WELCOME TO THE
DISCOVERY COAST
T
here are nearly as many kinds of vacations in
Pacific County and the Long Beach Peninsula as
there are different people and families. Just to name
a few: Beach fun, Pacific Northwest cuisine,
Western history, fishing, wildlife watching, gallery
and antique shopping, hiking and bicycling,
kayaking, sailing and other outdoor adventures.
This publication is a user’s guide for those who have
made the choice to come to this special corner of Washington
state, and now are looking for the most fun and fulfilling
ways to spend precious days in this remarkable place.
Frequent visitors and seasonal residents already have their
routines worked out, but here are some “insider” suggestions
for South Pacific County novices:
• If you’re introducing your children to the traditional
fun of the seashore, Waikiki in Cape Disappointment State
Park probably is the safest and most scenic of the ocean
beaches. If parking a car you’ll need a Discover Pass, now
conveniently available from vending machines scattered
around the park. Bring picnic supplies from town. As always
when near the ocean, know where your kids are at all times
and keep them within easy reach. (tinyurl.com/CapeDfacts)
• For most visitors, there’s no substitute for the wide
sands of the Peninsula. Popular activities include kite flying,
surf perch fishing, beachcombing, birdwatching, long walks
along the water’s edge or on the world-class Discovery Trail
in the dunes, clam digging (when in season), horseback
riding and picnicking. Some enjoy driving on the beach, but
there also are well-marked pedestrian-only areas. When
you’re ready for a change of scene, the well-stocked towns
of Seaview, Long Beach, Ilwaco and Ocean Park all are
within a few minutes’ walk or drive. (Discover-
OurCoast.com and FunBeach.com)
• A great alternative to the ocean beaches are the small,
sandy coves at Fort Columbia State Park on the Columbia
River near Chinook. What they lack in terms of oceanic
drama, they more than make up for in comfort and safety.
(tinyurl.com/FortColumbia-Facts)
• Other popular outdoor options include visiting the
Willapa Bay shore, which is best accessed via the 15,000-
plus acre Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, the Port of
Peninsula and neighboring Morehead County Park in
Nahcotta, or Leadbetter Point State Park on the
Peninsula’s far northern tip. The bay is a place of
astounding natural beauty, with elk herds, uncountable
numbers of birds, playful otters and endless open space.
BESIDES THE NATURAL BEAUTY, ONE OF THIS
AREA’S MOST APPEALING ASPECTS IS ITS DEPTH
OF HISTORY. THIS WAS THE LEWIS AND CLARK
EXPEDITION’S DESTINATION IN 1805, AND YOU
WILL LITERALLY WALK IN THEIR PATHS.
A careful visit to Long Island by personal watercraft may be
a highlight of your life, a chance to touch gargantuan
Western red cedars more than 900 years old. (Take bug
spray, your cell phone and be aware of tide cycles and fast-
changing water conditions.) (www.fws.gov/refuge/willapa)
• Besides sublime natural beauty, one of this area’s most
appealing aspects is its depth of history. This was the Lewis
and Clark Expedition’s destination in 1805, and you will
literally walk in their paths. The Middle Village/Station
Camp Unit of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park just
east of the Chinook tunnel is a fine place to let the kids run
around, play on models of Chinook Indian canoes and soak
up the ambiance of a site that once was the epicenter of
Pacific Rim trade.
The forest trails of the park’s Cape Disappointment
Unit are like a time warp back to the era of explorers,
fur traders and mighty Chinookan traders.
(www.nps.gov/lewi/index.htm) Other historical themes
include the route of the legendary Clamshell Railroad, Army
coastal artillery forts, lighthouses, and the Oysterville
National Historical District.)
• Food is one of our favorite things. It’s hard to imagine
a set of picturesque coastal villages anywhere with more
opportunities to enjoy amazing seafood, organic produce,
creative baked goods, craft breweries and traditional
seashore treats including burgers and ice cream. Everyone
here has their own favorite places — don’t be shy; describe
what you like to anyone who lives here and we’ll be happy
to recommend a restaurant to suit your taste. Saturday
Market at the Port of Ilwaco is a perfect way to sample many
delicious treats. The Northwest Garlic Festival and Jazz and
Oysters, both in Ocean Park, are yummy festivals. Try the
cranberry/peach pies at the Cranberrian Fair in Ilwaco in
October, where Blues and Seafood also takes the stage in
September. Going on a charter trip and catching your own
salmon for dinner is an amazing time — a morning out on the
river and ocean will alter your perspective of the world forever.
There are lots of other ways to enjoy your time here:
Vibrant visual and performing arts communities, nearly
magically packed “general stores,” antique/junk shops,
souvenirs and clothing. There are impressive museums and
interpretive centers devoted to Columbia-Pacific history,
kites, the cranberry and oyster businesses, lifesaving.
Festivals devoted to everything from classic cars to small-
town patriotism enliven most of the year.
We’re delighted you’ve come to see us. Everyone here
looks forward to being your host and showing you our
own favorite things to do. Make yourself at home and
start making amazing memories!
DISCOVERY COAST 2017-18 • www.chinookobserver.com • 3