Ferry Land

Taking a small ferry ranks in my top ten list of cheap thrills. On our two transits of the Columbia River via the Wahkiakum Ferry, we have seen scaup, ring necks, western grebes and double crested cormorants. The last ferry operating on the lower Columbia, it travels between Westport, Oregon and Cathlamet, Washington. Besides a fun ride, it's our favorite way access the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge.

Another ferry in our vicinity is the Wheatland Ferry--a bargain price, but right now you have to swim out to catch it.

Camassia-Spring

Last autumn, we took a walk at Camassia Natural Area. We knew that the little island of nature was not in its prime during the fall, but wanted to check out the location so we'd be ready for spring. When spring rolled around, we almost missed the show, but snuck over there right before leaving on a trip. These photos were taken on May 17th.

As it was many days this spring, the sky was overcast and it looked to be on the edge of drizzle the entire time we were there. But we hardly noticed, as the camas flowers, bright blue against the spring green, seemed to be glowing themselves. Several other wildflower species made an appearance, but the camas is the star of the show. I'd rank this as a "must see" and it'll be on our calendar for next spring as well.

Located in West Linn, Oregon. Entrance located at GPS N 45.35922, W 122.61824. More information here.

And thanks to my sister for bugging me about posting on my blog!

Willapa Hills Trail

Flat and fast across farmland, this rails-to-trails is a great way to spend a morning, and eventually, a long day. Now, only a few sections of the trail are paved. In the future, a 56-mile ride from Chehalis to South Bend, Washington will be possible.

We started out at the Chehalis trail head (GPS N46.64750, W122.97419), just west of I-5 at Hillburger Road on the Saturday before Easter. The trail immediately passes over a lengthy bridge then heads straight through farm country. It was the first pleasant morning after a long period of rainy days and the birds seemed as excited as we were about the change in the weather.

The trail intersects a few quiet country roads. The pavement is nearly flawless until it turns to gravel as we near the busiest crossing, which is Hwy 6. The reward for bouncing over the short span of gravel is a marshy area just beyond the crossing hopping with marsh wrens. Trail side mile markers advise us of our distance.

We pass another trail head at Adna, cross another highway and then find a “trail closed” sign at another bridge. This bridge lacks the decking for a bike ride over it. We turn back the way we came for a ride of just over 11 miles.

We walked another section of the trail from Rainbow Falls State Park. The trail is not paved there, but the packed gravel would not be a problem. What is a problem, unless you are Evel Kneivel, is the missing bridge over the Chehalis River about two and half miles to the west of the park.
More information here.

Rainbow Falls State Park

As waterfalls go, this one is barely a ripple, at least this time of the year. Perhaps as water levels drop? We did, however, spot two raccoons racing along the bank opposite the highway.

We parked on Highway 6 and walked the barely two miles of trail on the south side of the highway on April 21. Lots of trillium were in bloom, as were a few skunk cabbage, and Cardimine nuttalli. Bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) was in bud and we could recognize the leaves of oxalis and meadow rue (Thalictrum occidentale). Birds included Pacific wrens, varied thrush, and a pileated woodpecker.

The remainder of the park is across the Chehalis River and requires a drive east to a big bridge or west to a tiny bridge. We walked from the campground out to the Willapa Hills trail then turned east on what is currently hard packed gravel until we could go no more; the bridge is out!

Rainbow Falls State Park is located about 17 miles west of I-5 near Chehalis on Highway 6.

Signs of Spring in the Pacific Northwest

Eagle Creek Waterfalls

On our recent hike, in this canyon that's a small branch to the Columbia Gorge, melting snow cascaded down the canyon walls, watering the moss that was everywhere and occasionally watering us. In addition to the impromptu waterfalls, both Metlako and Punch Bowl Falls were roaring.

While we were surprised to see so much snow on the trail, signs of spring included this western saxifrage just beginning to show flowers, and the catkins hanging from many deciduous trees.

From the snow we begin our uneven slide into the new season.

Astoria, Oregon: Columbia River Light Ship

After living in Oregon, sixty miles from the coast for most of my life, I am surprisingly ignorant about the maritime lifestyle. I feel much more enlightened after our visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Before entering the museum, I looked at the Coast Guard boat displayed in the huge glass window; it's almost standing on end. Did they have trouble fitting it in the space? Inside I learn that in heavy seas, a boat could get to this pitch.

In addition to the regular museum, we toured the Columbia Lightship, pictured above. This ship served as a floating "lighthouse" near the mouth of the Columbia River. A crew of 18 lived aboard for two or more weeks at a time.

As we went on board, a friendly volunteer advised us to go down the steep steps into the living area backwards like a ladder. Once there, I had to compare the tiny space with my only long-term sea experience, which was on a cruise ship. After 2 days at sea, that big cruise ship seemed more like a prison than a vacation. If I had to live on the Lightship, they'd have to pad the walls. (Oh, and have paper bags on all the hand rails.)

In Astoria, 1729 Marine Drive. www.crmm.org