First Stop: Cathlamet (WA) and Elochoman Slough Marina |
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Just one-tenth mile from the starting intersection is a river-side scenic overlook, overlooking
the Elochoman Slough Marina, the Town of Cathlamet, Puget Island, and the
Oregon hills in the distance. The parking area at the scenic overlook is small
and on a blind curve. It might be easier and safer to stop here on the way
back to Cathlamet, when, in the late afternoon, one of our spectacular sunsets
can be seen to good advantage. This photo is the view from the scenic overlook with the Elochoman Marina
in the foreground, the Town of Cathlamet behind the Marina, and Puget Island
in the distance. The hills on the horizon are in Oregon, across the Columbia River.
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Stop Two: Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge
for the Columbian White Tailed Deer |
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Two miles from Cathlamet WA is the entrance to the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge
for the Columbian White Tailed Deer. There is an Information Kiosk
on the water side of SR4, where there is plenty of parking and and a viewing area.
The Refuge Headquarters is 0.3 miles up Steamboat Slough Road in
Skamokawa WA and is easily seen from the highway. Stop in for maps, brochures and birding lists.
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In the Lewis and Clark Journals, Lewis noted that these deer were a separate species and observed their hip-hoppity gait.
The deer live in the bottom lands and are protected as a threatened species. Julia Butler Hansen was the first Congresswoman in Washington State.
She lived in Cathlamet and was instrumental in establishing the 4,400 acre Wildlife Refuge.
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Take note of the duck ponds at the Wildlife Refuge. Take the five mile loop through the Wildlife Refuge - it's on the slough side of the Refuge on the dike road.
During the summer months, note the purple martin bird-houses in gourds and see the "old man's beard" lichen growing in the trees. After one of our February rains, the
winter waterfowl birding is particularly good.
Alternatively, there is a small boat launch into Brooks Slough at Milepost 39 on SR4.
Parking is limited, with no services, but exploring the Deer Refuge via the waters of the slough is fantastic.
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| Stop Three: Skamokawa, Washington |
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The 5 mile drive around the back of the Wildlife Refuge ends in the
Town of Skamokawa (Ska'mok away). Almost directly across the intersection
is the entrance to the River Life Interpretive Center located in Redmen Hall.
The driveway is steep and curving with parking at the top.
The Hall is a restored 1896 Queen Anne style schoolhouse. It features a
permanent exhibit of the Lewis and Clark stay in this region. Revolving
exhibits feature local artists and authors.
There is a book store and gift shop. The River Life Interpretative Center
sits on a rocky knoll. Skamokawa Valley Road curves around the base of this knoll
and passes by the Wakiakum County Fairgrounds.
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| Stop Four: Skamokawa Vista Park |
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Although most of the driftwood is long gone, some impressive examples still exist at Skamokawa Park.
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To find the entrance to Skamokawa Vista Park, cross the bridge that spans the mouth of
the Skamokawa Creek, then turn toward the river. After passing the driveway
to the Methodist Church on your left, you'll see the gate to Vista Park.
This full-service campground for RV's and tents is right on the
Columbia River. It offers day use facilities, picnic tables, showers,
public restrooms, small boat launch facilities, and fantastic views of the Columbia
River. This is a wonderful spot for walking along the river beach.
Lewis and Clark stopped near here. The river has changed a lot since
their visit and dredging has added to the beaches.
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| Stop Five: Loop Road |
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About 10.5 miles from Skamokawa WA, at SR4 Milepost 18 is the west access to Loop Road. At this
intersection is a small Roadside "Pocket" Park, the W.N. & H. Alta Meserve Memorial Park.
Beside the Gray's River, it has picnic tables and a porta potty.
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The W.N. & H. Alta Meserve Memorial
"Pocket" Park. |
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This is a closeup from the tree where the woodpecker pecks wood. |
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| Stop Six: Gray's River Covered Bridge |
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Gray's River Covered Bridge |
After visiting Meserve Memorial Park, turn onto Loop Road and visit the Gray's River Covered Bridge.
There's a sign on this road that provides information about the Covered Bridge.
This Bridge has been restored and you can drive your car over/through it.
There are some size and weight limitations for larger vehicles.
After crossing the bridge, there is a small parking area with picnic
table and a porta potty. This is where you can turn around to
return to SR4 to continue this Loop Tour. Loop Road does continue on (you'd be
traveling east), providing access to private homes and farms, and eventually
intersects with SR4.
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| Stop Seven: Deep River, Washington |
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Deep River (WA) is located at SR4 Milepost 11, about 3.7 miles west of Rosburg, WA.
This river is noted for being the second shortest river in the U.S. A river
is defined as having a source and a mouth, the mouth empties into another body
of water, and is bigger than a stream or creek. Deep River is just 1 mile long.
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| Stop Eight: Naselle, Washington |
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Naselle Pioneer Lutheran Church. |
The Town of Naselle WA is located at SR4 Milepost 7. This little community is
spread out along the highway. SR4 ends at the intersection with SR401, where
there is an information kiosk. The Naselle Pioneer Lutheran Church (see photo), located across from
the Bank of the Pacific, is still an active congregation after more than 100 years.
To continue this Loop Tour, return to the intersection of SR4 and SR401, facing
west. Turn left onto SR401, toward the town of Ilwaco.
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| Stop Nine: Knappton |
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Milepost 4 (on SR401) is the site of the formerly bustling Knappton Lumber Mill.
The historic plaque on a rock marks the site and points to the
1,000-plus pilings in the water, where the lumber mill was located.
The nearby boat launch is not in very good shape.
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Pilings at the Knappton Mill Site. |
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| Stop 10: Point Ellice |
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Astoria - Megler Bridge. |
Continue another 8.8 miles to the Megler State Rest Area, Washington State Department of
Transportation. The Information Center has pamphlets and brochures, plus there
are picnic tables and public restrooms. You'll get a great view of the Megler-Astoria
Bridge, which is just another mile away. This is also Point Ellice, where the
Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery had a difficult time trying to round this
point due to the rough waters and churning tides.
SR 401 dead ends at Highway 101 and the entrance to the Megler-Astoria Bridge.
Follow the sign toward Ilwaco, unless you'd like to take a detour and cross
the 4-mile long bridge to Astoria, OR.
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| Stop 11: Station Camp |
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At Milepost 1 on Highway 101 there is a sign with historic information on the
water side of the road. It relates the story of the "Columbian River Explorers".
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Station Camp Kiosk. |
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| Stop 12: Milepost 2, Highway 101 |
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St. Mary's Catholic Church. |
At Milepost 2 (Hwy 101), on the inland side, is the historic St. Mary's Catholic
Church, which marks the site of McGowan, another community that used to thrive
along the Columbia River. This Church was built in 1904 and faces the water and
storms of the Pacific Ocean. It is maintained in its original condition and
has no utilities. Services are held by kerosene lanterns in the summer and
on other special occasions. Almost adjacent to St. Mary's Church is the site of the Lewis & Clark
Station Camp. Parking and picnic tables are available here along with a detailed interpretive sign.
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| Stop 13: Fort Columbia State Park |
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Drive through the tunnel to Milepost 3 (Hwy 101).
Fort Columbia State Park
is on the water side of the road. Visit the Officer's Houses and World War II gun embankments.
The park celebrates a military site that constituted the harbor defense of the
Columbia River from 1896 to 1947. The fort was fully manned and operational
through three wars. There are also picnic areas, public restrooms, hiking trails,
and a museum.
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| Stop 14: Chinook |
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Chinook County Park is between Milepost 3 and 4 (Hwy 101) on the water side.
This is a day-use-only park with picnic tables, water, public restrooms, and
a small boat launch. (Check the tide tables).
The Port of Chinook day-use marina (and bait shop) is also nearby.
Just past Chinook County Park, on the inland side of the road, is the
Chinook Salmon Hatchery, 1.5 miles up Houchen Street (look for the street
sign). Built in 1893, this is the oldest hatchery in Washington state. It has
a self guided tour and Learning Center.
The Town of Chinook Information Kiosk is at Milepost 4.5. It describes
the local history. Look for the Kiosk between the firehouse and the Post Office,
where there is parking available.
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| Stop 15: Willapa Bay |
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Map of Willapa Bay, courtesy of Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. |
At Milepost 10 on Hwy 101, turn right onto Alternate 101, heading north toward
Raymond and Aberdeen. In another mile or so, there will be a fork in the road,
and you'll turn right again, and will actually be traveling east to north-east
along Hwy 101.
For the next 30 miles, the road wanders through the back estuary and the mud flats
of Willapa Bay (pronounced: Wil'lap pa). The Bay, which will be on the left, is a breeding,
hatching, and growing place for a multitude of marine creatures. The scenery
along this road is breathtaking.The Headquarters for the Willapa National
Wildlife Refuge is at Milepost 24 on Hwy 101. There's parking, an information
kiosk, public restrooms, and a boat launch. Again, check the tide tables,
especially if you're planning to go canoeing or kayaking.
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| Stop 16: Heading Back |
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As you leave the Willapa Bay Refuge Headquarters, continue on Hwy 101, traveling
toward Raymond and Aberdeen (due northeast). The intersection of Hwy 101 and SR4
is about 13.7 miles from the Willapa Bay Headquarters. Veer to the right and follow
the sign pointing east toward Cathlamet and Longview.
As you approach the town of Naselle once again, watch for the
resident elk herd. (Be glad that you don't have elk in your back yard!)
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| Stop 17: Home in Cathlamet |
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Cathlamet, a charming Columbia River town. |
As you return to Cathlamet, don't forget to watch for the scenic overlook
just before the intersection of SR4 and SR409 (Main Street, Cathlamet).
It will be on your right this time (on the water side) -- making it easy to
just swing off the road and enjoy the view.Then, have dinner in
Cathlamet and then stretch your legs with a walk on Puget Island.
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