We learn about the history of the land, speak with naturalists about the newest hands-on learning area, and take a tram ride through the wilderness. But there are dozens more animals and attractions worth checking out along the park’s myriad trails and pathways.
Until recent times, the Wanapum Indians inhabited the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State from Beverly Gap to Pasco, about 75 miles south. The Wanapums were a very religious and peaceful people, living on venison, berries, roots, and fish…expertly caught using nets, spears and woven willow traps. Yet today, the Wanapums are virtually extinct. What happened to the tribe that once numbered in the thousands, and what’s left of their culture?
Cemetery reading is not an easy task. Maggie Rail got her start in cemetery reading in her mid-sixties when she met Bud Engelhart who had completed a few cemeteries himself. At first, she exclaimed, “There is no way you will see me out in a cemetery doing that!” Then she would go on to do exactly that for about 20 years.
This story begins in the majestically-forested foothills near Mount Rainier. Dr. David and Connie Hellyer purchased land there in 1937, and lived on it for over 40 years. In 1971, the Hellyers donated their land to the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, with the explicit intent to create a conservation habitat that the public could enjoy. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, Northwest Trek officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975.
The video game, Oregon Trail, was an educational masterpiece of activity and learning, and one of the most successful early entries into the early world of computer gaming. I remember spending hours trying (usually unsuccessfully) to reach the state just south of the one in which I grew up. And one of the key skills needed to reach the Columbia River was hunting. Love them or hate them, firearms are a
On Wednesday, January 3rd, 1923, Cowlitz County Commissioner-elect Benjamin Barr sat in the back seat of his vehicle, when his driver – Arleigh Millard – felt an unsettling shudder through the springs in his seat. Miller glanced nervously at Barr through the rear-view mirror, unable to move the vehicle forward. The pair were stuck atop the Allen Street Bridge here in Kelso, Washington, when seconds later it all came
Steeped in history, the Marcus Whitman was originally built in 1927 and it was intended to be the biggest and best hotel in the area. Nearly a hundred years later, it’s not far off the mark.
Nestled just a stone’s throw beneath the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington lies an unassuming National Historic Site filled with stories worth telling. On a recent work trip to the south end of Skamania County, I stumbled upon this great heritage destination. If you’re looking to escape a bustling city without traveling too far into the void of central Washington, Skamania County is an excellent
Not only is Moses Lake a great vacation destination, but it’s loaded with history as well. Let’s begin with the most obvious question…who is Moses Lake named for? The answer is not who you might think.
Liberty – the tiny central Washington town that is slowly becoming one of my favorite places in our great state – has more to offer than just fascinating history and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. In fact, “Washington’s only living ghost town” (as it’s known) is home to one of the most interesting “ghosts” I’ve ever met. This one’s name is Wes Engstrrom.