Welcome to
Southwest
Washington Tourism Guide 2019-2020 A Supplement to
Visit The Most Beautiful Park In Washington! Announcing Harmony North!
Open April 1 With 30 New Pull-Thru RV Sites and 12 New Deluxe Cabins
REGISTER NOW! harmonylakesidervpark.com
Spaces Filling Up Fast! Families Welcome!
RV’ers
Camping
Clubs & Groups
Fishing
Cabins
Weddings There's No Better Way To Camp
Family Reunions
Water Sports Boat Rentals
Boat Tours
Centrally Located in Southwest Washington Between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier on Mayfield Lake
CH596473bw.cg
For Reservations call 877-780-7275 • harmonylakesidervpark.com 563 State Route 122, Silver Creek, WA 98585
Table of Contents The Adventurer’s Bucket List......... Page 4 Community Events Throughout the Year ...................... Page 9
On the Cover
Celebrating Flying Saucer Sightings......................................... Page 17 Beer, Wine and More .................. Page 20
Alex Brown / abrown@chronline.com
A skier descends from the summit of Mount St. Helens, with Mount Adams in the background, on March 3, 2019.
Visit the Volcanoes ...................... Page 23 Get Off Your Feet and on the Rails ........................... Page 25 Family Friendly Activities .......... Page 28 Golf Galore ................................... Page 32 See more online at www.seesouthwestwa.com
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
Dozens of cars line the walkways as crowds gather at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds during the annual Billetproof Car Show in 2018 in Chehalis.
Visit The Beautiful City of Centralia
meet me in downtown centralia
Shopping • Restaurants • Art • Unique hotels Musi c in the park Hub City Car Show June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 & Sept. 14 at 6:00pm Aug. 31 9am - 4pm www.downtowncentralia.org
www.chamberway.com
BiJune lletproof Car Show & Downtown Cruise 22
ARTrai ls Sept. 21-29
Summerfest - 4th of July Parade July 4 at 4:00
GiOct. rls 4Nigfrom ht Out2-8 pm
www.downtowncentralia.org
www.facebook.com/ DowntownCentraliaGirlsNightOut
Anti que Fest Aug. 2-4
LiDec. ghted14Tractor Parade at 6 pm
SWW Fair and Downtown Centralia www.billetproof.com
www.facebook.com/ CentraliaLightedTractorParade
www.downtowncentralia.org
Visit Centralia All Year Long
CH596715rk.cg
www.facebook.com/AntiqueFest
www.artrailsofsww.org
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 3
Welcome to Southwest Washington,
Home to Craft Beer, Towering Volcanoes and Resident Adventurers
A
nyone who tells you there’s nothing to do in Southwest Washington clearly hasn’t been paying attention. In and around Lewis County, visitors and residents alike won’t have to travel far to find hiking, biking, sight-seeing, mountain climbing, hang gliding, old-growth forests, working farms and living history. We have two active volcanoes, one of which — Mount St. Helens — offers views of real-time recovery from its catastrophic 1980 eruption. In this guide, we’ve picked a handful of our best offerings to give visitors a closer look at what full-time residents treasure on a daily basis. First, The Chronicle’s resident adventurer Alex Brown compiles a bucket list for outdoors enthusiasts coming to Lewis County, including the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (in which Centralia is the half-way point), the Pe Ell River Run, scaling Mount St. Helens or Mt. Rainier and hiking the Wonderland Trail. And did you know that it was in the heart of the Southern Cascades, in Mineral in fact, that the term “flying saucer” was coined by a UFO witness? It was, and reporter Cody Neuenschwander recounts that history starting on page 17,
“We’re No Ordinary Dealer”
www.powersportsnorthwest.com
along with a preview of a UFO-themed festival scheduled for September. If you see a UFO on your travels to East Lewis County, maybe you’ll need a beer. Reporter Katie Hayes’ story, starting on page 20, will tell you exactly where to get the best craft beer, wine and spirits in the area. If traveling on your feet isn’t your thing, take the train. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad offers trips through the scenic Chehalis River Valley, with a regular season starting in May. Reporter Lydia Denney’s story on the railroad starts on page 25. And if you’re looking for a little friendly competition, check out one of the regions many golf courses. Reporter Will Rubin gives a rundown starting on page 28. Summer in Lewis County is festival season, and a comprehensive list of festivals of all kinds, from Swede Days in Rochester to Onalaska’s Apple Harvest Festival is included inside, as are a list of family-friendly activities. This tourism guide only scratches the surface of the possibilities when it comes to exploring beautiful Southwest Washington. Take our advice and check out some of the activities listed here, then strike out on an adventure of your own.
MON, TUES, WEDS: 9:30-5:00PM THURS, FRI, SAT: 9:30-9:00PM
TASTING ROOM OPEN FRI & SAT: 3:00-7:30PM (MUST BE 21)
5945 PRATHER RD SW | CENTRALIA, WA | 360.736.7760
3516 GALVIN RD | CENTRALIA, WA | 360.736.1603
DICK’S
DICK’S BREWING COMPANY RETAIL OUTLET
CH596157lw.cg
4 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596465bw.cg
300 S. Tower, Centralia 736-0166 • 1-800-962-6826 Regular Store Hours Tue.-Thur. 9:30-6:00 Friday 9:30-8:00 Sat. 9:30-5:00 Closed Sun. & Mon.
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
High Rock Lookout is seen in front of Mt. Rainier in 2018 afternoon in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The SW Washington Adventurer’s Bucket List limb a Volcano, Enter C the STP and Hang Glide All in One Region By Alex Brown abrown@chronline.com
Any local with a pair of hiking boots can tell you that Southwest Washington enjoys an endless bounty of outdoor opportunities. From popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park to fishing holes on nearby rivers to cycling routes in the Willapa Hills, it would probably be hard to find a longtime resident who hasn’t experienced some of what the area has to offer. Then there are those who see faraway peaks as a beckoning challenge, whitewater rapids as an invitation and groaning muscles as a reward. For the adventurous, Southwest Washington offers an equal measure of opportunity. And even for those who don’t count themselves that bold, plenty of the area’s “bucket list” adventures are attainable with a little bit of preparation — and perhaps a slight willingness to suffer. With that, here’s a list of activities that every outdoors enthusiast in the region should do at least once.
Alex Brown / abrown@chronline.com
Mount Rainier as seen from the summit of Mount Adams in May 2018.
Climb a Volcano The mountains that dominate the region’s horizon — Rainier, St. Helens and Adams — also cast an outsized imprint on the imaginations of many of us living down below. And luckily, the trio of peaks offers something for everyone from the novice day-hiker to the experienced alpinist. please see LIST, page 6
Mandy Godwin starts her descent from the summit of Mount St. Helens, with Mount Adams in the background in March 2018.
King Agriculture Museum
Add a little color to your life...
Be Unique. Buy Handmade.
213 East Maple Street • Centralia
A great experience for the entire family!
OPEN
kingagmuseum.com
CH596504rk.cg
360-701-7525
Shop HUBBUB year round and from home at www.hubbubshop.com!
CH596424rk.cg
June-Sept. Thursday-Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
328 North Tower Ave. • Downtown Centralia • 360.736.1517 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 5
List Continued from page 5
Mount St. Helens, by far the easiest of the volcanoes, is a pretty straightforward hike up, provided you get one of the in-demand permits. The climb takes you up lava flows of volcanic rock, through the blast zone of the 1980 eruption. You’ll see downed trees like matchsticks on surrounding hillsides and floating on the surface of Spirit Lake. The slog up through ash can be strenuous, but the epic view down into the blast crater offers a rare, up-close look at nature’s power. Not far away, Mount Adams presents more of a mountaineering challenge. Standing over 12,000 feet tall, reaching the summit requires gear such as ice axes and crampons — and usually involves camping on snow overnight. Unlike other big climbs, though, it’s possible
Jordan Nailon / jnailon@chronline.com
A shirtless man leads a pack of cyclists through downtown Centralia during the annual Seattle to Portland bicycle event.
to reach the summit without navigating crevasse fields or learning advanced technical skills like linking up to a rope team.
Stop in for Dessert & Stay for Lunch!
Awa Winnird C ng Chowlam Desseder & rts
• Deli & Panini Sandwiches • Homemade Soups • Fresh Salads • Cinnamon Rolls • Carrot Cake • Old Fashioned Milk Shakes • Hand Dipped Ice Cream
Mount Rainier, of course, is Washington’s most iconic peak. It’s also the biggest challenge, reaching more than 14,000 feet into the sky and presenting lots of treacherous terrain on the climb up. It’s an expedition reserved for those with alpine know-how and gear. Many opt to pay a guide service company, linking up with professional climbers who can teach the necessary skills and keep a group out of harm’s way.
Ride the Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic Every year, 10,000 or so
• Vegetarian, Vegan & gluten Free Options
riders come pedaling through Southwest Washington, about halfway through their journey from Seattle to Portland. The 200-mile ride in July brings together riders from all over the world, then sends them onto Washington’s backroads for two days of cycling (or just one day, for the very ambitious). Though it’s possible to do the ride with little training, your legs and butt will thank you if you spend some time in the saddle building up endurance before the event. The ride itself is not a race, but a please see LIST, page 7
centralia farmer’s market
Located in the Vanity Fair parking lot at the Centralia Outlets
May thru Sept. Friday’s 11am-4pm
Monday - Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm
We Accept SNAP/WIC/SFMNP/Debit/Credit
www.dawnsdelectables.com • www.facebook.com/DawnsDelectables 6 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596799rk.cg
Located in the Heart of Historic Downtown Centralia at
204 N Tower Ave. • 360.807.4393
Everything you’ll need for a FRESH dinner tonight!
CH596586rk.cg
www.centraliafarmersmarket.org
Extended Hours for downtown Centralia events! Free WiFi
Alex Brown / abrown@chronline.com
Mandy Godwin hikes on the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park in September 2018. The trail makes a 93-mile loop around the volcano, offering a challenge — but plenty of payoff — to thru-hikers who try to complete it.
List
ularly seen along the trail. While it’s possible to hike the trail in five days, it’s best enjoyed over a week or more, giving time to swim in alpine lakes, stretch out in meadows and wait out an occasional rainstorm. Be prepared for lots of ups and downs, as the trail features 22,000 feet of elevation gain — and an equal amount of descending.
Continued from page 6
social affair where riders hang out with their friends, get to know new people and take in the countryside. The ride’s halfway point is Centralia College, where many riders camp out and enjoy the festive party atmosphere. From there, it’s on to Portland, where throngs of cheering locals line the streets to greet riders at the finish line.
Hike the Wonderland Trail Making a 93-mile circuit around Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail puts the
Paddle the Pe Ell River Run Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger.com
Riders in the 40th Annual Pe Ell River Run float between the banks of the Chehalis River while waving an U.S. flag near Pe Ell.
full beauty of the national park on display — raging waterfalls, massive glaciers, quiet old-growth forest,
wildflower-filled meadows and rugged ridgeline views. Mountain goats, bears, elk, deer and marmots are all reg-
On the second Saturday in April, scores of paddlers hop into the Chehalis River at Pe Ell and float the 10 miles downstream to Rainbow Falls. The annual River Run is a celebration of spring, and please see LIST, page 8
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 7
List Continued from page 7
features all sorts of colorful vessels and costumes. When the weather’s good, you’ll find festive parties on all of the beaches alongside the river. When the weather’s gross, the party atmosphere seems to carry on anyway. In years when the water’s high, occasional rapids and eddies may present a challenge — many a river runner has been dumped overboard. The real thrill ride is at the end of the event, where some brave souls opt to go over Rainbow Falls. It’s doable, though the current and waves make it tricky. Whether or not you capsize in the falls, plenty of onlookers will cheer you on and haul your bedraggled self and boat to shore.
Hang Glide from Dog Mountain The skies of Southwest Washington make a perfect venue for another type of adventurer: hang gliders. On a summer day, many of their colorful craft can be seen above Riffe Lake, taking advantage of some of the most consistently soarable terrain in the state. While hang gliding is for experts only, the members of the Cloudbase Country Club, who maintain the launch site on Dog Mountain, are a friendly bunch who are happy to share their sport. Some enthusiasts have tandem gliders, which gives the opportunity to offer lessons. If nothing else, it’s worth hanging out at the east end of the lake to watch the gliders do their stunts. And if you ask around, and you’re willing to pay for a lesson, you may get a chance to soar yourself. Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger.com
Hang gliders soar above Riffe Lake in Glenoma in August, 2018.
CH596513rk.cg
8 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
A hang glider takes off from the launch zone on top of Dog Mountain in Glenoma in August, 2018.
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
A snowboarder catches air at the Jump Park at the White Pass Ski Area during the 2019 Winter Carnival.
Calendar — Festivals, Parades and Events No matter what time of the year you find yourself in Southwest Washington, there is always something to do in the cities and towns in Lewis and South Thurston counties.
White Pass Winter Carnival White Pass Ski Area First weekend in March | www.skiwhitepass.com White Pass Ski Area, 12 miles southeast of Mt. Rainier
National Park and 22 miles from Packwood, celebrates the winter season with a family-friendly Winter Carnival. Held the first weekend of March each year, the carnival is jam-packed with activities for the whole family, including an interactive snow castle, outdoor games, snow sport competitions, a torchlight parade and colorful fireworks (Source: Visit Rainier.com). please see CALENDAR, page 10
Cowlitz Falls Camground Make your reservations today at www.lcpud.org/recreation or call 360-497-7175 Located along the banks of the Cowlitz River, this campground offers over 100 campsites, BBQ units, fire rings, sports fields, hiking and biking trails and river access.
CH596476bw.cg
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 9
Calendar Continued from page 9
Pe Ell River Run Pe Ell to Rainbow Falls State Park Second weekend in April There’s no handbook for how to manage the Pe Ell River Run. This informal splash of an event traces back to a group of friends who decided floating from the West Lewis County town of Pe Ell downriver to Rainbow Falls State Park sounded like a good time. Now, hundreds make the journey each year, utilizing everything from rafts and inflatables to canoes and kayaks. You’ll have to do some research online to find the best starting points in Pe Ell, typically around noon, just south of the West Fourth Avenue bridge, but make plans to enjoy Rainbow Falls State Park upon your soaked arrival.
Spring Youth Fair Southwest Washington Fairgrounds May 3-5 | Springyouthfair.org Celebrate the agricultural roots of Southwest Washington at the Spring Youth Fair, the younger sibling of the Southwest
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger.com
A bronco flings a rider off during a bareback event at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Chehalis in 2018.
Washington Fair. The event has all the features of a full-fledged fair — a carnival, food, vendors, live music — with a focus on area youth, their livestock, their collections and their passions. The youth fair is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The cost is free all please see CALENDAR, page 11
Visit The Beautiful City of Chehalis “Where your history comes alive!”
•Native American Exhibit featuring Mary Kiona & Hazel Pete • Operating Model Railroad Layout • Hands-On Children’s Area • Fresh & Exciting Exhibits Quarterly • Gift Shop featuring local authors and souvenirs • Research Library
(360) 748-0831 www.lewiscountymuseum.org 10 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596044rk.cg
730 NW Liberty Place in Chehalis.
1-800-465-4329
www.hiexpress.com/chehaliswa
CH596048rk.cg
599 NW Front Way, Chehalis, Washington 98532
Call for reservations 360-740-1800
all the staples of small town revelry with local accents that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Take Highway 506 off of Interstate 5 and venture toward the town.
Packwood Flea Market Packwood Memorial Day weekend/Labor Day weekend packwoodfleamarket.com
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger.com
Vikings rip their outer wear as they hoist each other into the air during Rochester's Swede Day in 2018.
Calendar Continued from page 10
day Friday, and $5 for adults and kids 13 and up, $4 for kids ages 6-12, seniors and military and free for kids 5 and under Saturday and Sunday. Parking is $5 per day.
Packwood Mountain Festival and Fun Run Packwood May 3-5 | whitepasscountrymuseum.org For three days the Packwood Mountain Festival descends on the small East Lewis County town of Packwood. The three-day event includes the annual fun run. Runners can choose from a 5K and a 10K course. Younger attendees can test their mettle on a 1K run. Events include live music, crafts for kids, demonstrations and an American Indian drumming ceremony.
Vader May Day Vader
Bargain shoppers and treasure hunters migrate to the picturesque Packwood community nestled at the foot of the Cascades in order to experience one of two flea markets each year. The events draw thousands of people as vendors line U.S. Highway 12 and surrounding streets. There are attractions for everyone from children to seniors. The offerings are endless and it takes more than a day to see it all. Fortunately, both the Labor Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend feature three and a half days of the flea market.
Winlock Egg Days Winlock June 14-16 | facebook.com/winlock.day/ What festival would you imagine occurs in a town built on the poultry industry that is home to the World’s Largest Egg? Yes, Winlock Egg Days are the celebratory embodiment of this friendly South Lewis County town. People flock from all around to attend the parade and events that last throughout the weekend. It all starts with the coronation of the Egg Day Queen on Friday. The festival also includes games, crafts, food, live music, an opportunity to tour such beloved local establishments as the Winlock Historical Museum and of course, plenty of egg salad sandwiches.
Swede Day Rochester June 15
May 4 | www.vaderwa.org Lewis County’s smallest municipality throws a huge party to celebrate May Day each year — this year the theme is “May the Fourth Be With You.” The Vader May Day festival includes
Swede Day in Rochester has been an annual celebration since 1979. It is always held on the third Saturday of June and is formally titled “Swede Day Midsommar Festival” and referred please see CALENDAR, page 12
FABRIC! Park Place Inn & Suites
Come See Us For All Your Sewing Needs! DESIGNER FABRICS
Just off Exit 76 in Chehalis For reservations Call: (360) 748-4040 Or visit us online at BestWestern.com Address: 201 Interstate Avenue, Chehalis, WA 98532
CH596047rk.cg
CH596049rk.cg
510 Market Blvd., Downtown Chehalis 360-748-3295 Hours: M-F 10-5:30, Sat 10-3 billiesdesignerfabrics.com
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 11
Calendar Continued from page 11
to as “Swede Day.” It is a time when the entire community can come together to celebrate the Swedish-Finnish people who populated this area many years ago. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at Swede Hall at 8 a.m. After breakfast, there is sometimes a fun run. At 11 a.m., a parade begins at the Providence Clinic at Highway 12 and Paulson Street. It goes west on Highway 12 to Albany Street where it turns south down to Swede Hall. A Swedish meatball lunch can be purchased and there are demonstrations from local dancers and many vendors.
Billetproof Car Show Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, 2555 N National Ave, Chehalis
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger.com
June 22 | billetproof.com For the uninitiated, it’s a car show unlike any other. Billetproof isn’t hung up on classifications or specific models of vehicles. In fact, it’s billed as the “World’s Least Important Car Show.” You’ll see four-wheeled marvels unlike any other at this immensely popular event that spills over into Centralia and Chehalis from its headquarters at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. The spectators entrance opens at 9 a.m. The cost is $10 for spectators and admission is free for children under 13 and members of law enforcement or emergency response organizations with ID.
We’re Celebrating Our 50th Year! Books ◆ Art Supplies Art Classes ◆ Custom Framing Gifts ◆ Cards ◆ Children's Toys Special Orders ◆ Bibles
Crowds gather at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds during the 2018 Billetproof Car Show in Chehalis.
The event includes a cruise through downtown Centralia for participants, a pinstripe panel jam, live music, vendors and a swap meet.
Ride the Willapa 2019 Willapa Hills Trail Chehalis to Pe Ell June 22-23 | ridethewillapa.com Take part in the Ride the Willapa on the Willapa Hills Trail, which stretches from rural Chehalis to Pe Ell and beyond. The aim is to showcase the beauty of the valleys that host the trail and highlight the farms along the way. Cyclists depart from the Veterans Memorial Museum at 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis and travel 22 miles to the West Lewis County town of Pe Ell along state Route 6. There will be a festival and an overnight stay before riders journey back to Chehalis on Sunday. Visit the website to register or find additional information. please see CALENDAR, page 13
Located in Historic Downtown Chehalis 360-748-6221 ◆ 518 N Market Blvd ◆ Chehalis, WA BookNBrush@gmail.com ◆ www.booknbrush.com Mon-Sat 10-6 ◆ Sunday 11-4
CH596334rk.cg
CH596092rk.cg
12 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
14323-23 Snow Peak Lane Chehalis, WA 98532 (360) 880-3358 chris@4myhydroseeding.com
Calendar
and of course a parade. Most of the festivities are centered around Saturday, but stick around for the car show on Sunday.
Continued from page 12
Summerfest Centralia July 4 | cityofcentralia.com As far as events and festivals in Southwest Washington, Summerfest sits near the top in terms of size, scope and importance to people in the greater Centralia area. It’s an all-day extravaganza that begins with food, games, live music and demonstrations in Fort Borst Park and ends with a stunning fireworks display at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. All in all, it’s the quintessential celebration of freedom and independence for residents of Lewis County who carry decades-old memories of attending the affairs with their parents and later initiating their own children. Morning offerings include a free pancake breakfast, the I Ran From the Cops run/walk and more at Fort Borst Park. After a 4 p.m. parade, revelers head to the fairgrounds for a demolition derby and other festivities. Check the city of Centralia’s website for details as you plan for an Independence Day you won’t soon forget.
Toledo Cheese Days July 11-14 | toledolionsclub.org/cheesedays.html The city of Toledo is a beautiful, rural town on the road to improvement. The spirit of transformation can be found most potently in its annual Cheese Days celebration. Spearheaded by the Toledo Lions Club, the extravaganza lasts a full weekend and functions as a celebration of the dairy industry and the cheese it produces.
Napavine Funtime Festival Main Street, Napavine July 19-21 Many of the small towns in Western Washington celebrate their roots with festivals. In Napavine, it’s all about fun. The Funtime Festival includes a car show, lawnmower races
Come visit us at
731 SW 21st St. Chehalis
July 26-28 The Antique Fest gathers Centralia’s already impressive display of antique dealers on the city streets for three days. Hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Oregon Trail Days Downtown Tenino July 26-28 | teninoacc.org The city of Tenino’s annual Oregon Trail Days is sure to be a blast — especially with the ever-popular Four Square Mile Music Festival. There’s something for everyone, from the Oregon Trails Days Parade at 11 a.m. on the 28th, Kids zone with dunk tank, rock and gem show and farmers market. Some of the old-time actions people can participate in at the Tenino Depot Museum include stone carving, candle making, blacksmithing, rope-making and woodworking. The black powder shoot is another activity that throws people into the past. And as always, there are plenty of vendors and great food. please see CALENDAR, page 14
North Fork Custom Rods We now have the best! Gary Loomis’s North Fork Composites Blanks!
We have over 200 blanks in stock, including North Fork Composites. We offer Custom Laser Engraving Products. You are welcome to come out to the shop & design your own custom cork handle. We have many thread colors & styles of thread wraps available. We carry several color choices in Abalone, as well as Cobra Skin, Rattlesnake Skin & Diamond Back Water Snake Skin. We specialize in truly unique custom work.
542 Northfork Road Chehalis
(360) 520-5741
CH596507rk.cg
CH596794rk.cg
Wednesday-Friday 3-6pm Saturday 12am-5pm Sunday by appointment
Antique Fest Centralia
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 13
Calendar
Winlock Pickers Fest Winolequa Park, Winlock Aug. 2-4 | winlockpickersfest.com or wamamusic.com
Continued from page 13
Packwood Summer Rod Run Cowlitz River Lodge, 13069 US-12, Packwood July 27-28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Packwood’s streets bustle with excitement during this annual display of automotive supremacy in Packwood. All models, makes and years are welcome, and awards will be provided. The weekend event features meet and greet Friday at the Cowlitz River Lodge at 6 p.m.. Voting for awards are done on Saturday and show trophies are presented on Sunday at 1 p.m. And don't forget the poker run on Sunday too.
ChehalisFest July 27 | chamberway.com ChehalisFest hosts a variety of family friendly events planned for historic downtown Chehalis, including a community pancake breakfast, hot dog feed, bouncy houses, Kid-Zone for the kids and more. The event is organized by the CentraliaChehalis Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached at 360748-8885.
The Washington Acoustic Music Association has chosen the Egg City as the location of this annual festival that celebrates bluegrass-themed music. Amateurs and professionals alike take the stage at Winolequa Park for two days of laid-back entertainment. The festival includes instructional workshops, open mics, pickin' and grinnin', organized kids activities and more.
Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Mossyrock Aug. 2-3 | mossyrockfestivals.org Venture off U.S. Highway 12 and drive straight into the heart of Mossyrock for a celebration of this East Lewis County town and its agricultural history. The Blueberry Festival is held annually the first week of August and lasts 3 days long — from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. It features vendors, live music, pancake breakfasts, a quilt show, a car show and parade on Saturday, activities for children and much more. And of course, all things that can include blueberries.
Morton Loggers Jubilee Morton Aug. 8-11 | loggersjubilee.com You might know it as the Loggers Jubilee, but locals and regular attendees call it by another moniker — “The Granddaddy of All Logging Shows.” Choker setting, log rolling, axe throwing and speed climbing are just a few of the heart-stopping competitions scheduled to occur in the friendly, rural logging town of Morton off of U.S. Highway 12. That’s not even mentioning all the opportunities and revelry throughout the town during the weekend. Lawnmower races, a parade, and a 10K run round out the offerings on a weekend that largely unites the East Lewis County town and draws in thousands of visitors.
Mount St. Helens Bluegrass Festival Toledo Aug. 9-11 | washingtonbluegrassassociation.org Hosted in Toledo, this festival provides another opportunity for visitors and residents to take in some sweet, twangy bluegrass music. For specific information on lineups as the event draws closer, check the Washington Bluegrass Association website.
REGULAR SEASON MAY 25 - AUGUST 31 SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS SEPT. 7 - SEPT. 28 SATURDAYS ONLY SPECIAL TRAINS
Southwest Washington Fair Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, 2555 N National Ave, Chehalis
MURDER MYSTERY DINNERS DINNERS • PUMPKIN TRAIN SANTA STEAM TRAIN • THE POLAR EXPRESS™
Aug. 13-18, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | southwestwashingtonfair.net Southwest Washington Fair is a showcase of all that’s wonderful about this beautiful swath of the Evergreen State.
SteamTrainRide.com 14 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596698rk.cg
please see CALENDAR, page 15
Calendar Continued from page 14
Bask in the smell of elephant ears and other fairtime food favorites as you wander through exhibits and vendors. Barns burst with livestock and poultry raised by the youth of the greater Lewis County area, the living results of hard work and a way of life that has remained stubbornly similar to yesteryears. At the Southwest Washington Fair, you will also find staples such as the annual Diaper Derby, local performers, live music, rides, contests, a talent show and more.
Annual Threshing Bee & Gas Show 3.5 miles north of Toledo on Jackson Highway August 23-25 The old tools and machines of agriculture are the focus of this annual South Lewis County festival. Attendees are treated to an up-close look at tractors, threshers and other farming equipment in a setting filled with all the usual festival favorites.
Hub City Car Show ~ Downtown Centralia Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | chamberway.com Downtown Centralia is filled with lines of classic cars during this Hub City favorite sponsored by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce. The day includes vendors, live music and endless opportunities to gaze upon automotive wonders while popping in and out of the dozens of shops that make downtown Centralia a shopper’s dream. The event is organized by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached at 360-748-8885. View the website for details as the event approaches.
ARTrails Studio Tours Southwest Washington September, third and fourth weekends | artrailsofsww.org 360-864-2621
Each year, the public is invited to the Cowlitz Powwow to honor and preserve the traditions, customs and history of Native Americans. Dancing, vendors and a salmon dinner are included in the event.
The Santa Parade Downtown Chehalis Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to noon | chamberway.com Get into the Christmas spirit with a Chehalis tradition. Thousands of people turn out for the festivities, centered around a parade that begins at 11 a.m.
Lighted Tractor Parade Downtown Centralia Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. | downtowncentralia.org/ The annual Lighted Tractor Parade brings large crowds for a unique parade highlighting the agricultural history of the area. The event has quickly become a favorite, as dozens of tractors, trucks, floats and virtually anything with wheels parade down Main Street, Tower Avenue and Pearl Street, all adorned with bright lights as Christmas music fills the night air. The parade has been known to attract thousands of attendees. The Centralia Downtown Association is the brains behind this fast-growing extravaganza.
Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble ~ Nutcracker Dec. 13, 14, 15 | View schedule at swwdance.org
Craft Beer Taphouse
23 Taps of Beer, Cider, Mead & Wine Tues. Night - Open Mic Comedy Wed. - Trivia Night Thurs. - Open Mic for Musicians Live Entertainment Tap Takeovers most Friday & Saturday night Current Pour List on Digital Pour: Download the App! Uber Eats Delivery
Meet dozens of local artists and see their workplaces on the annual ARTrails studio tour. From traditional oil and canvas to modern photography and sculpture, you’ll be amazed at what our local artists create.
Onalaska Apple Harvest ~ Onalaska Oct. 4-6 | www.onalaskaalliance.org/apple-harvest-festival The Apple Harvest is the culmination of a long summer and fall schedule of festivals across the greater Lewis County area, and it’s gaining in popularity. Thousands of people descend on the town each autumn to celebrate the diversity of Onalaska. Those who decide to take part will be treated to live entertainment, pieeating contests, a parade, a community dinner, vendors, booths and more.
October 19 | powwow@cowlitz.org
360-740-5670
Full Menu All Ages Until 9:00pm
CH596597bw.cg
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow Clark County Convention Center
Noon–2:00 A.M. Seven Days a Week 289 NW Chehalis Ave. Chehalis
289 NW Chehalis Ave. floodvalley.com
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 15
SPONSORED CONTENT
Photos Provided
Harmony Lakeside RV Park offers cabins equipped with queen beds, kitchens, leather seating, dishware and bathrooms.
Lewis County’s Secret Evergreen Oasis
Harmony Lakeside RV Park has shaded, open or lakeside RV sites with full hookups, 20, 30 and 50 amp service, fire rings and picnic tables.
Washington’s Premier Recreation Spots Easily Accessible from this Central Retreat
16 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
Kayaks, paddle boards and pontoon boat rentals for those that choose to venture out on Mayfield Lake.
bikers returning from their foray into the REGISTER NOW wilderness, Horseshoe, • Harmony Lakeside RV Park is showers and Wifi to located on the northeast shore share their adventures of Mayfield Lake at 563 State await them for a relaxing Route 122 in Silver Creek, 98585 summer night. • To reserve your spot, register Local guide Joseph at harmonylakesidervpark.com, email harmonyrvpark@aol.com Mcleod described or call (360)983-3804 and toll Harmony Lakeside RV free at (877)780-7275. Park as one of the best in Washington state in one of his reviews. “I travel with my job to many remote locations. Harmony is like coming home. Its location on the lake makes for a beautiful backdrop in the mountains,” he expressed, topping off the praise with five stars. He, as well as many of Harmony’s past patrons, consistently find themselves returning to this calm oasis. With sunlight finally breaking through winter’s heavy cloud cover, the time is now when it comes to beating their loyal crowd and planning a summer getaway before their coveted spaces run out.
CH59643b.n
Nestled between Cascade crests Mt. Rainier and Mt. Saint Helens, separated from Washington’s sprawling urban development, lies a utopian retreat on the shores of Mayfield Lake and minutes from two state parks. Harmony Lakeside RV Park is the ideal outdoor getaway for families, fishermen or those just looking to bask in the great outdoors. Its 122 sites, including Harmony North’s 30 new RV sites and 12 new deluxe cabins, are some of the highest rated out of all campgrounds in Lewis County, a high honor due to the county’s centrality to the state’s greatest recreation spots. Much of the praise surrounding Harmony Lakeside is centered on its cleanliness and beautiful backdrop, but it’s the customer service and amenities that continue to reel in visitors from as far as China. Harmony offers 99 RV sites, 40 of which are pull through, that come with full hookups, 20, 30, and 50 amp service, fire rings and picnic tables. To accommodate travellers without an RV, Harmony’s deluxe cabins offer a true “glamping” experience with bathrooms, queen beds equipped with linens, kitchens, air conditioning units, gazebos and fire rings. And while it’s enough to have a pleasant place to sleep at night, Harmony Lakeside RV Park ensures guests get out and soak in its surrounding vistas. Equipment rentals including kayaks, paddle boards and pontoon boats leave 13 miles of Mayfield’s cobalt waters open for exploration, and guests with their own prized fishing vessels are welcome to moor it at one of Harmony’s available slips. For weary hikers and mountain
Day-Long Party Set to Celebrate Lewis County’s UFO History FLYING SAUCER: Mystery Sighting Over Mineral Coined One of Pop Culture’s Most Enduring Idioms By Cody Neuenschwander cneuenschwander@chronline.com
“Everyone says I’m nuts, and I guess I’d say it too if someone else reported those things. But I saw them and watched them closely. It seems impossible, but there it is,” said Kenneth Arnold sometime after an incident on June 24, 1947, that would birth one of pop culture’s most popular idioms. Arnold, that day, was making a solo flight from Chehalis to his hometown of Boise, Idaho. Somewhere over the town of Mineral, he saw nine mysterious flying disks hovering near Mount Rainier. At a pit stop in Yakima, Arnold told other pilots what he saw. News spread fast, and when he arrived in Pendleton, Oregon, reporters were ready, eager to hear about the encounter firsthand.
Arnold likened their movements to that of a saucer skipping over water. And thus, the term “flying saucer” was born. On Sept. 21, the Lewis County Historical Museum plans to host an event honoring Lewis County’s deep and peculiar history of UFO lore. “Since the Kenneth Arnold incident was such a big deal … in the UFO world, we decided to kind of focus on that for the event,” said Jason Mattson, director of the museum. The Flying Saucer Party is the first of what Mattson hopes becomes an annual event. There will be a speaker series of UFO experts at the City Farm. The Chehalis Theatre is set to host a science-fiction movie marathon and other downtown businesses are being wrangled to host their own alien-themed festivities. The museum will hold exhibits exploring Lewis County’s UFO heritage. Tickets for the speaker series and movie marathon will go for sale sometime in June, said Mattson. He advised that anyone interested get their tickets quickly — if last year’s mythology event at the museum was any indicator, the folks please see UFO, page 18
PORT OF ILWACO Located at the mouth of the Columbia River
Full Service Marina & Boatyard
• Charter Fishing • Waterfront Dining • Fresh Seafood
• Shopping • Lodging • Working Waterfront
www.portofilwaco.com • 360-642-3143
Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/DiscoverIlwaco
CH596374rk.cg
Saturdays May through September
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 17
UFO Continued from page 17
of Lewis County have a ravenous appetite for the weird. Mattson, during a recent interview, said he wasn’t quite ready to identify the list of experts who will be speaking. Some things needed to be finalized, he said, but he was able to name one. Vince Ynzunza, the co-host of the online documentary series “Pacific NorthWEIRD”, is set to open the speaker series and MC the event. Ynzunza said he planted the idea for the event a while back, saying that he had a vision for what an event of this sort would look like. Mattson contacted him sometime after, saying that he wanted to make that vision a reality. Pacific NorthWEIRD is a large sponsor of the event. Lewis County has a number of UFO stories, Ynzunza said. Beyond the well-known story of Arnold, there’s the time a guy in Morton talked with a group of naked aliens in the woods, who told him the secrets of the universe. Numerous people have, at different times, reported seeing strange, seemingly unexplainable craft in the night sky. These are the sorts of things Ynzunza has studied for a while, and he said Lewis County seems to have a higher concentration of these happenings than other places. Why? A sense of rural seclusion might have something to do with it, he thinks. “Out in the wilderness, out in parts of Washington or Oregon where you’re not consumed by light pollution or
Southwest Washington Dance Center
Quality Dance Training for the beginner through advanced
Call the center for the Summer 2019 schedule
Fall of 2019 Classes offered in:
Creative Movement, Parent/Toddler, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Partnering/Men, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Tumbling, Acro, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Discover Dance for Boys, Hip Hop and Adult Classes Resident Performing Company by audition
Home of Lewis County’s Original Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble
View schedule on the web at: www.swwdance.org First class FREE for new students! 437 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis (360) 748-4789
SWDC is a non-profit school that gives service without regard to race, religion, sex, color or ethnic origin.
18 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596461bw.cg
December 13th, 14th & 15th
Associated Press
Kenneth Arnold, shown in 1966 with a drawing of a flying saucer, reportedly spent ‘many long hours of fruitless flying with a camera, trying and failing to find anything like his saucers again.’
late-night activity in a big city, you tend to notice things more. You tend to look up in the sky a bit more and see more,” he said. That theory applies to more than just UFOs. Lewis County has a rich surplus in stories about the mythical please see UFO, page 19
UFO Continued from page 18
Bigfoot and creepy ghost stories. And people are into it, he said. During the museum’s mythology event last year, Ynzunza said he was happy to see the diverse crowd it drew. Seemingly everyone is at least a little interested in hearing some weird stories. And even if UFOs aren’t really your thing, Ynzunza said there should be something for every level of interest. If nothing else, he said, it should be good for people-watching. It’s not out of the question that some will choose to attend in a wacky costume, like Bigfoot or an alien. Someone should be around to help kids make their own flying saucers out of pie tins. A replica of R2-D2 from the “Star Wars” series will be there, hanging out, too, said Mattson. “The idea that there are still mysteries in the world is one of the very few things that unites us. Beyond the political divisions and the cultural binds,” said Ynzunza. “It’s one thing that we can all get behind — that we don’t know s***.”
Pl ay
Photo Courtesy Coronet Magazine
This image from a 1952 issue of Coronet Magazine shows an illustration depicting Kenneth Arnold’s sighting.
all day
ght i a n l l y a St
at Tacoma Power Parks
RV sites with hookups • Classic tent sites • Group camp areas
Got reservations? MyTPU.org/Parks 833-290-8180 CH596467bw.cg
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 19
Up for a Southwest Washington Booze Cruise? ith Top-Notch Local Beer, Wine and W Liquor, Lewis and South Thurston Counties Are Easy to Get Buzzed About By Katie Hayes khayes@chronline.com
Breweries are popping up in abundance throughout Washington and Lewis County boasts three — Jones Creek Brewing near Pe Ell, Packwood Brewing Co. and Dick’s Brewing Company in Centralia. Dick’s Brewing is the oldest brewery in Lewis County, and has a rich history. In 1983, Dick Young opened NW Sausage & Deli. The following year, Young began exploring home brewing and began creating recipes in the back of the deli. He officially started Dick’s Brewing Company in 1994. Today, his daughter Julie Pendleton runs the brewery with her husband and head brewer/manager Dave Pendleton. Dave Pendleton said when Dick’s Brewing Company first opened, there were only about 10 breweries in Washington. Today, he said, there are more than 400.
Katie Hayes/khayes@chronline.com
Bateaux Cellars owner Steve Padula discusses a few of his wines inside the winery’s tasting room in April 2019 in Toledo.
“It is amazing (how) the industry has changed,” Dave Pendleton said. “A lot of those breweries are small — they’re like Jones Creek and Packwood. … But we started please see BOOZE, page 21
Visit The Beautiful East Lewis County
CH596335rk.cg
20 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
13th Annual
Mossyrock
Blueberry Festival Aug. 2 - 3, 2019
Katie Hayes/khayes@chronline.com
Join us for a weekend of FUN!
Dave Pendleton, head brewer at Dick’s Brewing Company, conducts a tour of operations in April of 2019.
Booze
Noon: Festival Opens
Friday Aug. 2:
Continued from page 20
off that way.” Dave Pendleton said Dick’s Brewing has something new for people to try nearly every week. “I think our story is pretty unique, compared to most breweries,” he said. “Obviously Dick (founded) the brewery back in 1994, so we’ve been around a long time. Other breweries call us a ‘legacy brewery.’ … I’m always proud of how many different beers we do and do well.” Julie Pendleton said Dick’s Brewing gets people coming along Interstate 5, especially on Saturdays. She said one of the most common comments she gets is how friendly people are at Dick’s Brewing. “It is a lot of regulars and a lot of times even local people will show up for the first time and they’ll know half the people here,” Julie Pendleton said. “... Even out of towners come in, and we get a lot on Saturdays here that just have a good experience, because it’s just laid back. It’s not a big restaurant, you’re sitting in the warehouse at a picnic table.” While Lewis County isn’t particularly known for its distilleries, Tenino in south Thurston County is home to please see BOOZE, page 22
4-5 pm: Stationary Stones 6-8 pm: Newaukum River Band 9-12pm: Chris Guenther and the Honky Tonk Drifters 7 am: Pancake Breakfast 11am: Parade
Saturday Aug. 3:
12-12:30 pm: Tim Weible skydive into the park 4-6 pm: Prairie Fire 7:30-11pm: Decade Detour Band 9pm: Fireworks
Quilt Show
Noon-4 pm Friday 10 am-4 pm Saturday
Car Show Saturday 8 am-4pm
5K & 8K Run
Saturday at 9am
Beer Pie Garden Eating & Vendors Contest Saturday 1:00 pm
BMX Demonstration CH596466bw.cg
Saturday 2:00 pm
mossyrockfestivals.org Dick’s Brewing Company owner Julie Pendleton and head brewer Dave Pendleton discuss operations at the brewery in April 2019 in Centralia.
Motorcycles Welcome!
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 21
Booze Continued from page 21
Sandstone Distillery. The distillery only uses Washingtongrown grains and produces vodka, whiskey and gin. There are a number of wineries in Lewis County. Bateaux Cellars in Toledo, for example, opens its tasting room on weekends. Owners Steve and Cheryl Padula bring in their grapes from the Yakima Valley, but make the wine in-house. “They are harvested over there, they’re de-stemmed over there, so the berries are actually taken off the stems,” Steve Padula said. “So what we bring over here is basically broken up grapes. That’s where we will start fermentation.” Steve Padula said they usually harvest in late October. Then Bateaux Cellars adds yeast to each of the grapes to make different wines. The yeast turns the sugar in the grapes into alcohol. Steve Padula prefers dry reds, so that’s where he focuses his attention. “We do have some sweeter white wines, because we do have some of our customers who like sweet whites, but my focus is red wines,” Steve Padula said. One of his favorite wines he makes is “Voyager,” which is a bordeaux blend. It’s a blend of five different red wines. Steve Padula said, in total, Bateaux Cellars produces close to 1,000 cases of wine per year. Check out a few other breweries and wineries in the county as well. Check or call ahead, though, as hours may change with the season.
Katie Hayes/khayes@chronline.com
A new wine is seen barrelled at Bateaux Cellars in April in Toledo.
Breweries Dick’s Brewing Company Location: 3516 Galvin Rd, Centralia, WA 98531 Contact: (360) 736-1603 Hours: Friday 3-7:30 p.m., Saturday 3-7:30 p.m. Jones Creek Brewing Location: 173 Beam Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532 Contact: (360) 245-3429 Hours: Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 12-9 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m. Packwood Brewing Co. Location: 12298 US-12, Packwood, WA 98361 Contact: (360) 496-0845 Hours: Wednesday 3-9 p.m., Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 2-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-8 p.m.
Wineries Bateaux Cellars Location: 288 Smokey Valley Rd, Toledo, WA 98591 Contact: (360) 607-0770 Hours: Friday 2-5 p.m., Saturday 12-5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Real Estate Sales and Property Management
WANT TO EXPLORE REAL ESTATE WHILE YOU ARE HERE?
Heymann Whinery Location: 731 SW 21st St, Chehalis, WA 98532 Contact: (360) 748-9675 Hours: Thursday 3-6 p.m., Friday 3-6 p.m., Saturday 12-6 p.m.
Contact us on current listings or visit our website at WWW.MOUNTAINVALLEYRE.COM We have Brokers throughout Lewis County!
Agate Creek Cellars Location: 105 Agate Creek Ln, Chehalis, WA 98532 Contact: (360) 740-1692 Hours: Saturdays 12-5 p.m.
Distillery
13068 U.S. HIGHWAY 12 PACKWOOD, WA 98361 360-494-2323
22 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596376rk.cg
Photo by Tracy Croshaw
Sandstone Distillery Location: 842 Wright Rd SE, Tenino, WA 98589 Contact: 360-264-1901 Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12-5 p.m..
Alex Brown / abrown@chronline.com
The summit of Mount St. Helens looks out over the crater, with Spirit Lake and Mount Rainier in the background.
Visit the Volcanoes: Mount Rainier, St. Helens Offer Recreational Bliss Mount Rainier
please see VOLCANOES, page 24
www.degoedebulb.com
360-983-9000
GREAT BUYS on our FARM PERENNIALS
Spring er April & MAy FevOPEN DAILY: Sun - Sat 9-6
NEW Nursery Stock • Color Bowls • Fuchsia Starts Fruit Trees • Geranium Starts • Rhodies & Shrubs Take I-5 Exit 68 E on Hwy 12 to Mossyrock
CH596470bw.cg
On a sunny day, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier from just about anywhere in Southwest Washington, but if you get a little closer, Rainier becomes more than a beautiful view, but a perfect getaway for those wishing to escape for a prolonged day trip or some extended time with nature. The mountain itself, reaching 14,410 feet, is probably the most recognized landmark in all of Washington state, and it’s the background picture on most state license plates for good reason. The active volcano is surrounded by lush forests, alpine meadows and abundant wildlife. The mountain itself presents quite the challenge for climbers and can test even the most hardened hikers, but most people will be best served to simply visit areas such as Paradise, Longmire and Ohanapecosh and marvel at the enormity and beauty of the peak. Mount Rainier is part of a scenic region of the Cascades that separates the east and west sides of the state, making the mountain more than just a destination in its own right, but an outdoors haven for anyone whose heart calls the hills and peaks of the region home. Hiking and touring the Mount Rainier region is best reserved for the day, but when it comes time to wind down, Mount Rainier National Park offers plenty of resources for campers, from full-service campsites to backcountry areas. The Cougar Rock campground in the southwest section of the park is open from late May to late September, offering 173 campsites; Ohanapecosh in the southeast section offers 188 sites; and White River offers 112 sites. All these campgrounds offer water, restrooms and fire grates; RVs and trailers are welcome, but visit nps.gov/mora for maximum length allowances. Reservations are also required at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh. For those wishing to camp in the wilderness, a permit is required. Pick one up from any of the visitor centers throughout the park. The 93-mile Wonderland Trail offers opportunities for wilderness camping, offering the opportunity to cache food at sev-
eral points along the way. For a list of maps and other resources with which to plan a camping trip, visitnps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/maps.htm. From Interstate 5, Mount Rainier is best accessed by taking U.S. Highway 12 to Morton then bearing north on state Route
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 23
Volcanoes Continued from page 23
7. Head north into Elbe, then take state Route 706 east all the way to the park entrance. A National Park Pass is required; for more information visit nps.gov/mora. Additional information can be found online at visitrainier.com.
Mount St. Helens Unlike its unspoiled neighbor on the Cascade mountain range, Mount St. Helens is still recovering from a devastating eruption 38 years ago. The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument stands as a living testament to nature’s regenerative power. It’s easily accessible from Lewis County for those who want to get a closeup view of the mountain and the surrounding area by car or by foot. Evidence of the destruction still marks the landscape, with pieces of the mountain known as hummocks deposited throughout the blast zone. The signs of regeneration are best explored closely. Red paintbrush peeks through the ground along several hiking trails, and small trees insulated by snow at the time of the blast have begun to mature, especially in the Mount Margaret area. Wildlife has begun to call the area home once again, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility to encounter a herd of deer or elk. To get the closest you can to the mountain — or even the crater itself — you’ll have to use your feet. Several hikes offer
Visit Us
Summer Hours Memorial Day to Labor Day Thur., Fri. & Sat 11 am - 4 pm Free Public Programs Walking Tours Meeting Room & Field Trips Out Reach Program July 20 - 5 PM at Woods Creek
Kosmos Picnic
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
Mt. Rainier is seen from Mowich Section Rd. in March 2019 in Mount Rainier National Park.
the opportunity to view the mountain from a variety of angles, including the Hummocks Trail, a two-mile loop around several hummocks that allow for views of the mountain. Delving into moderate difficulty, the Hummocks to Johnston Ridge hike is a nearly 9-mile round trip that gains at least 2,000 feet in elevation while twisting and turning to offer consistently changing views of the north flank of the volcano. To get even more majestic views of the mountain — and maybe more importantly for some, away from the throngs at Johnston Ridge Observatory — park at the far end of the observatory lot and take the Boundary Trail to Harry’s Ridge or Coldwater Peak, The Washington Trails Association website at www.wta. org offers detailed information on several other hikes, complete with trip reports from people who have been there and can offer advice for the trail. The Mount St. Helens Institute, a nonprofit organization aiming to enhance people’s experiences at the mountain, offers a wide variety of activities from summit climbs with geologists to its annual Volcano Outdoor School and Volcano Camp. For more information on their offerings, visitmshinstitute.org or follow them on Facebook. Mount St. Helens is truly an area to be explored in-depth, with much to offer an entire family over the course of a few hours full day trip or even a few days in the region.
August 11 in Glenoma
CheCk oUr website for fUrther details www.whitepasscountrymuseum.org WINTER HOURS Sat. Noon - 4PM
By Appointment 360-494-4007 • 360-494-4031
12990 Hwy. 12, Packwood, WA White Pass Country Historical Society PO Box 958 • Packwood, WA 98361 www.whitepasscountrymuseum.org
twitter.com/WPCMuseum
instagram.com/wpcmuseum
24 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596472bw.cg
facebook.com/White-Pass-Country-Museum
Alex Brown / abrown@chronline.com
Mount Rainier rises up behind Spirit Lake, as seen atop the crater on the summit of Mount St. Helens.
Chronicle File Photo
Harold, Borovec, the chief mechanical officer at the Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train, looks on as a volunteer prepares the engine to run in Chehalis in October, 2015.
Train Rides Take FACTORY OUTLET Visitors on Seasonal Adventures
SHOPPING
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Offers Variety of Experiences By Lydia Denney ldenney@chronline.com
please see RAILROAD, page 26
at over
30 Outlet Stores
Including: • Under Armour Clearance House • Bath & Body Works Outlet • Gap Factory • Eddie Bauer Outlet • Pendleton Outlet • and MORE!
C
CH596475bw.cg
As one of the few remaining steam powered railroads in Washington State, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum is a popular site for people near and far to visit. The railroad’s 2019 season holds their normal seasonal events as well as a new dinner train schedule. President of the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Bill Deutscher has been involved with the railroad for more than 10 years. He said he has always had an interest in railroads and has been involved with other railroads in the past. “It’s a sort of thing you can’t do elsewhere,” Deutscher said. “It’s nice that the folks in the town in the ‘50s had the foresight to preserve two of the three locomotives that ran on that railroad.”
BIG SAVINGS
360-736-3900 • CENTRALIAOUTLETS.COM I-5 EXIT 82 • BOTH SIDES • CENTRALIA 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 25
Katie Hayes/khayes@chronline.com
Courtesy Photo
Santa takes a selfie with one of the families that rode the Santa Steam Train in 2018 in Chehalis.
The Pumpkin Train at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad.
Railroad
quires buying tickets in advance, since most events sell out, Deutscher said. “Sometimes (visitors) are people who come here on purpose because they want to ride the train and they live a long way away,” Deutscher said. “Other times it’s people that are just driving up and down the freeway and they go, ‘Oh look! There’s a steam engine running over there. Let’s go check it out.’” The train’s regular excursions are available during the season on Saturdays and Sundays. This year, the railroad added a dinner train option every Saturday, with a Murder Mystery dinner train available the last Saturday of every month. During the Murder Mystery dinner train, passengers will try to solve a crime while they are given clues throughout dinner. Other dinner trains include the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day trains, where passengers can choose what dinner they would like when they purchase their tickets online. All of the dinners are catered, with entree choices like prime rib, baked salmon and vegetarian pasta dishes.
Continued from page 25
The railroad’s regular season starts May 25 and runs through August 31, but there are special events that occur throughout the whole year, starting with the Valentine Sweetheart dinner train that runs for two weekends in February. The railroad has four kinds of trains, Deutscher said: regular excursions, dinner trains, special events and the Polar Express rides. Everything outside of the regular excursions re-
Start your adventure at Chehalis Thousand Trails • 300 acres of forest • meadows • views • lodges • campsites • rental units • horse & hiking trails • scheduled activities • swimming pools • sports courts • playgrounds • food service • country store • laundry
please see RAILROAD, page 27
Campsites, rental units and facilities available for your special events
Call for reservations, rates and membership specials:
360-262-9489
CH596477bw.cg
Chehalis Thousand Trails 2228 Centralia-Alpha Road Chehalis, WA 98532
26 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
Breda Haiden, left, 6, plugs her ears as her father John Haiden, right, holds her along the 18-mile round trip guided by the historic No. 15 steam train near Millburn for the Father’s Day steam train trip in 2018.
CHEHALIS-CENTRALIA RAILROAD 1101 Southwest Sylvenus Street Chehalis, WA 98532 (360) 748-9593 steamtrainride.com
Courtesy Photo
The Steam Train Eggspress at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad.
Railroad Continued from page 26
Landscape & Maintenance
For Toll Free Reservations: 1-855-785-3188 PO Box 658, Winlock, WA 98596 Email: diane@freedomtoursnw.com
360-669-9375 • Curbing • Patios • Water Features • Landscaping
NOW HIRING
CH596509jl.do
• General Contracting •Fencing •Walkways •Custom Iron gates
CH596582rk.cg
The railroad’s special events include the Steam Train Eggspress, Pumpkin Trains and the Santa Steam Train. Special events include fun activities for families and are also a shorter train ride to accommodate the amount of children in attendance. On the Eggpress, there will be an egg hunt for children and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Pumpkin trains include costume contests, candy and a chance for children to find a pumpkin. In December, Santa will make an appearance on the Santa Steam Train. Special events at the railroad bring visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest, but the most popular train is the Polar Express, Deutscher said. On the Polar Express, passengers will be read the book, “The Polar Express,” and children are encouraged to come in their pajamas, just like the movie. There are cookies and cocoa provided and children will receive their first gift of the season from Santa. Some unique ticket options that people may not know about are cab rides and charters. During train rides, there are two tickets available for passengers to sit in the cab with the train crew and see how a steam locomotive operates. “Obviously, the locomotive isn’t really made for carrying passengers up there so it’s a different environment,” Deutscher said. “But you do get to see the guys running the real steam locomotive and go down the track.” People can also charter one car or an entire train for special events, where they can take a train ride for a couple of hours. The train has two main routes, a shorter ride to Milburn and a longer ride along the river to Ruth.
“It’s a pretty cool thing for the community,” Deutscher said. “Not every set of small towns has a nice steam train that runs out alongside the river where you can go for a nice relaxing ride out in the country.” Deutscher encourages people to call the office if they have questions about the railroad’s events. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit steamtrainride.com.
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 27
Family Friendly Activities Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, which opened in March 2008, offers more than the average hotel stay. The lodge features an enormous indoor water park, restaurants, an arcade, a gym and much more for toddlers, teens or the entire family. Where: 20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Grand Mound Reservations: 800-640-9653 Contact: (360) 273-7718 Website: www.greatwolf.com
Swimming Pools Looking to cool off in the water or get a workout? You can find the opportunity at different several swimming pools around Lewis and south Thurston counties. Outdoor pools open in the summertime and Thorbeckes FitLife Aquatic Center in Centralia offers indoor swimming year-round. • Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center — The newest addition to the local parks and recreation offerings, the Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center offers a pool, kiddie spray
Chronicle File Photo
Marina Thelander, 13, left, and Emily Nissen, 14, both from Vancouver, jump of the diving boards at the Tenino Quarry Pool on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, in Tenino.
park and more. The facility opens in June. Where: 410 SW Parkland Dr., Chehalis Contact: (360) 740-8097 • Tenino Quarry Pool — Probably the most unique pool for miles around, the Tenino Quarry Pool is aptly named because it sits in what was once a sandstone quarry. Cost is $1.50 for people within the Tenino School District and $3.50 for all others. Where: 319 Park Ave. W., Tenino Contact: (360) 264-2368 Hours: Opens Fourth of July, Wednesday through Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Thorbeckes FitLife Aquatic Center — Centralia’s only
Celebrating over 45 years of jumping at the crater.
please see FAMILY, page 29
Gee Cee’s Truck Stop I-5 Exit 57
Offering first time jump experiences now!
skydivetoledo.com
28 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
CH596112rk.cg
360-864-2230
360-864-4300 • geeceestruckstop.com
CH596463bw.cg
Call or visit our website to book.
• 24 hr. Restaurant & Deli (Limited Midnight Menu available from 10pm to 6am) Large Deli Menu includes fresh Burgers, Subs and Burritos • 24 hr. Convenience Store Grocery - Souvenirs - Electronics - Automotive Supplies • Clothing
Family
Rollerdrome
Continued from page 28
indoor pool is open to anyone year-round. The aquatic center is part of Thorbeckes, a gym with two locations in the Twin Cities. Where: 2020 Borst Ave. #2, Centralia Contact: (360) 736-1683 Website: www.thorbeckes.com Hours: Monday - Thursday, 5:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. Open year round.
Shankz Blacklight Miniature Golf Shankz Blacklight Miniature Golf has enjoyed success in the Yard Birds Mall, having moved from Olympia. The facility offers a unique 18-hole indoor course in addition to snacks, a theater and an arcade. The business specializes in hosting parties for special events such as birthdays. Contact: (360) 943-1715 Website: www.shankzglowgolf.com Hours: Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fairway Lanes Fairway Lanes boasts 18 lanes of bowling open for the whole family. Events held at the alley range from leagues to Rock N Bowl and its locally famous Monte Carlo bowling Saturday nights from 7-9:30 p.m. Call ahead for lane reservations. Where: 1501 S. Gold St., Centralia Contact: (360) 736-4100 Website: www.fairwaylanes.net Winter Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Summer Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Centralia Rollerdrome location was built in 1904 and was originally called McNitt Hall for its owner Frank McNitt, a prominent Centralia businessman who also owned a successful hardware store. Ray said he can confirm that when it was built, McNitt Hall was used for dances. If there was evidence that proved roller skating was taking place there in 1904, the Rollerdrome would be the oldest continually operating roller rink in the United States. Today, it offers opportunities ranging from an afternoon skating to a full-fledged party. Where: 216 W. Maple Street, Centralia Contact: 360-736- 7376 Info: www.centraliarollerdrome.com
Wolf Haven Wolf Haven International is hidden away as a sanctuary should be, but certainly worth the short drive north of Tenino. But to visit, contact the sanctuary way ahead of time and make a reservation. Its mission is to “Conserve and protect wolves and their habitat.” The sanctuary has taken care of 180 displaced captiveborn animals since 1982. The nonprofit Wolf Haven accomplishes this mission through providing sanctuary, education and conservation. Wolf Haven rescues and provides sanctuary for displaced, captive-born wolves, offers educational programs about wolves and the value of all wildlife, promotes wolf restoration in please see FAMILY, page 30
Victory Lanes Victory Lanes in Morton is the bowling venue for East Lewis County, containing a 12-lane bowling alley that also offers an arcade, go-karts and mini golf. Where: 834 Westlake Ave., Morton Contact: (360) 496-6797 Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737
55th
360-304-0779
THRESHING BEE SATURDAY & SUNDAY AUGUST 24 & 25, 2019 Set up of exhibits on Friday, the 23rd • ROBERT HERREN FARM 3.5 miles north of Toledo, Washington on Jackson Highway
CH596396bw.cg
With Cooperation of S. W. Washington 2 Cylinder Club • Early Day Gas Engine Tractor Association B:245 • Northwest IH Collectors Chapter #30 • Cowlitz River Two Cylinders
CH596459bw.cg
THANKS TO: • National Frozen Foods for the corn on the cob. • Ferrel Gas for the Propane Gas. • Washington Tractor for the use of John Deere Equipment. • RMT Equipment for Tractor. • Cenex for fuel. • Brim Tractor Co. for Tractor • Lone Oak Trucking (For hauling) Toledo, WA • 360-864.6691
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 29
Family Continued from page 29
historic ranges and works to protect our remaining wild wolves and their habitat. Enjoy a 50-minute guided visit through the public portion of the wolf sanctuary. During your guided walk, learn about wolves, both in captivity and in the wild. Potentially see up to 10 sanctuary residents in a beautiful, natural and serene atmosphere. A self-guided prairie walk and stop at the memorial wolf cemetery are optional. Where: 311 Offut Lake Road SE, Tenino When: Open by reservation Info: wolf haven.org
South Sound Speedway For the gearheads, the South Sound Speedway just off Interstate 5 at Rochester offers a racing season full of roaring engines and more than a crash or two. The .375 mile oval race track includes a figure-eight course with racing most Saturdays through September. The South Sound Speedway, located at 3730 183rd Avenue S.W. in Rochester, can be accessed by taking Exit 88
and going east on Old Highway 99. Most races take place on Saturdays, although there are a few on Sundays. Where: 3730 183rd Avenue S.W. in Rochester When: Saturdays through September Info: southsoundspeedway.com
World’s Largest Egg A giant egg that bills itself as the world’s largest pays tribute to the town’s days of being home to a chicken cooperative. Where: 520 Kerron St., Winlock
Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel offers some of the finest entertainment experiences in the Pacific Northwest. It also has the largest variety of slot machines and table games in the area, plus world famous entertainers and an attractive 171-room hotel. Website: www.luckyeagle.com Address: 188th Ave SW, Rochester Telephone: (360) 273-2000 please see FAMILY, page 31
Visit Beautiful Thurston County
OFFUT LAKE RESORT • • • • • •
Year Round Fishing Cabins Boat Rentals RV and Tent Sites Tackle 20 min. South of Olympia
Great Food & Cocktails
360-264-3474
CH596589rk.cg
30 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
OFFUTLAKERESORT.COM 360-264-2438
4005 120TH AVE SE • TENINO, WA 98589
Family Continued from page 30
Centralia Factory Outlets and Downtown Centralia Perhaps the most well-known shopping opportunity in the county known to people outside the local area, the Centralia Factory Outlet offers more than 30 outlet stores on both sides of Interstate 5. Nike, Under Armour, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Van Heusen and more represent a variety of stores that offer discounted pricing on name-brand clothing and more. But there’s more to the shopping scene in Centralia than the outlets. A renewed economic landscape in the city’s downtown core has resulted in business activity increasing among locallyowned stores that offer everything from antiques to books and a whole lot of other stuff in between. And if you’re fortunate enough to visit downtown Centralia, check out the Fox Theatre. The theater, which was once the place to be in Centralia for movies and silent films, is regaining its status as a cultural and arts center of the Hub City through a revitalization project that continues.
Yard Birds Once a mega-store that carried everything from clothing to pets, the building that housed it has now been repurposed into a home for several small shops comprising the largest swap meet in the region. The Yard Bird itself, the giant structure greeting people on National Avenue, has been voted KING 5
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
Michael Graham of Mossyrock walks a box full of tulips, picked for use of sale, through the fields of the DeGoede Bulb Farm Monday afternoon in Mossyrock.
Evening Magazine’s Best Roadside Attraction. Where: 2100 N. National Ave., Chehalis Contact: (360) 748-1489 Website: yardbirdsmall.com
DeGoede Bulb Farm If strolling through 30 acres of tulips sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon, consider visiting the family-owned DeGoede Bulb Farm and Gardens, located just off U.S. Highway 12. Where: 409 Mossyrock Road West, Mossyrock Contact: (360) 983-9000 Website: www.degoedebulb.com
CH596469bw.cg
2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 31
Golf Options Galore in Lewis County By Will Rubin wrubin@chronline.com
Most public golf courses advertise in one way or another that they cater to golfers of all skill levels. The Newaukum Golf Club delivers on this promise with its trio of nine-hole layouts, each catering to different skill sets within the game itself. I’m not a novice golfer, but I play like one when my clubs have been propped against the water heater in my hall closet all winter long. The West Nine is the shortest of the three courses and was the first round I played in the area after moving from southern Oregon last year. I recall losing at least three balls in the ample water hazards, but the course plays short enough — about 2,700 yards for a par of 33 — that I didn’t have to worry about spraying my driver around the property. This course also has a footgolf setup measuring more than 1,600 yards — it’s pretty much what it sounds like. Players use a regulation soccer ball to play shorter versions of the holes. It also features wider cups meant to entice novice golfers into posting lower scores. The South Nine plays the longest of the three tracks, topping out at nearly 3,300 yards. Holes No. 6 and 7 play a combined 1,086 yards from the back tees. Distance is not my forte, even when I’m driving the ball well, and I failed to birdie either hole last summer. I plan to rectify that blotch on my record this year. This portion of the course also includes views of the Newaukum River, which is scenic and what I assume to be a magnet for golf balls. That has to be the reason two of mine flared off into the watery depths. Though my bellyaching may make it seem otherwise, I very much enjoyed my round, because of the challenges it posed. I do not like to play on flat, resort-style courses; I want to think, “I’m supposed to hit the ball where?” at least a couple of times per round. I played Chambers Bay a couple of years before it hosted the U.S. Open — that course fried my brain. I can’t speak to the East Nine, as I haven’t played it. It appears to be the middle ground between the other two setups, not as long or as challenging as the South, but still plenty to think about for the average golfer. The prospect of a 310-yard par 4 is intriguing; someone with a good power swing could take a crack at driving it in the right conditions. I am not that person.
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger.com
A golf ball is seen on a tee at the Newaukum Valley Golf Course Chehalis.
The rate for nine holes on any of the three sections is $22 on weekdays, except for Tightwad Tuesdays, when $15 will do the trick. An 18-hole excursion costs $28 during the week, save for crisp $20 bill on Tuesday. Weekend rates are $26 for nine holes and $35 for a full set. Twilight rates begin at 4 p.m. and are $16 on weekdays and $18 on weekends. Before that, from 1-3:50 p.m., golfers can play 18 holes for the price of nine. Power carts are available at $8 for a nine-hole round or $13 for 18 holes. A small bucket of about 40 driving range balls can be had for $4; double the amount for $3 more. A pair of putting and chipping greens are also useful for practicing one’s short game. The Newaukum Grill is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The facility is available for events and offers catering services. The Newaukum Valley Golf Course can be found at 153 Newaukum Golf Drive, Chehalis, WA 98532, online at newaukumvalleygolf.com or by phone at 360-748-0461.
Riverside Golf Club
CH595762rk.cg
32 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
Topping out at 6,155 yards, this course poses a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Tight fairways and slippery greens place a priority on accuracy and touch as opposed to raw power, though that can still come in handy on the three par-5s that average 521 yards in length. The fourth hole plays about 400 yards from the back tees and can be scored as a par 4 or 5. Less experienced golfers can take advantage of the white tees — 5,771 yards — please see GOLF, page 33
Golf Continued from page 32
Jared Wenzelburger / jwenzelburger@chronline.com
A golfer tees off at the Newaukum Valley Golf Course Tuesday afternoon in Chehalis.
expenses. Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame featured Bill Dunson and the course last year on an episode of his Facebook series “Returning The Favor” and placed $5,000 in the donations box. Rowe also surprised Dunson with a deal for a local crew to help him maintain the grounds for the next few years and a custom statue honoring his brother. The episode has been seen by millions and can be found at facebook.com/returningthefavor. The course is open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and has dozens of rental sets of clubs available for no charge. An annual Fourth of July tournament carries a suggested donation of $15; less-experienced golfers are encouraged to enter. The Gate Ranch Golf Course is located at 11900 Hunter Rd SW, Rochester, WA 98512. please see GOLF, page 34
Northwest
CH596162rk.cg
or the green tees that play below 5,500 yards. Riverside introduced a new rate schedule this year, placing an emphasis on making the course more affordable for younger golfers. A new student rate of $12 for nine holes and $16 for a full round applies year-round to anyone under 23 years old. Patrons ages 23-32 can take advantage of the Young Professional price of $22 for 18 holes Monday-Thursday and $25 on Friday-Sunday. Seniors pay $22 for nine holes Monday-Thursday and $24 on Friday-Sunday, with the full 18 holes priced at $27 during the first stretch and $35 for the latter. Adults playing nine holes will pay $22 during the first four days of the week and $24 on the last three. A full-price, 18 hole round tops out at $40 on the weekend. Twilight rates begin after 4 p.m. and are $22 for 18 holes Monday-Thursday and $24 the rest of the week. “In discussions at the club, we decided to first expand the length of time someone is eligible for a ‘junior rate’ and also acknowledge that once you graduate from college, money is still tight,” said Austin Abbot, head golf professional and player development director, in a release posted on the course website. “…It is likely that golfers just out of college through their early 30’s have very little disposable income with student loans and the expenses of starting a family. We want to keep them in touch with the game by lowering their cost of play.” Riverside Golf Club also plans to introduce new rates for the driving range. Small buckets of balls will cost $6, medium buckets will go for $8 and large buckets will run $12. A practice putting green and chipping area are also part of the facility. Renting a power cart for nine holes costs $10, or $15 for a full round. Those who wish to walk, but not subject their shoulders to the weight of a golf bag, can rent a pull cart for $5. The course hosts a variety of tournaments during the summer ranging from three main public events to charity fundraisers. The first public event is the Spring Classic on June 1-2, where teams of two will play a combination of scramble and best-ball formats. The Fall Classic follows the same format and is tentatively set for Oct. 5-6. Sandwiched in between will be the Lewis County Amateur on Aug. 3-4. The Riverside Bistro on-site opens daily at 10 a.m. and features a happy hour menu from 4-6 p.m. Hookups for RVs are available starting at $65 per day, $300 per week and $650 per month. Riverside Golf Club is located at 1451 Airport Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532. It can be found online at playriversidegolf.com or reached by phone at 360-748-8182.
Carriage Museum
Come get carried away!
Gate Ranch Golf Course This nine-hole golf course came about in 2001 as a labor of love by brothers Bill and Jim Dunson, who carved the landscape in the back of their property in Rochester. Jim passed away in 2017, but Bill has carried on maintenance and operations at the short track. As always, this course does not carry a greens fee; patrons are encouraged to donate what they feel is fair to help cover
Over 50 horse-drawn vehicles and artifacts from the 19th century
Open Daily 10-4pm
Fun interactive exhibits for all ages! Bring in this ad Group and school tours available. 314 Alder Street (At Hwy 101 & SR 6) • Raymond, WA for $1.00 off admission! (360) 942-4150 • nwcarriagemuseum.org 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism • 33
Golf Continued from page 33
It can be found online at facebook.com/gateranchgolfcourse and reached by phone at 360-273-7074.
Ironwood Green Golf Course This executive, par-30 course is located just off U.S. Highway 12 in Glenoma. It features a rough-cut layout in sync with the hardscrabble climate of East Lewis County. Mountain views and tree-lined fairways are not in short supply. The Ironwood Green Golf Course can be found at 8138 U.S. Highway 12, Glenoma, WA 98336 and by phone at 360498-5425.
Maple Grove Resort This nine-hole course is part of the RV Resort by the same name in Randle. The course is open to the public, plays about 1,500 yards, but par scores are fungible depending on player skill. Greens fees run $16 for nine holes, $22 for 18 holes and $36 for an all-day pass. Golf clubs are rented out for $3 per day; pull carts are $2 per day. The course can be found at 175 Highway 131, Randle, WA 98577, online at kmresorts.com/maple-grove or by phone at 360-497-2741.
Chronicle File Photo
Logan Boone, of Adna, strikes a ball during the qualifying round of the Visiting Nurses Foundation Million Dollar Shootout at Riverside Golf Club in Chehalis. Boone finished with the closest shot to the pin at 3 feet.
Grand Mound Centralia Great stays, great mornings!
CH596161rk.cg
6223 197th Way SW - Rochester, WA 98579 - (360) 858-5757 - www.marriott.com/olmro 34 • 2019-2020 • Southwest Washington Tourism Guide
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARRISON CHRISTIAN LODGING
Serving Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens National Parks. Stay in comfort at one of the finest lodges in the area.
NISQUALLY LODGE ASHFORD, WA 888-674-3554
CREST TRAIL LODGE PACKWOOD, WA 800-477-5339
MILL VILLAGE MOTEL EATONVILLE, WA 800-832-3248
COWLITZ RIVER LODGE PACKWOOD, WA 888-305-2185
SEASONS MOTEL MORTON, WA 877-496-6835
WWW.HCLODGING.COM
CH596479bw.cg
SUNBIRDSHOPPINGCENTER.COM
Clothing • Sporting Goods • Lawn & Garden
Housewares • Hardware 1757 N NATIONAL AVENUE, CHEHALIS (360) 748-3337 1000 ALGIERS DRIVE , YELM, WA (360) 458-2009 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: MON.-SAT. 9 A.M. - 8 P.M.•SUNDAY 9 A.M. - 6 P.M.