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 Northwest Native Conifers--backside of sign at Naturscaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens, Brush Prairie, WA
Saturday (Mar 21, 2020) was a glorious Spring Day, what a day to go to the park! Spring Equinox was 2 days earlier—the earliest it has been in 124 years, according to Farmers Almanac https://www.farmersalmanac.com/spring-equinox-first-day-spring One of my favorite things is to explore different local parks. It's a one-day vacation, without as much packing/unpacking, preparing, adjusting/adapting, and travel. Each community has its own city parks you can generally find online at their Parks and Rec site, or with an online search, such as “city parks in . . . “, and don’t forget county parks . . . Note: keep a roll of TP and a container of disinfectant wipes in your car for using public restrooms.
Here are some great family parks I've visited in the last few months: Farragut Park, Portland--14 acres The main entrance is at the corner of N Kerby Ave and Farragut St. The park has nice paved paths, mostly level, though a little rough from weather in some spots. Nice playground, and swings. Splash area, picnic tables (at least one accessible; most could be reached over flat ground), fenced basketball court, fenced baseball diamond with team benches and fan bleachers & drinking fountain, all make this a family friendly place. Plenty of trees that have been there a long time offer shade. Kids that love big hills will be delighted to play there, and those that love watching trains can see them from behind the fence. Parking is along the streets. If you come from the bus, not all the curbs in the neighborhood are ramped. Restrooms are reported accessible, but they were still closed for the season the day I went. For more info, see https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=119 Blue Lake Regional Park, Fairview, OR—101 acres This park offers so much it can leave you breathless! Various events and kid activities happen through the summer, including natural gardening. The lake has a swimming beach (children under 5 play in the splash area), boating (rent paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day), accessible fishing (no license if under 12), and the park also has disc golf, volley ball, softball, basketball, soccer, horseshoes. First come picnic tables, and reservable covered group picnic places, as well as accessible restrooms. Paved paths are pleasant, and the lake had clear water when we visited March 19. There’s a $5/day parking fee (you can get a $40/yr pass good for all the Metro parks--$30 for Seniors, $10 for disabled), but the third Thursday of the month parking is free. Dogs are not allowed but watch your step to avoid walking in duck & goose poop. For more info, see https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/blue-lake-regional-park Commonwealth Lake Park, Tualatin Hills Park & Rec District, Beaverton—20-30 acres Such a serene, scenic park when we visited Presidents’ Day 2020. Much of the soccer area was still soggy from winter rains, but the paved path that encircles the lake was great, along with benches and picnic tables. There are very nice accessible fishing piers (lake is stocked with trout, other species), and a playground. It’s in a nice quiet neighborhood. We only saw very limited street parking, and port-a-potties (one looked large enough for wheelchairs). Access from SW Butner Rd, SW Huntington Ave, or SW Foothill Dr. Address: SW Foothill & SW Huntington, or, SW Butner Rd & SW Huntington Ave. More info at http://www.thprd.org/parks-and-trails/detail/commonwealth-lake-park and https://www.google.com/maps/place/Commonwealth+Lake+Park/@45.5116476,-122.8073992,18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x54950ecc04211c9b:0xca507fa9c19fc5e8!8m2!3d45.5123943!4d-122.8051644 Port of Camas-Washougal Marina Park/Washougal Waterfront Park & Trail, WA Five miles east of Portland, on the Washington side (just off Hwy 14) is a beautiful new park (or series of parks) with paved path, picnic tables & benches, accessible picnic tables under a shelter, excellent view of Mt. Hood and scenic sunsets. The playground is a short walk from the picnic area and includes a Sasquatch, xylophone, drums, and other natural ways to play. Access to the Columbia River for boating and fishing. There’s a ramp down to the fishing dock, but it is very steep and long. There are informational/educational signs, including about the solar powered accessible restroom. Right next to the Washougal Waterfront Park is the Marina Park and Parker’s Landing Historical Park where the city of Camas hosts great events, such as all-day 4th of July, Christmas ships viewing, etc. You can sign up for news. https://portcw.com/ see also https://portcw.com/parks-trails/ Captain William Clark Park, Washougal, WA—85/93 acres along the Columbia River Just down the road from Port of Camas-Washougal is the Capt. Wm Clark Park, off Hwy 14. The Corps of Discover stopped there 6 days in 1806. There are replicas of their canoes/dugouts as well as canoe and swimming access, reservable covered picnic areas beside individual picnic tables, grills, volleyball standards, accessible restrooms, trails (some paved, some packed gravel ok for wheelchairs). The Lewis & Clark Heritage trail runs along that way, but is not accessible. The goal is to connect the trails all along the Columbia . . . presently the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail (aka The Columbia River Dike Trail) that goes from Steamboat Landing to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge—3 miles. See also https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/captain-william-clark-regional-park-cottonwood-beach Vancouver Waterfront Park, WA--32 acre urban development with 7.3 acres of park Vancouver, WA is developing its waterfront area into quite a lovely, (mostly so far) accessible walk along the river: A popular pet walk, friendly and family meeting and playing place, eating place, learning place, living and working place, and delight to the senses and soul. There are parking lots near, and street parking, but parking costs between 7am and 6pm. https://thewaterfrontvancouverusa.com/ Google says that you can walk from Waterfront Park to join Columbia River Renaissance Trail via Columbia Way in 15 minutes (.7 miles). The Renaissance Trail paves the way between Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver (the Washington Vancouver) to Wintler Park 5 miles east. Find out more about wonders of that nature at https://www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/columbia-river-renaissance-trail-5-miles Vancouver Lake Regional Park, WA--190 acres, 35 developed As with most recreational areas, there is a fee "to park" in the park (you can walk or bike in for free--this park is about 6 miles from downtown). The fees here are not hefty ($3/car), but if you go often, it's worth investing the $30 for an annual pass that is good for 4 regional parks. You can pay with cash or card. This and Frenchman's Bar used to be free in the off-season, but now the fee is year round. This park has wide expanses of grass between the parking and lake, lots of room for kids to run. Make sure they don't run into the water when there's an algae outbreak. It's still a pleasant place to recreate for the day, picnic tables, grills, sand volleyball, beside what you bring for yourself. The playgrounds are far from the water, but near the group picnic shelters and one of the restrooms, so if your kids can't resist getting into what they can see so beautifully before them, you can keep out of sight of the water. Those that can enjoy the views without dipping, needn't be concerned. https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/vancouver-lake-regional-park Frenchman's Bar Regional Park--120 acres You can walk, bike, ride horses on a nice 3 mile paved trail between Vancouver Lake and Frenchman's Bar, or, you can drive 2.6 miles by car. 3 miles or less from Vancouver Lake Regional Park, is Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. It offers picnicking, trails, 8 reservable sand volleyball courts, 2 reservable group picnic shelters & 2 playgrounds, as well as fishing. Swimming is not recommended because of swift currents and a steep drop-off. No personal watercraft are allowed, but you can watch the big ships go by. https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/frenchmans-bar-regional-park Lewisville Regional Park--159 acres along the East Fork of the Lewis River, Battle Ground, WA "The park was built starting in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) recreational center project. The architecture and overall design of the park is intentionally rustic, a common idiom promoted by federal land management agencies in the early part of the 20th century. Lewisville park is the oldest in the county park system and is one of the most significant and lasting examples of the WPA in Clark County." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewisville_Park A very family and group oriented park. I recommend scoping it out to reserve the site that best fits your family or group. These few pictures can't tell the half of the treasures there. Wend your way through the park on wide, easy trails--most packed gravel, but some paved in the main area. Picnic spots for shade or sunshine, small or large family, many with faucets, grills, charcoal disposal, etc. Beach access for swimming (at your own risk--rapids rise rapidly from calmer waters), fenced tennis/basketball court, a more formal baseball diamond, but other fields could accommodate baseball, soccer, or other netted sports, with your own equipment. Horseshoes and fishing. Of course the restrooms were closed for COVID-19 when we were last there, so I couldn't show what they look like inside. Everyone was courteous and kept their distance as advised. The parking fees are nominal ($3/car, etc). You'll find cars parked just outside the entrance, as walkers/bike riders don't have to pay a parking fee. For more information, see https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/lewisville-regional-park Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland, WA—85 acres of lake, 6.5 acre park A pretty family park (gorgeous fall colors), with playground, covered and uncovered picnic tables, swimming beach, no-wake boating, paved path, accessible (but a little scary) fishing dock (stocked fishing), skateboard park, restrooms/porta potties, and city events, such as an annual kids fishing derby in April, Easter egg hunt, RC boat racing. See also http://www.lewisriver.com/horseshoe.html and http://www.ci.woodland.wa.us/departments/parks/city.php Marine Park and Louis Rasmussen Day Park, Port of Kalama, WA Only about a half hour north of Portland, via I-5, is Kalama, WA. In fact, I-5 goes right through it. Between the freeway and the Columbia River are train tracks and industrial development. So you might drive by, never guessing what a treasure hugs the Columbia there. You might happen to notice McMenamin's Lodge and Restaurant (tasty food, but a burger is $15; great staff). It's in a choice spot. "The Port of Kalama offers stellar riverfront recreational facilities, including walking and biking paths, playgrounds, covered picnic shelters and the tallest totem pole in the Pacific Northwest! The Port operates a 222-slip marina, and its public beaches are a southwest Washington destination for swimming, windsurfing, fishing and relaxing." There's an amphitheater as well as tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and benches facing the river and the sunset. The group picnic shelters are first come first serve, but you can call to put a group event on the calendar. https://portofkalama.com/recreation/ Lake Sacajawea Park, Longview WA—67 acres Very picturesque park with playground, packed gravel trails (ok for wheelchairs), kayaking/canoeing, really nice accessible fishing piers (warm water), picnic tables and benches, bridges, gardens, Solar System Walk, arboretum, Japanese Gardens, wildlife, city events, such as kids fishing derby, Concerts at the Lake (summer evenings), 4th of July. Nice quiet neighborhood, except the end where the hospital parking tends to overflow into the park area. The restrooms needed attention when we were there Nov 2019. See also https://www.mylongview.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Sacajawea-12 as well as https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/lake-sacajawea and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sacajawea_(Longview,_Washington)
 Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Liberty Theater—just took a shot at this time “Music, dance, theatre, and one magnificent chandelier.” You can rent it for your event, too. I called ahead to check on accessibility, and was told it is accessible. For events and tickets, see https://libertyastoria.org/ Other Arts venues are the Astor Street Opry Company http://asocplay.com/ , and Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center (PAC) https://partnersforthepac.org/ Flavel House—not wheelchair accessible, but the exterior is worth seeing if you can’t go in. 441 8th St. If you Google “flavel house museum astoria or”, then click on the little map associated with the Wikipedia box at the right of your screen, you can get a map that pinpoints lots of places in Astoria. Oregon Film Museum—not wheelchair accessible, across from Flavel House on Duane St. A peek inside: video at http://astoriadowntown.com/ Riverfront Trolley—not running through the winter 2020; see http://www.old300.org/ Museum of Whimsy—was closed for the season, https://www.museumofwhimsy.com/ Uppertown Firefighters Museum—was closed for the season; contact CCHS for hours http://www.cumtux.org/default.asp?pageid=9&deptid=1 More info on Astoria, and events (check for updates) https://www.travelastoria.com/trip-ideas/ Also, Scandinavian Midsummer Festival June 12-21, 2020 www.astoriascanfest.com Columbia River Eco tours https://www.columbiariverecotours.com/ Astoria Underground Tour https://www.oldastoria.com/ Astoria 2nd Saturday Artwalk, http://astoriadowntown.com/ scroll to bottom home page for map Astoria Sunday Market May-Oct https://www.astoriasundaymarket.com/about Fish off downtown piers, if you have an OR fishing license and property owner’s permission; parks OK I am researching this further, and will include on my “Goin’, Goin’, Gone Fishin’” post later
Light travels 93 million miles to get here from our sun, at the speed of light, and though that trip takes nearly 8.5 minutes, a bolt of lightning travels exactly the same speed in a flash. While strange lights in the sky have haunted humans at times, how much more we dread the dark. We are glad enough that the long dark nights of Fall shorten with the solstice—reason enough to celebrate! The starry sky has been our University, by degrees. From somewhere in the dim, distant past, humans have tried to figure out the stars, make meaning from them, and then measure human movement, bodies in the solar system, the galaxy, and the Universe. And although the moon only reflects the sun’s light, what an influence it has had on earth; and humans-- since we’ve inhabited this planet. Light gives life, it scares away frights of the night, guides us on our travels, protects us from falling off precipices and stubbing our toes, lengthens our days, and celebrates our life-ways. When humans could, they brought light to the night with blazing bonfires, heartening hearths, and comforting candles. Now electricity is the spark that ignites the lights of our lives like never before. Light became a symbol a long time ago. Light represents goodness, wisdom, glory & honor. Lady Liberty raises her lamp to light the way--even if our nation hasn’t yet matched her promise, it’s the ideal we hold high: the American Dream. A lightbulb is a pervasive image in our society for a good idea. And light brings gladness and cheer, especially this time of year. We both celebrate light, and we celebrate with lights—at all times of the year. Festivals of Light--Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas Diwali I missed Diwali. It was Oct 27 this year, long before I thought of doing this post. It’s a celebration from India and much of Southern Asia. Light as a symbol of Good, and Dark as a symbol of Evil, sound very familiar in Western traditions as well. I’ve included a couple photos of a beautiful local Sikh Temple, both day and night. What saddened me on picture day was to see a security guard there. In a country where we hold religious freedom dear, I hope that there were no incidents that caused people to fear. That is definitely not enlightened living. Experience brings enlightened views: Hindus across India celebrate Diwali festival of lights with firecrackers and candles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJ6BoVRImA Hindus celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPH5Ef7_z8 Diwali - Festival of Lights | National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak Hanukkah I would have liked to go to the “Sharing the Light” Holiday Concert at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and Beth Israel Temple/synagogue in Portland, either Sat or Sun Dec 21-22, “In the spirit of our unique and beautiful holiday traditions, join us for a joyful musical collaboration between Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland Community Orchestra, Pacific Youth Choir, and Congregation Beth Israel’s Kol Echad congregational choir.” Intending to post Dec 20, yet if I waited a little longer, I could include the lighting of the Menorah, I purposely put off publishing. Without a helper, I braved the rainy dark, lit by faith that good and kind people would be at the celebration of Hanukkah to load me afterward to come home. And there were. That was Dec 22, the first day of Hanukkah. (Later I wanted to include a photo of a beautiful Jewish Temple/synagogue in Portland). The night of lighting the first light of the Menorah--beside entertainment, hot chocolate, jelly filled donuts, and a chocolate gelt drop for the kids—4 speakers gave brief messages. Two I thought were memorable: a Clark County Councilman spoke of some of the same values held by the Hebrews for these thousands of years, that Americans hold today: religious freedom, and the right of self-determination. The Rabbi spoke of the hope and commitment that the lights of Hanukkah symbolize, still celebrated after more than 2100 years, even through dark days. He pointed out that the servant candle is not one of the celebrated ones, but it stands a little taller, in serving others. He encouraged, inspired us also to serve: to light others’ souls and lives. I noted security was also there, which is usual for events downtown. I can’t say I hope they were there to prevent robberies, but I hope they weren’t there because of the fear of bigotry. Enlightened Learning through the Leaves of Literature: Go online to search your local library for information and stories of Hanukkah, or search online (or in your local bookstore) for ones to acquire for your collection. Some I have gathered: Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel is cute The Night Before Hanukkah by Natasha Wing is a rhymed take-off of a familiar Christmas poem Is it Hanukkah Yet? by Chris Barash is a simple rhymed story for those living where it snows The Hanukkah Trike by Michelle Edwards likens a little girl's life to the Hanukkah story A World of Holidays: Hanukkah by Anne Clark is perhaps more for grades 2-5, has activities, etc. Kwanzaa And then I thought, “Why not wait to post until I can attend a Kwanzaa celebration?” The only local venue I could find online was at the North Multnomah County Library, Dec 28. So, I headed there by bus. It costed me $2.50 for transportation (“and parking”, if you like) for the day. Can’t make a better bargain. If you land at the MLK and Killingsworth bus stop, go west young man/woman/old lady, on Killingsworth. The Library is at 512 N Killingsworth street. It’s not a difficult push in a manual wheelchair, but if you go the wrong direction, you’ll get your exercise getting back on track. I still made it before the event started. I love old architecture, and I loved this library. Across the street is PCC Cascade Campus. A comfortable ramp leads to the front doors, which open with the push of a button. The space at the doors is not huge, but sufficient. The library has an elevator that is not in a hurry. It seems you have to push the “door close” button before it will take you up or down. I didn’t ask for the restroom key to check that out. Kwanzaa is an annual event at this branch of the library. In 2019 they had a couple presenters (including slides/video, demonstration, and audience participation), Kwanzaa kid kraft, photo op, a free Kwanzaa themed book for each child, and delicious Kwanzaa themed food. There was a room-full of us. When one of the presenters asked, “Where y’all’s people from?” there were folks from all over the US, and even one from London. The highlights of the presentations for me:
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml For Foodies: Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine is kitty-corner from the library. Of course I wanted to try that out. In general, you can eat a meal for about $11, but I wanted to try the Curry Goat. It was too salty for my taste; hopefully that was just a fluke. Soft drinks were $4. It’s not fast food, leave yourself unhurried time. Bob Marley music played in the background. The countertop looked copper clad, which was interesting. Décor was pleasant. Restroom pleasant, though as with any public restroom, it’s advisable to cover the seat of the commode with a paper before you sit. McMenamins Chapel Restaurant & Pub (and headquarters) "Set in a 1932 restored chapel, this tavern offers comfort food, house-brewed beers & live music. 430 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217" (Google Search) I didn’t go in, but the handicapped ramp is on the west side. There’s a nice half hidden patio for outdoor dining when the weather is suitable. Enat Kitchen piqued my interest & appetite, "Mellow Ethiopian spot offering classic fare & a lunch buffet in informal digs with outdoor seating. 300 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217" (Google Search), but their hours are 4-9pm Monday through Saturday. I couldn’t stay for them to open. Phở Jasmine Restaurant Google says is just west a couple blocks from the library: 714 N Killingsworth St., inexpensive “Basic storefront option for Vietnamese noodle soups & other classic fare with beer & wine.” Atlas Pizza is next to Pho Jasmine, also inexpensive, “Late-night food, comfort food, small plates [available].” Coffeehouse-Five is located at 740 N. Killingsorth, a “corner coffeehouse with light American bites & big front windows suitable for people watching.” There are other places to eat if you want to continue further west on Killingsworth. And then going the other way, east of MLK Jr on Killingsworth Google maps shows another Ethiopian place, Aberus Restaurant, and Pig Patas Tacos, as well as Catalina’s (“Mexican street eats & homestyle entrees at this welcoming cantina with outdoor seats.”). Just south of Killingsworth on MLK is a third African restaurant Horn of Africa ”Vegan-friendly Northeast African spot with a weekday lunch buffet & weekend American breakfasts.” A group of food carts is parked just east of NE 6th Ave on Killingsworth: The Original Halibuts fish & chips with live blues, U-licious BBQ, PDX Donerland Food Cart, Bella’s Cravings Mediterranean Restaurant, and Rollin’ Fresh sushi. Gino’s Teriyaki is close by at 714 NE Killingsworth. There are more, but you can see there’s a nice variety (including KFC, Subway, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Hat Yai Thai, all nearby). Christmas is the all-pervasive festival of lights in December, in our part of the world. Dec 18 three friends went to see the Christmas Ships traveling lightly along the Columbia River. It was rainy and cold, and many people gave up waiting, apparently. Not a lot of ships braved the weather, either. We found a parking lot with a lotta spots: we were right along the Renaissance Trail in Vancouver, WA, where they haven’t yet put up parking meters. I was nervous about finding parking, so we went early, ate and visited in the car, and when the ships came, we got out for photos. It didn’t take long to “freeze” my fingers, and we were glad to have hot chocolate in a thermos, as well as having dressed warmly, brought blankets and umbrellas, and a nice heated vehicle. The Christmas Ships Facebook has more and better photos and videos . . . https://www.facebook.com/christmasship.parade/ My friend shared a shot of her and her son at the Grotto, all alight, where the Evergreen HS choirs had performed. Peter Hollens shot a Christmas music video at the Grotto (when it was warmer than Christmas), you can check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zshzkkD-NYA&list=RDhJw-ey1DPRA&index=2  Christmas Light House Some fun Music & Light shows: Let It Snow/Winter Wonderland (Piano/Cello) The Piano Guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N_NPUDUiQc 88 Piano Keys Control 500,000 Christmas Lights! I Saw Three Ships - The Piano Guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2IBGlDJ3lg Sarajevo (Carol of the Bells) Christmas Light Show! WATCH END! - Trans-Siberian Orchestra) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GufRiBUZQPc&list=RD_bps7xfc4eE&index=5 E l Paso Christmas Light Show 2014 - Official HD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rctTGYPwkkQ&list=RD_bps7xfc4eE&index=27 Amazing and Hilarious Christmas Light Show! - Christmas Can Can https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bua18A09xfQ More intimate venues, Christmas music videos:
firelight, yule log & Josh Groban sings for an hour & 20 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--OfOU5iWxM&list=RDhJw-ey1DPRA&index=7 Classic Christmas Music with a Fireplace and Beautiful Tree, 2 hours various artists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYNtp2ajeBI Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (fun Animated Lyric Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4IeOjpe2p8&list=RDhJw-ey1DPRA&index=21 Starlight: Josh Groban - O Holy Night [with lyrics] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17kiIIxSdC0 #LIGHTtheWORLD "O Holy Night" (Official Music Video) | GENTRI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4fvMgNfN0I&list=RDhJw-ey1DPRA&index=23 Lighten Up—Christmas Comedies One Christmas Eve (2014) Christmas Eve (2015), with Patrick Stewart Pete's Christmas (2013) The Preacher’s Wife (1996), Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington; musical remake of Bishop’s Wife The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven The Santa Clause (1994+ series), Tim Allen Jingle All the Way (1996), Arnold Schwarzenegger Christmas in Connecticut, (1945) Christmas in Paradise (2007 TV Movie, TV-PG) Recipe for a Perfect Christmas (2005 TV Movie, TV-PG) Four Christmases (2008, PG-13) The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008 TV movie, TV-PG) Henry Winkler Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 TV Movie) Traveling to see the Lights Christmas in Paris 2019 (Paris = “City of Lights”) video by Christina Guan, Happy to Wander https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtRmFD5OI_A&feature=youtu.be https://happytowander.com/christmas-in-paris-guide/ Vancouver, BC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdRjOUWkSs0 Christmas around the world, not great music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVQ6wY04PQ4
 May 18, 2020 will be 40 years since Mt. St. Helens blew her top! It might be the year that you get around to traveling up the mountain, or you might be returning to see how it has recovered. The photo above was taken in March--not the best time to access all the mountain has to offer! Mt. St. Helen’s is a 3-dimensional mountain, and it has 3 sides to access. Accessible Adventures, an excellent video series by John Williams, has a video of each side: South side—via Hwy 503 from Woodland, WA--Ape Caves (not accessible, but a small headquarters & restrooms are), Trail of Two Forests (accessible boardwalk loop might still cause some trepidation without a helper), Lava Canyon (said to be accessible but steep; “outstanding views”) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=66098 Note: If you return on the same route, you will surely want to stop to picnic & play in the accessible swimming area of Yale Park, on Yale Lake; restrooms, tables, boat ramp; no use fees Mon-Thurs when we were there . . . http://www.lewisriver.com/yale.html East side—via FS roads 25 & 99; usually open from mid-July. Winding, slow roads—relax and enjoy the drive; Bear Mtn viewpoint has accessible viewing, picnic area, restrooms; Miner’s Car has accessible view, paved/boardwalk trail to neighboring Meta Lake with accessible view; viewpoints on the way to Windy Ridge https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=66099 West side—via Hwy 504, Castle Rock, WA to the Johnston Ridge Observatory https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=66100 The following article is about the west side.  Mt. St. Helens about 100 years ago, view from Orchards, WA
Mt. St. Helens Forest Learning Center On your way up Hwy 504 you will come to the Mt. St. Helens Forest Learning Center (not to be confused with the Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center, mentioned below). It's free, has a beautiful view, restrooms, exhibits, playground . . . Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, 43 miles up Hwy 504 from I-5, is open weekends in the off-season, with kid activities, and is a rentable venue for groups. We didn’t take time to go there this trip. On their website they have good info on all sides of the mountain, as well as links to videos of the 1980 blast, and 30 years later: http://www.mshslc.org/visit-msh/ (connections to videos worked, except a couple) for info on activities (dated 2018, so check about 2020) see http://www.mshslc.org/facilities-rentals/activities/ Coldwater Lake Spectacular views draw your eyes as you drive across equally spectacular bridges on Hwy 504. Plenty of viewpoints, so the driver can also enjoy looking. When I have gone up the mountain before, I was anxious to get to the top, so didn’t take time along the way. This time, we not only checked out some of the viewing opportunities, we ate a picnic lunch at Coldwater Lake. I am so glad we did! Wonderful wooden decks give great views out over the clear water. No fishing or swimming off the decks. Paved path loops back to the parking lot, but it’s not for the wheelchair weary or faint at heart. Have a helper on hand just in case.  Really nice accessible decks, informative signage, fabulous views. Johnston Ridge Observatory Johnston Ridge Observatory is a fee area, but this was a fee-free day (Public Lands Day); I have a National Parks Disability Access pass, so it’s free for me and up to 3 accompanying anytime https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/destination/johnston-ridge-observatory https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/passes-permits Kids 15 and under free; 4th grader pass plus 3 free; disabled access pass free; military pass free see https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/passes-permits/recreation-fees-passes To extend your stay and play-- venues from Mt St Helens going west (downhill) on Hwy 504:
Restaurants in Castle Rock east of I-5, on Hwy 504
(Hawaiian, Seafood, Irish, 11 miles south, in Longview, WA) |
Wheelchair WomanI've been in a wheelchair for 30+ years. It poses some challenges for traveling. Maybe others can benefit from my experiences. Archives
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