport Lodging   Chateau Westport Resort is the largest.  Plenty of RV parks, B&B, and homes for rent. 

Westport Seafood Markets

Westport: Things to Do   Activities
 


Westport:  Twin Harbors State Park 

Westport: South Jetty Fishing  SS

Westport Winery and Garden Resort   SS  13 miles east of Wesport on WA105 

Westport Viewing Tower

Westport Weather: Current Weather Report and Week Ahead Predictions for Westport   Westport averages 76 inches of rain each year. 

 

Nearby Attractions for Westport

Bottle Beach State Park  Near Westport  SS   Bird Watching Area, Mudflats, Swamps   

Grayland Beach State Park  6 miles south of Westport.  Beach access, picnic, restrooms.  My Campsite by the Sea! 

Johns River Wildlife Area   Images   Near Westport  SS   History  Game Farm Road off 105  Walking trails, boat launch, river estuary 

Tokeland   Population 200   Willapa Bay   Images   Small harbor, boat ramps, jetty, RV parks.  Shoalwater Casino.  Restaurant.  Historic hotel.

Storm Watching


Day Trips from Westport  [Round Trip]

Aberdeen Area  60 miles 

Ocean Shores Area  96 Miles 

Quniault Lake and Quinault Rain Forest Area  150 miles 

Raymond and South Bend Area  90 miles 

 

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Comments, Notes, Topics, Introduction

 

Traveling from Vancouver to Westport or Ocean Shores

We live in Vancouver, Washington, a suburb of Portland Metro.  We are a retired couple in our mid 70's. 

The first way to get to Westport (Tour 1) is as follows:  From Kelso-Longview to US101 near Naselle via WA4 it is 62 (100 km) miles.  From Naselle to Raymond it is 36 miles (57 km), and from Raymond to Westport on WA105 it is 33 miles (53 km); for a total driving distance of 131 miles (210 km).  These are all well maintained State and Federal highways, wide, nicely paved, generally flat, with ample turnout options, and small communities and towns (Cathlamet, Skamokawa, Rosburg, South Bend, Raymond and Westport) for supplies and services along the roads. 

This is very scenic drive that will take you along the north side of the Columbia River, through the Willapa Hills, winding along fertile river valleys, weaving along the east and north sides of the dramatic wide Willapa Bay, passing over numerous beautiful river estuaries, looking around in the small coastal towns, and finally cruising by the wide straight beaches of Westport. 

The second way we can drive to Ocean Shores or Westport is as follows: Drive north on the Interstate 5 Freeway from Vancouver to Olympia, for 100 miles.  Drive from Olympia to Aberdeen on a divided four lane highway, WA 8 and WA 12, for 50 miles.  Drive from Aberdeen to either Ocean Shores or Westport, two lane highway, for about 25 miles.  A total distance of 175 miles, one way, for a 4.5 hour drive or less.  This route can be very busy with heavy traffic going to and from the Ocean Shores and Aberdeen areas from the big cities of Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle. You can take WA 12 from Centralia to Elma and save some driving distance to Ocean Shores, and avoid the Olympia area traffic congestion.  There are a number of scenic alternate routes to get to Westport. 

The third way we can drive to Westport is:  Drive north on the Interstate 5 Freeway from Vancouver to Chelais, for 79 miles.  Drive west on WA 6 though Pe Ell to Raymond, for 52 miles.  You will drive on an excellent two lane road (WA 6) through lovely forested country and agricultural valleys, and encounter very little traffic.  Then, drive northwest on WA 105 along the coast from Raymond through Tokeland and north to Westport, for 33 miles.  Total distance: 164 miles, about 4 hours of easy driving with very little traffic from Chelais to Westport.  I camp at Grayland Beach State Park or Twin Harbors State Park, both within 6 miles south of Westport.  This drive is more peaceful, less stressful, and more beautiful than the drive to Ocean Shores. 

A round trip to either Westport or Ocean Shores from Vancouver, and some local driving, is around 400 miles.  My Ford Escape AWD Titanium can get around 25 mpg.  Current regular gasoline prices can go up to $4.00 a gallon.  Therefore, gasoline costs for this 400 mile round trip adventure run about $65.00. 

US Highway 101 is THE ROAD in the Olympic Peninsula region. 
It is a two lane road the entire distance on US 101 from Ilwaco to Olympia, 352 miles.  Slow down and enjoy the drive.  Be careful when coming upon bicyclists.  Be careful of cross traffic from little roads, lanes, and driveways.  Drive north from Ilwaco on the Columbia River up the Willapa Bay, then to Raymond, then Aberdeen (70 miles).  Drive north from Aberdeen to Hoquiam, Lake Quinault, Forks, and Lake Crescent (141 miles).  Drive east to Port Angeles, Sequim, and Discovery Bay (55 miles).  Drive south on US 101 down the Hood Canal to Hoodsport, Shelton, and Olympia (86 miles).  I grew up in the Bandini barrio in East Los Angeles in 1950 just four blocks from US 101.

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Coastal Camping

In 2022, I plan to camp four days and three nights at Grayland Beach State Park every month.  I will stay in a yurt (Oct-Mar) or a tent (Apr-Sep).  
Therefore, Grayland Beach will be the central point for my explorations of the southern side of Gray's Harbor and the northern side of Willapa Bay. 
Here are My Reports on Camping. 

I go camping in a tent or yurt by myself in both Washington and Oregon.  I mostly camp on the Washington coast.  I go camping with Karen, my wife, sometimes, in a Yurt.  We are experienced campers.  We also travel and stay together yurts, cabins, cottages, B&B, motels, hotels, casinos, and resorts on the Washington and Oregon Coast.  
 

Four Days in Grayland, Part I     Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide.

Four Days in Grayland, Part II    Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments. 

Four Days in Grayland, Part III   Reports and photos of my Grayland Beach camping adventures.

Four Days in Grayland, Part IV    Reflections of a Beachcomber: Poetry, Short Essays, Commentary    January 2022-
 

I strongly recommend that you use the online reservation system to reserve a tent campground site or yurt campground site at the Grayland Beach State Park.  The campground was full all the times I have visited Grayland Beach.  You will need to think and plan ahead.  During peak summer usage, during kite flying events and contests, during peak low tide clamming season dig openings, surf perch fishing contests, salmon runs, etc., the beaches and coastal cities are always very crowded and the campsites are far less or not available.  I always reserve a yurt campsite or tent campsite online many months ahead of time. 

State Parks varing during the "off season" of "lower" usage (September 15 - May 15 each year) often it is first come first served only with no reservations for tent campsites (e.g., Ocean City SP). 

Ocean City State Park. Here are some images of the campground. This is a good campground that is very close to Ocean Shores.  There are beautiful forested campsites.  It is quiet.  You can sometimes reserve a campsite online for $25.00, but at other times first come first served.  There are some full utility campsites.  No yurts or cabins.  From the campground you can take a long walk to the beach.  Lot's of marshes and swampy areas near the campground.  There are many streets that lead out to the beach in Ocean Shores, and you can drive on the beach in Washington.  The campground is about four miles from the Ocean Shores business center.  My Camp: 2021 08 18-20.  NS

Twin Harbors State Park  Westport.   This is a busy, large, and decent campground close to Westport.  Here are some images of this campground.  April, Karen, Mick, and I have stayed in nice clean wood cabins and camped at Twin Harbors SP for two years.  Shore pines.  We plan to do clam digging, fishing, nature walks, seaside exploring, kite flying, sumptuous meals, dog walks, hunting for mushrooms, chit chat, drinking, staring at the waves ...  My Camp: 2020 08.   Our Camp: 2020 10 4-7.  Our Camp: 2021 10, 3-6.  SS.  A campsite here costs $25 a night, and a wood cabin or Yurt rental for $80.00.  Nearby Grayland State Park is also an option for the Westport area.   

Grayland Beach State Park   My 'Campsite by the Edge of the Sea.'   Grayland Beach and CommunityWestport  You can book specific Yurts and campsites all year online. 

Bruceport County Park  South Bend  Wallapa Bay   Lovely setting on cliffside but mostly rough, small, unleveled campsites. 

Cape Disappointment State Park  WB  Ilwaco  Yurts and tent campsites.

Fort Stevens State Park  Oregon  Astoria   Yurts and tent campsites.

Nehalem Bay State Park  Oregon   Manzanita  Yurts and tent campsites.

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For camping at Grayland Beach State Park
during the colder and wetter months of November through March,
I prefer using a Yurt (@ $80 per night).

 

                   

 

I think a Yurt is just dandy for one or two people.  First, you are in a campground in a forest of shore pines, adjacent to sand dunes, and can easily walk to the beach.  Second, I prefer a Yurt so as have a secure place to stay warm and dry, off the ground, out of the wind, and out of the rain.  Third, $80 a night to reserve a Yurt is cheaper than a typical cottage, B&B, motel or hotel room cost in Westport or Aberdeen.  Fourth, all the Yurts I have used are clean, neat, and simple.  Fifth, cooking and eating at your Yurt campsite can save you money and travel time.  Sixth, you can avoid contact with other people during in this COVID pandemic. 

A canvas Yurt is a circular domed tent 16 feet in diameter and 10 feet high.  It has a skylight vent, screened windows (closed or open), hardwood floors, heavy canvas and plastic covers, and a locking door.  It has a 120 AC electrical outlet, a light, and an electric heater.  It has a padded bunk bed and a padded futon couch bed, a small table, and sometimes wood chairs.  I bring a extension cord and small electric lamp for reading, a comfortable chair, and a small portable table.  

Each Yurt site has a small to large raised covered deck outside the front door.  The site includes a picnic table and a fireplace pit.  There is usually a nice paved driveway in front of the Yurt.  There is room for a tent and most Yurt campsites. 

Rules vary in Washington and Oregon about how many people can reserve and use a Yurt site, adding tents to a Yurt site, adding extra cars to a Yurt site, adding an RV or trailer or truck and boat to a Yurt site, adding pets to a Yurt site, etc.  Some Yurts have handicapped access.  I costs me $80.00 per night to reserve a Yurt site at Grayland Beach State Park (no extra fees/taxes). 

 

You cannot cook inside a Yurt; you must cook at the outside picnic table.  You can eat at the picnic table or on the covered porch. 

You cannot smoke inside a Yurt.  You may or may not be allowed to make a fire in the fireplace.  There is often a ban on any kind of camp fires during dry seasons. 

 

A Yurt does not have a toilet.  You must use the public restrooms.  There are public restrooms nearby.  In a tent or yurt I have secure containers for safely storing my urine; so that I don't have to make any nighttime trips outside the yurt to pee.  Some of us old people need to pee more often at night.  Dispose of your black/yellow water in the morning in the public restroom.  Use simple, clean, smell free, and dry alternatives. 

A Yurt does not have water inside the Yurt.  There are numerous public water spigots in the campground and at Yurt campsites. 

 

Both Yurt and many tent campsites do have major RV and trailer electrical and water services for $30.00 more. 

You bring your own bedding, covers, play and recreational gear, cooking kitchen, food, clothing, gear and supplies.  

 

Beach Activities I enjoy: Sitting and staring, thinking and day dreaming, walking around, reading, photography, surf fishing, clam digging, long vigorous walks, practicing Taijiquan or Qigong, beachcombing for little treasures, kite flying, frolicking in the surf, playing games, doing nature studies, playing a harmonica, smelling the sea, listening to the waves, writing, working with tools, reading, using waders, staying warm, ...  For rest, I sit and stare, sit or lay down in my beach tent, lay on the cushion in the back of my my Junior RV Ford Escape or sit inside the Escape for warmth, doze and sleep.  I have a stove, teapot, and hot water for tea and coffee and instant foods.  I bring a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, dried fish or beef, good bread, and goodies to eat; and, bring a couple of grams of cannabis and apricot brandy. 

You are allowed to drive your automobile on Washington coast beaches.  This is a significant advantage.  I don't drive far from the gravel road entrance to get to a quiet empty spot to set up my day beach camp.  My AWD Ford Escape, Junior RV, handles beach driving with ease.  At Grayland Beach State Park, there is a paved and gravel road from 105 to the beach called Cranberry Beach Road that is adjacent to the north side of Grayland Beach State Park. 

Beach Day-Use Campsites NS SS

Be prepared at all times with plenty of good outdoor clothing to make you safe and comfortable in the cool, windy and damp environment of the Northwest seashore.  It is often cold, foggy, breezy, and overcast and the sea temperatures are low [55 Fş].   Only a few diehard surfers in wetsuits brave swimming in the jetty summer swells at Westport.  This ain't Huntington Beach in SoCal!  Plan to dress for cold weather!!  Wear sturdy shoes for long walks and beachcombing; and waterproof boots for wading in the water. Waders might be needed for clam digging and surf fishing.  Bring some rain gear, towels, poncho.  If you get wet, clothes dry slowly or not at all; therefore, have plenty of warm outdoor clothes to change into if you get wet. The proper clothing can make outdoor activity comfortable and ready for adventures in all kinds of coastal weather. 


SUV RVing: How to Travel, Camp, Sleep, Explore, and Thrive in the Ultimate Tiny House.  By Tristan Higbee.  2016, 115 pages.  VSCL. 

Traveling and Car Camping: Equipment Choices, Checklists, and Organizing Ideas for Your Tent Camping Trips.  By D. W. Penn.  2019, 143 pages.  VSCL. 

Yurt Camping in the Northwest

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Bibliography - Washington

 

 

                         

 

Karen and I have lived in the City of Vancouver, in Clark County, in the Southwestern side of the State of Washington, since April of 2017. 

I write about these short travel adventures in my Cloud Hands Blog.  Follow the adventures by the Category Labels: Oregon, Southwestern Washington, Washington, Travel, Camping.

Maps for Washington State

We have traveled a number of times in the State of Washington and have stayed in motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, yurts, or campgrounds in the following cities or areas:  Bay View State Park near Mr. Vernon, Bellingham, Cape Disappointment State Park, Kalaloch, Lake Crescent, La Wis Wis Campground near Packwood, Long Beach, Horseshoe Lake below Mount Adams, Kanasat-Palmer State Park near Enumclaw, Grayland Beach State Park near Westport, Kennewick, Leavenworth, Seattle, Seaview, Skamokava, Spokane, Spirit Lake near Mt. St. Helens, Toppenish, Twin Harbors State Park near Westport, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Whidby Island, Winthrop, and Yakima.  

 

 

An Explorer's Guide: Washington.  By Denise Fainberg.  Woodstock, Vermont,  Second Edition, 2012.  Index, 512 pages.  ISBN: 978-0881509748.  VSCL. 


Atomic Frontier Days: Hanford and the American West.  By John M. Findlay and Bruce W. Hevly.  Emil and Kathleen Sick Book Series in Western History and Biography.  University of Washington Press, 2011.  Index, bibliography, notes, 384 pages.  ISBN: 978-0295990972.  FVRL.  The story of the Hanford nuclear products production plants (1942-1990) and toxic nuclear waster storage (1950-) along the Columbia River; and the development of the nearby cities of Richmond, Kennewick, and Pasco, Washington. 


Beacon Rock State Park.  Columbia River Gorge. 


Blog Posts to the Cloud Hands Blog by Mike Garofalo regarding travel adventures in Washington State.
 

Backroads & Byways of Washington: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend Excursions.   By Archie Satterfield.  Woodstock, Vermont, The Countryman Press, 2010.  165 pages.  ISBN: 9780881508253.  VSCL. 


Battle Ground Lake State Park, Clark County, Washington.  Campground, yurts, lake fishing, hiking.  Nearby Moulton Falls is popular.  Images Lewisville Park, a Clark County Regional Park, is just a few miles north of the City of Battle Ground - a lovely riverside park.  [I once watched at this park a few people being Baptized in the river on a summer day.]


The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest.  By J. Guane Sept.  Harbor Publishing, 1999, 244 pages.  VSCL. 

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Bridge of the Gods - Ancient Avalanche.  Cascade Locks area of the Columbia River. 

Here is the "Bridge of the Gods Legend" told by the Klickitats.

"In their tale, the chief of all the gods, Tyhee Saghalie and his two sons, Pahto (also called Klickitat) and Wy'east, traveled down the Columbia River from the Far North in search of a suitable area to settle.  They came upon an area that is now called The Dalles and thought they had never seen a land so beautiful. The sons quarreled over the land and to solve the dispute, their father shot two arrows from his mighty bow; one to the north and the other to the south. Pahto followed the arrow to the north and settled there while Wy'east did the same for the arrow to the south. Saghalie then built Tanmahawis, the Bridge of the Gods, so his family could meet periodically.  When the two sons of Saghalie both fell in love with a beautiful maiden named Loowit, she could not choose between them. The two young chiefs fought over her, burying villages and forests in the process. The area was devastated and the earth shook so violently that the huge bridge fell into the river, creating the Cascades Rapids of the Columbia River Gorge.  For punishment, Saghalie struck down each of the lovers and transformed them into great mountains where they fell. Wy'east, with his head lifted in pride, became the volcano known today as Mount Hood, and Pahto, with his head bent toward his fallen love, was turned into Mount Adams. The fair Loowit became Mount St. Helens, known to the Klickitats as Louwala-Clough which means "smoking or fire mountain" in their language (the Sahaptin called the mountain Loowit)."

 


Bridge of the Gods.  Columbia River bridge near Cascade Locks and Bonneville Dam. 


Bridging a Great Divide: The Battle for the Columbian River Gorge.  By Kathie Durbin.  Oregon State University Press, 2013, 312 pages, Index, bibliography, notes.  VSCL.


Cape Disappointment State Park near Seaside and Ilwaco, Washington.  I've camped at the state park before, and stayed at a motel and cabin in Seaside.  We attended the kite festival in Seaside in August of 2018.  I once went to the emergency hospital in Ilwaco in 2017.   


Contested Boundaries: A New Pacific Northwest History.  By David J. Jepsen and David J. Norberg.  2017, 388 pages. 


La Center Bottoms Natural Area, Clark County, Washington.  Near the town of La Push. 


Clark County, City of Vancouver, Washington.  Local travel for us.  We live in the unincorporated northeast area of Vancouver, the Orchards area.  Fort Vancouver was established in 1825.  Washington became a State in 1889.  The new Vancouver Grand Street Pier and Waterfront. 


Columbia Gorge Getways: 12 Weekend Adventures, From Towns to Trails.  By Laura O. Foster.  Towns to Trails Media, 2019.  266 pages.  Hikes in Clark County are covered on pages 22-35.  VSCL.


Columbia Gorge Interpretative Center Museum.  Near Bridge of the Gods and Skamania Lodge. 


Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum; Official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  Columbia River Gorge AssociationThe Dalles, Oregon. 


Columbia River Gorge: National Scenic Area.  25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition.  Photography by Peter Marbach.  Text by Janet Cook.  Woodburn, Oregon, Beautiful American Publishing Co., 2011.  112 pages.  ISBN: 978-0898028775.  VSCL. 


The Complete Hiker, Revised and Expanded.   By John Long and Michael Hodgson.  International Marine, Ragged Mountain Press, 2nd Edition, 2000.  Index, 243 pages.  ISBN: 9780071358188.  VSCL. 


The Dalles, Oregon.  The Dalles Dam was built on the Columbia River in 1957.  Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum; Official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  Columbia River Gorge AssociationFort Dalles military outpost from 1838-1866.  This particular area was a major Native American trading center for at least 10,000 years; and also near the traditional Celilo Falls fishing site.  Population: 13,600.  Images.


Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge.  By Craig Romano.  Seattle, Washington, The Mountaineers Books, 2011.  Index, 287 pages.  ISBN: 978-594853685.  VSCL.


Day Hiking North Cascades: Mount Baker, Mountain Loop Highway, San Juan Islands  By Craig Romano.  Seattle, Washington, The Mountaineers Books, 2008.  Index, 356 pages.  ISBN: 9781594850486.  VSCL. 


Day Hiking, South Cascades: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and the Columbia Gorge.  By Dan A. Nelson.  Photography, B&W, by Alan L. Bauer.  Seattle, Washington, The Mountaineers Books, 2007.  Day Hiking Series.  Index, 284 pages.  ISBN: 9781594850455.  VSCL. 


Day Hiking in California, Oregon and Washington.  A hypertext notebook by Mike Garofalo. 


Druid, Nature Religions, and New Age Spirituality, Mysticism, and Travel in Nature.  Place and Spirituality.  Wee Folk, Devas, and Nature Spirits. 


Ecomysticism: The Profound Experience of Nature as Spiritual Guide.  By Cal Von Essen, M.D..  Rochester, Vermont, Bear and Co., 2007.  Index, bibliography, 274 pages.  ISBN:  9781591431183.  VSCL.  Druid and New Age Spirituality, Mysticism, and Travel in Nature.


Exploring Washington's Past: A Road Guide to History.  By Ruth Kirk and Carmela Alexander.  Seattle, University of Washington Press, Revised Edition, 1995.  Index, Reading List, 543 pages.  ISBN: 0295974435.  VSCL.  An excellent travel guide for automobile travelers in Washington. 


Fishing the Rivers and Lakes of Washington


Flyfisher's Guide to Washington.  By Greg Thomas.  The Wilderness Adventures Flyfisher's Guide Series.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2013.  500 pages.  ISBN: 978-185106582.  VSCL. 


Fort Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver, Washington

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Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Southern Trail Guide.  Mt. Adams Ranger District.  Seattle, Washington, Northwest Interpretive Association. 76 pages.  VSCL. 


Hidden Washington: Including Seattle, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, Cascades, and Columbia River Gorge  By Eric Lucas.  Berkeley, California, Ulysses Press, 5th Edition, 2005.  Index, 406 pages.  ISBN: 1569754861.  VSCL. 


Hiking the Columbia River Gorge: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures.  By Russ Schneider.  Revised by Jim Yuskavitch.  253 pages.  Helena, Montana, Falcon Guides, 2004, Third Edition, 2014. VSCL.   


Hiking Washington's Mount Adams Country.  By Fred Barstad.  A Guide to the Mount Adams, Indian Heaven, and Trapper Creek Wilderness Areas of Washington's Southern Cascades.  Helena, Montana, Falcon Books, 2004. 234 pages.  ISBN: 0762730900.  VSCL. 


Hood River, Oregon, Columbia River Gorge.  Population: 7,100.  Images.


Kayaking Alone.  By Mike Barenti.  Published by the University of Nebraska Press, 2008, 244 pages, bibliography.   This book tells about kayaking alone for 900 miles from Idaho's mountains to the Pacific Ocean.  He follows the Snake River from the mountains of Idaho until it reaches the confluence with the Columbia at the Tri-Cities Area of Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick.  The Yakima River also meets the Columbia in this area.  The author was a reporter for the Yakima newspaper for a number of years.  Then, he travels down the Columbia through the Gorge and then past Portland, Longview and onto Astoria.  He has many comments about the fish situation in the Columbia, the many dams, and the development of "civilization" along the Columbia.  He interviews many people on his solo journey in a kayak.   FVRL. 

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The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery.  The Abridgment of the Definitive Nebraska Edition.  Edited with an introduction by Gary E. Moulton.  Lincoln, University of Nebraska Press, 2003.  EBook. VSCL. 


The Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Northwest Coast.  By Allan and Elizabeth May.  Atlanta, Georgia, Longstreet Press, 2000.  Index, 370 pages.  VSCL.


Maps for Washington State


Maryhill Museum.  Near Dalles, Oregon, on the Washington side of the Columbia River.  Maryhill State Park


Moon Olympic Peninsula.  By Jeff Burlingame.   A Moon Handbook.  Avalon Travel Pub., 2nd Edition, 2015.  Index, 216 pages.  ISBN: 9781631210068.  VSCL. 


Nature Religions, Druids, and New Age Spirituality, Mysticism, and Travel in Nature.  Place and Spirituality.  Wee Folk, Devas, and Nature Spirits. 


The New Complete Walker: The Joys and Techniques of Hiking and Backpacking   By Colin Fletcher.  Alfred A. Knopf, 1968, 1974.  Index, 470 pages.  ISBN: 0394480996.  VSCL. 


The North Cascades Highway: A Roadside Guide to America's Alps.  By Jack McLeod.  Seattle, University of Washington Press, 2013.  Index, 104 pages.  ISBN: 978-0295993164.  VSCL. 


North Cascades: The Story Behind the Scenery.  By Saul Weisberg.  KC Publications, 1988.  48 pages.  ISBN: 978-0887140211.  VSCL. 


Olympic National Park and Peninsula.  By Nicky Leach.  A photographic collection.  Olympic Peninsula: A Timeless Refuge.  Mariposa, CA, Sierra Press, 1998.  32 pages.  ISBN: 0939365677.  VSCL. 


The Olympic Peninsula.  By Ericka Chickowski.  Moon Spotlight Books.  Avalon Travel, 2009.  100 pages.  ISBN: 9781598802719.  VSCL. 


The Pacific Northwest: An Interpretive History.  By Carlos Arnaldo Schwantes.  Revised and enlarged edition, 1996.  Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Press, 1989, 1996.  Index, bibliography, 568 pages.  ISBN: 978-0803292284.  Professor Schwantes, Ph.D., is a field historian and author.  VSCL. 


Pacific Northwest Camping Destinations: RV and Car Camping Destinations in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.  By Mike Church and Terri Church.  Rolling Homes Press, 3rd Edition, 2012.  608 pages.  ISBN: 9780982310120. 


The Pacific Northwest Garden Tour.  By Donald Olson.  The 60 best gardens to visit in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.  Portland, Oregon, Timber Press, 2014.  Index, 300 pages.  ISBN: 978-160469-4512.  VSCL. 

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Parks and Places we have visited near our home in Vancouver, Washington:


Captain William Clark Regional Park, Washougal, Clark County 

La Center Bottoms Natural Area, near Woodland, Clark County

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, The Dalles, Oregon

Columbia River Renaissance Trail, Vancouver, Clark County

Lacamas Lake Regional Park, Camas, Clark County

Lewisville Park, Battle Ground, Clark County

Orchards Community Park, Clark County   A nearby (2.5 miles away) park where I walk in the forest.  A nice circular path takes about 25 minutes of walking to complete. 

Oxbow Regional Park, Multnomah County.  Camping, fishing, hiking by the Sandy River. 

Parks in Clark County, Washington  Alphabetical List. 

Portland Rose Garden, Multnomah County, Oregon

Portland Japanese Garden, Multnomah County

Portland Nursery.  Both Division and Stark Nurseries. 

Portland Parks and Recreation Finder, Multnomah County

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield, Clark County

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Washougal, Clark County

Vancouver Lake Regional Park, City of Vancouver, Clark County

Washington Park, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon

Washougal Waterfront Park, Washougal, Clark County

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Paradise Point State Park, Clark County.  Near the Ailani Casino.  Located along the Lewis River.  Interstate 5 nearby makes noise.  Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing. 


Photographing Washington: A Guide to the Natural Landmarks of the Evergreen State.  By Greg Vaughan.  Alta Loma, CA, Photo Trip USA Pub., 2013.  Index, 317 pages.  ISBN: 9780916189198.  Vancouver Public Library. 


Quick Escapes: Pacific Northwest.  By Marilyn McFarlane. Guilford, Connecticut, The Globe Pequot Press, Fifth Edition, 2001.  Index, 323 pages.  32 Weekend trips from Portlant, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C.  ISBN: 0762709405.  VSCL. 


Ridgefield, Washington.  Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge


A River Lost: The Life and Death of the Columbia River.  By Blaine Harden.  W.W. Norton and Co., Revised 2012.  288 pages.  ISBN: 978-0393342567.  VSCL. 


River of Promise: Lewis and Clark on the Columbia.  By David L. Nicandri.  Dakota Institute Press, 2009, index, bibliography, notes, 349 pages.  FVRL.  This library book is part of the Keith McCoy Northwest History Collection funded through the Fort Vancouver Regional Library [FVRL] Foundation of Clark County, Washington. 


The Spokane River.  Edited by Paul Lindholdt.  University of Washington Press, 2018.  Index, biographies, reading list, 282 pages.  FVRL. 


Song Upon the Rivers: The Buried History of the French-Speaking Canadiens and Métis from the Great Lakes and the Mississippi across to the Pacific.  By Robert Foxcurran, Michael Bouchard, Sebastien Malette.  Baraka Books, 2016.  448 pages.  ISBN: 978-1771860819. 


Travel Checklist.  Here is my 2003 Ford Explorer travel gear and camping gear and hiking gear Checklist from February 2019.  Excel format. 


Traveler's History of Washington: A Roadside Historical Guide. By Bill Gulick.  Caldwell, Idaho, Caxton Press, 2005.  Index, 559 pages.  ISBN: 0870043714.  VSCL. 


Undaunted Courage:  Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West.  By Stephen E. Ambrose.  Simon and Schuster, Touchstone, 1996.  521 pages.  Paperbound book.  VSCL. 


Walking - Bibliography.  Research by Mike Garofalo. 


Washington  Photographs by John Marshall.  Text by Ruth Kirk.  Oversized table book.  Portland, Oregon, Graphic Arts Center Publishing Co., 2003.  160 pages.  ISBN: 978-0932575647.   VSCL. 


Washington Byways: 56 of Washington's Best Backcounty Drives.  By Tony Huegel.  Berkeley, California, Wilderness Press, 2003.  164 pages.  ISBN: 0899972993.  From the Vancouver Public Library. 


Washington Lake Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Bill McMillan.  Edited and illustrated by Esther Appel.  Frank Amato Publications, 2012.  48 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571884770.  VSCL. 


Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.  Lonely Planet Series.  By Brendan Sainsbury, Celeste Brash, John Lee, and Becky Ohlsen.  Lonely Planet Press, 2017. Indexes, 480 pages.  ISBN: 978-1786573360.  VSCL. 


Washington's Northern Cascades Camping & Hiking  By Tom Stienstra and Scott Leonard.  A Moom Spotlight Series Book.  Avalon Travel Pub., 2010.  Index, 205 pages.  ISBN: 9781598805710.  VSCL. 


Washington's Pacific Coast: A Guide to Hiking, Camping, Fishing & Other Adventures  By Greg Johnston.  Seattle, Washington, Mountaineers Books, 2015.  Index, 318 pages.  ISBN: 9781594859397.  VSCL.  


Washington River Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Doug Rose.  Frank Amato Publications, 2013.  87 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571885135.  VSCL.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.


Washington's Best Fishing Waters.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2nd Edition, 2007.  161 pages.  ISBN: 978-1932098525.  VSCL. 


Washington Wild Roads.  80 Scenic Drives to Camping, Hiking Trails and Adventures.  By Seabury Blair Jr.  Seattle, Washington, Sasquatch Books, 2012.  Index, 251 pages.  ISBN: 978-1570618154.  VSCL. 


Washougal, Washington.  On the Columbia River near Vancouver, WA.   Waterfront Park Captain William Clark ParkSteigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge Water Falls


White Salmon, Washington, Columbia Gorge.  Across from Hood River. Population: 2,200.  


The Wild Cascades, Forgotten Parkland.  By Harvey Manning.  San Francisco, California, Sierra Club, 1965.  159 pages.  VSCL.  Beautiful photographs, color and B&W, of the Cascades. 


Wild in the City: Exploring the Intertwine: The Portland-Vancouver Region's Network of Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas.  By Michael C. Houck and M. J. Cody.  Corvallis, Oregon, Oregon State University Press, 2nd Edition, 2011.  Index, 427 pages.  ISBN: 9780870716126.  VSCL. 


Woodland, Washington.  Lewis River dams and reservoirs east of Woodland.  Hulda Klager's Lilac Gardens.  


Vancouver Lake Regional Park, Clark County, Washington.


Views Washington.  A Collection of Photographs by Chris Jacobson.  Emeral Point Press, 2006.  48 pages. 


Yakima, Washington


We have traveled a little in the State of Washington and have stayed in motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, yurts, campgrounds, or cabins in the following cities or areas:  Bay View State Park near Mr. Vernon, Bellingham, Ellensburg, Kalaloch, Lake Crescent, La Wis Wis Campground near Packwood, Long Beach, Horseshoe Lake below Mount Adams, Kanasat-Palmer State Park near Enumclaw, Kennewick, Ocean City State Park near Ocean Shores, Seattle, Seaside, Skamokava, Spirit Lake near Mt. St. Helens, Spokane, Vancouver, Toppenish, Twin Harbors State Park near Westport, Wenatache, Whidby Island, Winthrop, and Yakima.   We purchased a home in Vancouver, Washington, in June of 2017. 

In June of 2019 we enjoyed at trip to northern Washington.  Day 1: Vancouver to Bellingham via Interstate 5 and 405.  Good views of Mt. Ranier.  Day 2: Bellingham via 9 to Sedro-Woodley, then on Route 20 through the North Cascades National Park, over Washington Pass, and down to Methrow River Valley and the town of Winthrop.  Day 3: Twisp, Okanogan, Omak, apple orchards, Lake Chelan, Columbia River, Wenatchee.  Day 4: Apple orchards everywhere, Route 2, Levingston, Monroe, Seattle, Olympia, Vancouver.  

In November of 2019, we traveled to Kennewick, Hanford Reservation, and Ellensburg.   


VSCL =  Valley Spirit Center Collection, Vancouver, Washington.  Home library collection of Mike and Karen. 

FVRL =  Fort Vancouver Regional Library of Clark County, Washington. 

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Maps of Washington

I have always enjoyed reading and using maps since I was a child.  I used the Bandini Branch of the County of Los Angeles Public library when I was a child.  The library was three blocks from my childhood home in Bandini, unincorporated East Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.  I used many maps in books at this library.  I went to St. Alphonsus Elementary School K-8, from 1951-1959, and this school was three blocks from the old East Los Angeles Library near Garfield High School.  I was the Librarian III In-Charge of the new East Los Angeles Library on 3rd St. (Fetterly) from 1975-1980.  I used many maps from these libraries in my youth, and my brother Paul and I owned many maps. 

When I travel in my Ford Explorer, I always carry a variety of paper maps, guides, books, and pamphlets.  I have a Sumsung Galaxy 7 cell phone, a Samsung Galaxy Tab A, and a Garmin GPS eTrek 30X for electronic access to information, maps, ebooks, photos, documents, and directional apps.  I keep a Discover Pass and other passes, licenses, and official documentation ready on hand in the Explorer as I travel.   

I carry various good magnifying glasses, and use one to read maps.  A lamp and flashlight for safety, and for map and book reading at night or dim light conditions are essential.  A notebook with writing tools is also carried.  Here is my 2019 travel and camping Checklist.

 

I now use the following maps and travel guides for the State of Washington:

 

Clark County, Washington.  GM Johnson City Map Series.  Vancouver, B.C., 2015, 2017.  ISBN: 978-1-770684300.  VSCL.  I have one copy for home use, and I keep another copy in the Ford.  This is an excellent map for the County in which we now live.  An essential tool.  A traditional folding map.  Good detail on backcountry roads. 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  National Geographic Map, Trails Illustrated, Topographic Map, 2009.  

Washington Road & Recreation Atlas  Landscape maps, recreation guides, detailed roads, and public lands.  Santa Barbara, California, Benchmark Maps, 2015.  Index, 126 pages.  Oversized map book.  ISBN: 970929591988.  VSCL.  I keep this map in my home library, in the travel section.  An essential tool for travelers.  Very convenient to use. 

Washington: DeLorme Atlas and Gazetter.  Detailed topographic maps, back roads, recreation sites, GPS Grids.  Yarmouth, Maine, DeLorme Publications, 2016, 12th Edition.  Indexes, 104 pages.  ISBN: 0-89933329X.  VSCL.  An oversized map book.  I keep this map in my Ford Explorer.  An essential tool for travelers.  Very convenient to use. 

Maps I Use.  By Mike Garofalo.  2019-  

 

Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  National Geographic.  Trails Illustrated Topographic Map.  2010.   

Washington State Map by Rand McNally.  Easy to read oversized print.  Some city maps.  2013.  ISBN: 0528882104.  

Washington State Map by G.M. Johnson Publishers.  Includes maps of many cities.  ISBN: 9781770682900. 

Washington State Scenic Byways Road Map

Oregon/Washington Map.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  Updated on a regular basis.   

Tour Book Guide Washington.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  Updated on a regular basis. 

The American Automobile Association (AAA).  They offer many detailed maps of areas and cities in the State of Washington.  Free to AAA members, or sold to non-AAA members.  Very useful travel guides and trip planning services are also available to AAA members.  I use dozens of their maps and guides. 

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I use two electronic navigation devices.  First, I use my Samsung Galaxy 7 cell phone.  A variety of cell phone applications can help with navigation, orienting, mapping, travel routes, travel guides, information, emergencies, communications, phone, text, email, etc.  Second, I use a Garmin eTrek 30X Handheld Navigator GPS device.  The Garmin GPS is a full featured GPS device and equipped with applications for navigation, orienting, mapping, routes, directions, travel records, geocaching, specialized maps, games, survival, hiking, etc. 

Here are three books I use on the subject of GPS, navigation and maps:


The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching.  Editors and staff on Geocaching.Com.  Alpha Press, 3rd Edition, 2012.  368 pages.  Explore the Latest Adventures in the Exciting and Popular GPS Adventure.  ISBN: 978-1615641949.  VSCL. 


Wilderness Navigation: Finding Your Way Using Map, Compass, Altimeter, and GPS.  By Bob Burns and Mike Burns.  Seattle, Washington, Mountaineers Books, 3rd Edition, 2015.  Index, 190 pages.  ISBN: 978-01594859458.  VSCL. 


Using GPS.  By Bruce Gibbs.  Falcon Guides, 3rd Edition, 2014.  87 pages.  Basic Illustrated Series.  ISBN: 978-0762750818.  VSCL. 

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Traveling the Rivers of Washington: Sightseeing, Fishing, Nature Studies


Washington River Maps and Fishing Guide.  Edited By Doug Rose.  Frank Amato Publications, 2013.  87 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571885135.  VSCL.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.


Washington's Best Fishing Waters.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2nd Edition, 2007.  161 pages.  ISBN: 978-1932098525.  VSCL. 


Washington Lake Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Bill McMillan.  Edited and illustrated by Esther Appel.  Frank Amato Publications, 2012.  48 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571884770.  VSCL. 


Flyfisher's Guide to Washington.  By Greg Thomas.  The Wilderness Adventures Flyfisher's Guide Series.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2013.  500 pages.  ISBN: 978-185106582.  VSCL. 


Columbia River (Lower): Bonneville to Pacific Ocean including Portland.  Fish n Map Company.  Detailed maps.  Waterproof plastic. 


Oregon River Maps and Fishing Guide.  Edited By Doug Rose.  Frank Amato Publications, 2014.  88 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571885142.  VSCL.  Many rivers flow north from the Oregon Cascades into the Columbia River: Willamette, Sandy, Hood, John Day, Deschutes.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.

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Native Americans of Northern California, Oregon and Washington

Indian Peoples of the Northwestern United States of America

 

The Chinook Indians: Traders of the Lower Columbia River.  Robert H. Ruby and John A. Brown.  University of Oklahoma Press, 1988, 372 pages.  VSCL. 


A Coyote Reader  By William Bright.  Berkeley, California, University of California Press, 1993.  Index, 202 pages.  ISBN: 9780520080621.  VSCL. 


A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest.  By Robert H. Ruby, John A. Brown, Cary C. Collins.  Norman, University of Oklahoma, Third Edition, 2010.  Index, 415 pages.  ISBN: 978-0806140247.  FVRL. 


Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
.  By Robin Wall Kimmerer.  Milkweed Editions, 2013, 390 pages.  VSCL. 


Indian Legends of the Pacific Northwest  By Ella E. Clark.  Illustrated by Robert Bruce Inverarity.  Berkeley, University of California Press, 1953, 2003.  Glossary, 225 pages.  ISBN: 9780520239265.  VSCL. 


Ishi In Two Worlds.  A biography of the last wild Indian in North America.  By Theodora Kroeber.  With a foreword by Lewis Gannett.  Berkeley, University of California Press, 1961, 1989.  Bibliography, 255 pages.  ISBN:  0520006755.  Ishi, the last surviving member of the Yahi tribe, wandered into Oroville, California, in 1911.  His people had been hunted and killed by white Christians who wanted their land and hated heathens.  VSCL. 


Mount Shasta, California: Bibliography, Links, Lore, Quotes.  Myth and Legends, Native American, Spiritual Vortex, Sacred Mountain, Mystical Mountain, New Age and NeoPagan Lore.  By Mike Garofalo.


Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest.  Selected by Katharine Berry Judson.  Introduction by Jay Miller.  Lincoln, University of Nebraska Press, 1997.  145 pages.  ISBN: 0803275951.  VSCL. 


Native American Museums, Historic Places, Cultural Sites in the United States


Native Peoples of the Olympic Peninsula: Who We Are.  Edited by Jacilee Wray.  Second Edition.  University of Oklahoma, 2015, 224 pages.  VSCL. 


Native Peoples of the Northwest:  A Traveler's Guide to Land, Art, and Culture.  By Jan Halliday and Gail Chehak.  In cooperation with the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians.  Seattle, Sasquatch Books, Second Edition, 2000.  Index, appendices, map, 319 pages. ISBN: 1570612412.  An excellent handbook for traveling to Native American reservations, museums, cultural centers, historical sites, businesses, festivals, artists, tours, etc., in the Northwest including British Columbia.  VSCL.    


Native Ways:  California Indian Stories and Memories.  Edited by Malcolm Margolin and Yolanda Montijo.  Berkeley, Heyday Books, 1995.  Index, 127 pages.  ISBN: 09305887378.  VSCL. 


Shasta Indian Tales.  Compiled by Rosemary Holsinger.  Illustrated by P. I. Piemme.  Happy Camp, Naturegraph Pub., 1982, 2006.  48 pages.  ISBN: 0879611294.  VSCL. 


Standing Ground: Yurok Indian Spirituality, 1850-1990  By Thomas Buckley.  Berkeley, University of California Press, 2002.  Index, references, notes, 325 pages.  ISBN: 0520233891.  VSCL. 


String Figures and Games from the Native Peoples of the Northwestern United States.  By Mike Garofalo. 


The Wintun Indians of California: And Their Neighbors  By Peter M. Knudtson.  Happy Camp, California, Naturegraph Pub., 1977.  Index, 95 pages.  Includes map of the tribal territory in the North Sacramento Valley in Northern California.  ISBN: 087961062X.  The Nomlaki group of the Wintu peoples lived in the Red Bluff and Corning area in Northern California.  The remnants of these people now operate the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning.  VSCL. 


Wisdom of the Elders: Sacred Native Stories of Nature.  By David Suzuki.  Contributions by Peter Knudtson.  Bantam Books, 1993, 274 pages. 

 

We have visited many Native American museums in these areas: 

Makah Indian Museum, Neah Bay, Washington. 

Maidu Museum and Historic Site, Roseville, California. 

High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon: Plateau Indian Nations:
Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, Yakama, Spokane and Colville.

Quinalt Cultural Center and Museum, Taholah, Washington

Yurok Villiage, Patrick's Point State Park, Trinidad, California

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, near Dalles, Oregon.  Plateau Indian Nations. 

 

 

Native American Arts and Crafts Activities
Enjoy Anywhere, All Ages, Non-Electronic, Hands-On

 

Strings on Your Fingers.   By Michael P. Garofalo.  Hypertext document from 2003-2011. 


Coloring Books

     Totem Poles: Coloring Pages for Kids and Kids at Heart.  By Hands on Art History.  54 pages.  VSCL. 

     Northwest Native Arts: Creative Colors 2, Volume 2.  By Robert Stanley.   24 pages.  VSCL.

     Pacific Northwest Art: Coloring Pages for Kids and Kids at Heart.  By Hands on Art History.  Volume 15.  54 pages.  VSCL. 

     Art play with crayons, pencils, pens.
   

Playing a portable musical instrument.  Native American flutes, drums, and songs provide many challenging and uplifting musical options.  Or, a simple Hohner harmonica, a German product after 1857, or a small guitar or ukulele, can open doors to pleasures galore.  When Lewis and Clark's Discover Corps traveled in 1805, Victor, a guide for the regiment, played the violin well, and would entertain at meetings and parties with Native Peoples along their travels to the Pacific Ocean.  Listening to well played music delights and is popular with most people.  It might have increased Victor's popularity with attractive young native women. 

These many tribes living along the fecund Columbia River valleys were completely wiped out by waves of viral and bacterial epidemics from 1815-1850.  Whole villages died from smallpox, imported by some European.  These Native Americans had lived in the areas of southwestern Washington, north of the Columbia River, from Portland to Longview, for over 5,000 years or more. 

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Natural History of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington

 


All About Weeds
.   By Edwin Rollin Spencer.  Illustrated by Emma Bergdolt.  New York, Dover Publications, 1940, 1957.  ISBN: 0486230511.  VSCL. 


The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers - Western Region
   By Richard Spellenberg.   New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1979, 1988.  ISBN: 0394504313.  VSCL. 


Birds of Northern California.  By David Fix and Andy Bezener.  Lone Pine Field Guide.  Lone Pine Pub., 2000.  Color illustrations, range maps, index, 384 pages.  ISBN: 155105227X.  VSCL.


Deserts (National Audubon Society Nature Guides)  Byt James A. MacHahon.  New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1986.  Index, 637 pages.  ISBN; 0394731395.  VSCL. 


Edible and Useful Plants of California.   By Charlotte Bringle Clarke.  Berkeley, University of California Press, 1977.  ISBN:  0520032616.  VSCL. 


Field Guide to Oregon Rivers  By Tim Palmer.  Corvallis, Oregon State University Press, 2014.  Index, resources lists, 319 pages.  ISBN: 978-0870716270.  VSCL. 


A Field Guide to Pacific States Wildflowers  By Theodore F. Niehaus and Charles L. Ripper. Peterson Field Guide Series.  Boston, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1976.  ISBN: 0395216249.  VSCL. 


Humboldt Redwoods State Park: A Complete Guide  By Jerry and Gisela Rohde.  Illustrated by Larry Eifert.  Includes the Avenue of the Giants Tour.  Eureka, California, Miles and Miles, 1992.  Index, 297 pages.  Good information on natural history of this forest.  ISBN: 0936810254.  VSCL. 


The National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest   By Peter Alden and Dennis Paulson.  New York, Alfred Knopf, 1998.  Index, resource lists, guides, maps, and color illustrations, 448 pages.  ISBN: 0679446796.  VSCL. 


Natural History of the Pacific Northwest.  By Daniel Mathews.  Timber Press, 2017.  Index, 584 pages.  ISBN: 978-1604696356.  VSCL. 


Northern California Gardening: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Notes 


Plants and Animals of the Pacific Northwest.  An Illustrated Guide to the Natural History of Western Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.  By Eugene N. Kozloff.  Seattle, University of Washington Press, Greystone Books, 1976.  Index, color photographs, bibliography, 264 pages.  ISBN: 029595597X.  VSCL. 


Roadside Geology of Northern and Central California  By David D. Alt and Donald W. Hyndman.  Missoula, Montana, Mountain Press Pub., 1975.  Index, 249 pages.  ISBN: 087842055X.  VSCL. 


Roadside Geology of Oregon.  By Marli B. Miller.  Missoula, Montana, Mountain Press Publishing, Second Edition, 2014.  Index, 386 pages.  ISBN: 978-0878426317.  VSCL. 


Roadside Geology of Washington.   By Marli B. Miller and Darrel S. Cowan.  Photographs by Marli B. Miller.  Missoula, Montana, Mountain Press, Second Edition, 2017.  Index, 278 pages.  ISBN: 7-0878426775.  VSCL. 


Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast   By Eugene N. Kozloff.  An illustrated guide to Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.  Seattle, University of Washington Press, 1973, 1993.  Index, black and white illustrations, 370 pages.  ISBN:0295960841.  VSCL. 


Southern California: Geology Field Guide Series.  By Robert P. Sharp.  Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co., 1972, Revised edition, 1976.  Index, 208 pages.  ISBN: 0840312725.  VSCL. 


Stokes Backyard Bird Book.  The Complete Guide to Attracting, Identifying, and Understanding the Birds in Your Backyard.  By Donald and Lillian Stokes.  Rodale Press, 2003.  Index, 312 pages.  ISBN: 1579548644.  VSCL. 


Our Home, Gardens and Yard in Red Bluff, California, North Sacramento Valley   Lists of animals and plants in our area.  Birds, weeds, mammals, trees ...


Washington Rocks!  A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Evergreen State.  By Eugene Kiver, Chad Pritchard, and Richard Orndorff.  Missoula, Montana, Mountain Press, 2016.  Index, 130 pages.  ISBN: 978-0878426546.  Excellent photographs.  VSCL. 


Weeds of the West
 
  By Tom D. Whitson, Editor.    Authors:  Tom D. Whitson, Larry C. Burrill, Steven A. Dewey, David W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, Richard D. Lee, and Robert Parker.   Newark, California, The Western Society of Weed Science, 1992. 630 pages.   ISBN:  0941570134,   Revised in 1992.  Excellent color photographs of all the plants described.  VSCL. 

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Notes on My Day Hiking Adventures

 

The first long day hike I remember is walking down from Glacier Point to the Yosemite Valley floor (4 miles) when I was around 11 years of age.  I backpacked on the High Sierra Trail from Sequoia National Park to Mt. Whitney Portal (72 miles) when I was 19.  I day hiked all the mountains around Los Angeles and San Bernardino in my younger years.  I've hiked in the many desert areas of Eastern California, Nevada, and Arizona.  I stayed in Bishop and day hiked in the Eastern Sierra every autumn in my 50's.  We lived in Red Bluff, California, from 1998 to 2017, and  have day hiked scores of times in Northern California and Oregon. 

My current personal fitness program in 2019 includes: walking, light weightlifting, taijiquan, and gardening.  I am now 73 years of age.  Because of heart disease and diabetes, my exercise activity is less than in my 50's and 60's.  My days of hiking up to the top of 10,000 foot mountains are likely over forever. 

I write about these short travel adventures in my Cloud Hands Blog.  Follow the adventures by the Category Labels: Oregon, Southwestern Washington, Washington, Travel

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In 2006, my brother Philip and I hiked 11 miles to the top of North Dome in Yosemite National Park.

 

 

 

The Ways of Walking
Strolling, Sauntering, Meandering, Walking, Day Hiking, Wandering, Backpacking, Trail Hiking, Cross Country Hiking

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Michael P. Garofalo's E-Mail

A Brief Biography of Michael P. Garofalo

 

This webpage was last modified, revised, reformatted, improved, or updated on October 12, 2021.                 

This webpage (Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay) was first published on the Internet on October 1, 2021.   

 

 

2017-2022   Vancouver, Clark County, Columbia River Valley, Washington, WA

Portland, Portland Metropolitan,Willamette River Valley
City of Vancouver, Washoughal, Camas, Ridgefield, Woodland, Columbia River Valley, Kalama, Longview,
Battle Ground, Lewis River Reservoirs, Randle, Cougar, Yakima,

1998-2017   Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, California

Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern Central California, U.S.A.
Cities in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City, Orland, Willows, Corning,
Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Manton, Cottonwood,
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, and Redding, CA, California.

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© Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington, 2017 -

   Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, 1998-2017

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Mike Garofalo at the Klickitat River in Southwest Washington, 2019

 

 

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