Find out where to drink, feast, & catch some ZZZs.
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Klickitat County: The Paranormal Capital of the Pacific Northwest
UFOs, Bigfoot, ghost tales all have a home here
Rob Wing
Columbia Hills Miller Island
Natural Bridges
The spectacular geography of Gifford Pinchot National Forest is largely influenced by Mt. Adams.
During its volcanic heyday, lava ran freely from this monumental mount. As it dried, lava tubes were formed. Some collapsed to create incredible ice caves. Others formed arched, natural bridges whole families can walk across. As we visit these, we’ll experience both extremes of the temperature spectrum, so dress in layers!
For our ice-capade, heed this caution sign, so you’re prepared for the dark, the cold, and the slickness beneath your feet. Well-treaded shoes will be needed to help keep your footing on the ice floor. And
Caves
be sure everyone has their own flashlight, ’cause it’s pitch black!
Trails run across the top of both the caves and the bridges. The Trout Lake Ranger Station on Hwy 141 (509395-3400) can direct you to both and provide a map. Just be sure to watch for any lurking trolls or a Bigfoot!
GREETINGS
Welcome to Klickitat County (KC,) a humble, rural land of wonder that offers you a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Whether you choose to partake in world-class wine tasting, experience white water thrills, sample the produce of our fertile agricultural soils, feast your eyes on some of the most spectacular vistas Mother Earth can display, or simply enjoy good old-fashioned, hometown hospitality, our county has something for everyone, from the faint-of-heart to the most adventurous.
Although these pages start in the northwest corner of the county, in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Trout Lake, you may be coming into KC from the east. If so, start at the back with our Ghost Towns (page 76) and work your way to the front.
We have heaps of happenings, especially during warm weather, with rodeos, summer fairs, and events galore, from one end of the county to the other. On top of these regularly scheduled occasions, outdoor adventures abound any time of the year. Go camping in the pristine wilds of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, visit the Ice Caves, delight your palate with luscious huckleberries, hike any one of our scenically titillating
trails.
We’re also home to the world-renowned Maryhill Museum (with original Rodin art, among others), and many other museums (see our Table of Contents on page 4.) You’ll find an amazing number of award-winning wineries located throughout KC, as well. We’ve devoted an entire directory to them.
And don’t miss the astronomically awesome (and famous) Goldendale Observatory where you can observe the cosmic gallery from one of the powerful telescopes. In addition, we’ve got our very own full-scale Stonehenge, so true-to-life scholars come here to study the secrets of the original neolithic treasure. It’s scenically poised over the Columbia River, so photo ops are endless.
These few introductory words do little justice to all we have to offer; so instead please join in on a phenomenal Journey through Klickitat County, full of photographic wonders, in the following pages. Stuff this guide in your pocket. It’s field-ready, not just another pretty magazine.
~ Your Friends at The Goldendale Sentinel
Trout Lake is a beloved stomping ground for locals and visitors alike. Quaint tho’ it is, it sports a general store, a gas station, a café and espresso bar (with heavenly huckleberry smoothies), an inn, and other delights. These offerings are all moments from pristine wilderness with camping, hiking, horseback riding trails, crystal clear lakes, ice caves, and more!
Speaking of which, how ’bout some great fishing? Once
you’ve set up base camp at Trout Lake, head on over to Goose Lake, just 41 miles west (and slightly south) of town. It’s a popular fishing, boating, and swimming lake, espe-
Trout Lake
cially good for children. The lake is stocked with fish several times a season. The day use area has parking, picnic tables, a vault toilet, and a boat ramp. Campsites are located in level spots on the hillside with attractive views of the lake. Parking for the sites is on the road side. The sites are walk in and allow tent camping only. Get directions from the Trout Lake Ranger (509-395-3400) and/or visit fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31764.
“From the time of creation, this area had always been important to Native Americans... When the Creator gave this earth the strength, and the lakes, and the creeks were made – the word was that they would never go dry. And he named this land Shaxshax-nmi.” This was from a 1995 interview with Louise Billy, a Native American woman who created traditional buckskin designs, beadwork, and cedar bark baskets as well as eloquently expressing her love of the land.
The Trout Lake Arts Council organized another Pop Up Gallery at the Grange. The show ran from April 25- 27, 2025. For more info on future events, visit troutlake.org/event/pop-up-gallery
Camp Jonah hosts day and overnight camps for kids throughout the summer. These start in June and fill up fast. Check CampJonah.com, or call 509-395-2900 for more
Goose Lake
Marathon.com has the details.
Another must-see while in town is the Trout Lake Abbey, the product of a 20-year friendship between a Zen Buddhist monk and a Druid priest. The setting is outwardly stunning and inwardly peaceful. The Bed & Breakfast is open to overnight guests. And the abbey welcomes day visitors to tour the lovely grounds. Please visit TLAbbey.com for more info.
The 59th annual Trout Lake Fair is the weekend of August 1-3. Have a blast with local vendors, food, music, and community fun. Troutlakefair.org has the scoop.
Don’t miss the An- nual Community Rummage Sale/Scholarship Fundraiser from Aug 30-Sept 1.
The 2025 Oktoberfest, hosted by the Trout Lake Community Foundation (TLCF), is on October 4 to the 7th. All are invited to gather for a day of food, fun, and fundraising for the Foundation. 100% of the proceeds go to Trout Lake Graduates.
For more details on Trout Lake, its history, current happenings, and tons of other useful resources for visitors , please visit TroutLake.org.
Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Just 11.2 miles (roughly 20 minutes) out of Trout Lake, heading east on Trout Lake Hwy, you’ll find Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This area is one of the hidden jewels of the Refuge System.
It currently encompasses 6,532 acres of the historic Conboy/Camas lakebeds, a shallow, marshy wetland area drained by early settlers. Conifer forests, grasslands, shal-
low wetlands, and deep water provide homes for deer, elk, beaver, coyote, otter, small rodents, and hundreds of bird species, as well as numerous amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
The bald eagle, greater sandhill crane, and Oregon spotted frog are species of concern. Refuge visitors enjoy the scenery, hike the Willard Springs trail, and observe wildlife from the county roads that surround and cross the refuge.
NATURE OF THE AREA
Conboy Lake Refuge protects and manages habitats that are home to so much wildlife it is difficult even to identify it all. There are 7 amphibian, 10 reptile, 40 mammal, and 165 bird species on the refuge. This does not include a myriad of invertebrates and many plants, fungi, lichens, etc. Rainbow trout live in the streams. Tundra swans, pintail, and mallard feed and rest in the lake. Frogs, salamanders, and toads grow in the adjacent calm pools. A rich variety of meadow plants host colorful dragonflies and butterflies. The prairie grasses feed both elk and cranes. Jays, grouse, and squirrels find homes in the forest. Other residents include marsh wren, racer, deer mouse, American kestrel, snowshoe hare, and coyote.
Greater sandhill cranes need isolated, open, wet meadows or shallow marshes on the edges of rivers or lakes. Open meadows allow them to see predators from a distance, but there is some indication they select nest sites near interspersed groves--perhaps for wind and storm protection. Each family, parents, and young called "colts," may actively
protect as much as 250 acres.
For centuries the Conboy Lake region has provided homes for cranes, but early settlers found it ideal for farming and cattle. To increase hay production, they partially drained Conboy Lake. Loss of habitat to such activities, along with hunting, took its toll on wildlife. By the end of the 19th century, journal entries indicate a scarcity of game–ducks, geese, and swans–in this area. Easily disturbed, cranes did not tolerate the increasing human population. Eventually, nesting pairs could not find suitable habitat. In 1964, Conboy Lake Refuge was established to preserve and restore this key habitat. Ironically, the refuge
Mt Adams over Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge
was not created for cranes; and yet in 1979, one pair returned. Today there are about 14 pairs.
In 1992, biologists found the Oregon spotted frogs here in healthy numbers, making Conboy Lake one of only four such populations in Washington. Spotted frogs occur in only 10-22% of their historic range in Washington.
HISTORY OF THE AREA
Drawn by accounts of the valley's abundant resources, settlers like Peter Conboy, for whom the lake is named, began arriving in the area during the 1870s. The WhitcombCole hewn log house near refuge headquarters remains as an example of the homes they built, and is one of only a few pioneer log homes still standing in Klickitat County. It originally stood two miles across the lake on land first
settled by Stephen Whitcomb. In 1891 John Cole acquired the land from Whitcomb and built the main structure of the house that included a large downstairs room that served as a kitchen, dining, sitting, and family room. These were pretty cozy quarters for a family of seven!
The Coles sold the property in 1911, and the house remained inhabited for another 40 years until abandoned in the late 1950s. As a result of its abandonment, the home fell into disrepair until 1987 when the entire structure was moved to its current location and restored.
Today, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for visitors to wander in and imagine life in a common prairie home of over a century ago.
IMPORTANT TO NATIVE PEOPLES
The Klickitat people know this prairie as "tahk" and found it a reliable source for game and vegetable foodsoften with a surplus for storage. Here they gathered, as did the Yakama, to collect camas plant roots in the spring. While the women dug and dried the camas roots, the men would hunt and fish.
The use of Conboy Lake by Native Americans has a long history. Archaeological evidence shows encampments on the lake shore dating between 7,000 and 11,000 years ago.
In the 1850s Francis A. Chenowith, first Speaker of the Washington Territorial legislature, wrote letters to The Oregonian newspaper describing his travels in the region. One such trip took him to Camas Prairie, where he met Chief Kamiakin of the Yakama Tribe.
Chief Kamiakin was one of the principle signers of the Treaty of 1855, which established the Yakama Reservation. When the treaty was violated by gold prospectors, he led the Yakama, Palouse, and Klickitat against the US Army. He was forced into exile in Canada but eventually returned, renouncing his leadership role. He died in 1877 in Palouse country.
On the way to our next stop, Glenwood, 17 miles east of Trout Lake on Trout Lake Hwy (one of many scenic drives throughout the county), be sure to visit Outlet Falls, a 69-foot cascade fed by Outlet Creek, which runs through the 200-foot-deep Klickitat Canyon. To reach this alluring location, slow down between mileposts 5 and 6 on Glenwood Hwy. Look for a grove of tall evergreens with a rough wide opening on the east side of the road. Watch your step! There’s a steep bluff to get to the falls with no guardrail or fences. But the precarious hike is well worth the effort when you reach the base of the falls and its
deep, pristine pool. To stay a night or two in the area, check out Outlet Campground, just a ways back toward Glenwood from the falls. It is a bit primitive with older outhouses and no water source, but campers can stay for free.
Glenwood, at the foot of Mt. Adams, hosts stunning scenery and loads of history. It’s also home to the rousing Ketchum Kalf Rodeo. The first rodeo was held July 4, 1934 under the name of “Mt Adams Cattle Association.” It was held in an open field without chutes, corrals, or grandstands, and the stock was supplied by local farmers and ranchers. In 1937 it moved to a different field behind the post office. Pete Conboy donated the land currently being used for the rodeo to the Glenwood Rodeo Association in 1941. The name changed to the Ketchum Kalf Rodeo in 1943 and is held every year on Father’s Day Weekend.
How ’bout some mud slingin’ after kickin’ up so much dust? You’ll find lots of this at the Mt Adams Mud Fest in mid-July. As of this printing, we’re told it’s on July 12 and 13, but check online it to make sure.
Say “Hi!” to the life-size statute of Bigfoot while chilling out at the Glenwood General Store. He’ll be delighted for you to snap some selfies with him.
And speaking of our American-born Yetis, just how many of these elusive and supposedly intelligent creatures with human-like faces are there?
The Bigfoot figure is common to the folklore of most Northwest Native American tribes. Native American Bigfoot legends usually describe the creatures as around 6-9 feet tall,
Outlet Falls, Near Glenwood
very strong, hairy, uncivilized, and often foul-smelling, usually living in the woods, and often foraging at night. Native American Bigfoot creatures are almost always said to be unable to speak human languages, using whistles, grunts, and gestures to communicate with each other. In some stories, male Bigfeet are said to be able to mate with human women. In some Native stories, Bigfoot may have minor supernatural powers–the ability to turn invisible, for example–but they are always considered physical creatures of the forest,
native-languages.org/legends-big-
Even TV shows are going on the hunt. The Animal Planet show, Finding Bigfoot, lasted into its 12th season. And in the 2014 Spike TV reality show, “10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty,” nine teams were given the task of searching for scientific proof that would hold up under scientific scrutiny of the existence of Bigfoot. Spike TV touted this as the "the largest cash prize in television history" for "irrefutable evidence" that Bigfoot, in fact exists.
Father’s Day Weekend
s Medical appointments
ss Employment (limited)
ss Social service appointments
ss Educational opportunities
s s Grocery shopping
Dial-a-ride 24-hradvancenotice,please
Special needs?
Do you need wheelchair accessible transportation?
Mt. Adams Transportation travels to all areas of Klickitat County.
Please call our Transportation Coordinators (numbers at the bottom of this page) 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday
Thank you for giving us at least a 24-hour notice before scheduling your dial-a-ride trip.
Mt. Adams Transportation Service (MATS)
The dial-a-ride service provides transportation to doctor’s appointments, social and human service appointments, educational opportunities, shopping and other essential services.
Goldendale to The Dalles
Mon - Fri • $1.00 per boarding Children (under 5) FREE
Stops in Goldendale, Wishram, & The Dalles
White Salmon/Bingen to Hood River
Mon - Fri • $1.00 per boarding Children (under 5) FREE Stops in White Salmon, Bingen, & Hood River We will take you where you need to go!
For schedule & times call either phone number below, or visit https://gorgetransit.com/transit-agencies/mt-adams-transportation-services/
Purchase $40 annual unlimited-ride Gorge Transit Pass for fixed routes on CAT, Link, MATS, & Skamania! For details visit https://gorgetransit.com/
Goldendale Office
Physical & Mailing Address: 115 W Court St, #101
Goldendale, WA 98620
509.773.3060 / 800.447.7858
509.773.6965
Klickitat County Senior Services (KCSS) provides services to enhance the autonomy and independence of the elderly and other adults, whatever their present level of functioning may be.
Programs & Services
Senior information & assistance
Resource info for persons 60 years of age or over, and family caregivers.
Family caregiver support program
Provides resources and programs for a family member or friend providing care to a loved one including education, support, resources and/or respite care
Home delivered and congregate meals
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to adults 60 yrs and older who are homebound as the result of illness, disability or lack of transportation. Meals and socialization are additionally provided at specific sites in Klickitat County.
Goldendale Office
Physical & Mailing Address: 115 W Court St, #101
Goldendale, WA 98620
509.773.3757 / 800.447.7858
Fax: 509.773.6965
KCSS Volunteer Connection Program
Assists older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers by providing non-medical and community resources in their home. Maintains/improves independence, safety, and quality of life and provides volunteer opportunities for seniors and others to remain engaged and contribute to their communities
Case management
Helps to navigate long-term care. Identifies the type and options of long-term care services that best meet the client need and preferences.
Transportation services
Transportation to medical appointments, senior centers, local grocery stores and other activities are provided through Mt. Adams transportation.
Columbia River Gorge
feature several Class V rapids. The Klickitat River provides spring season adventure for whitewater enthusiasts and summer rafting and tubing for novices and family groups. The glacier-fed White Salmon
River provides whitewater challenges throughout the year and is noted for its rapid succession of Class IV and V rapids.
We’ll get you started by trekking down picturesque BZ Glenwood Hwy to 141 and then on to BZ Corner. Plan your water extravaganzas with any of these experienced pros: Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys (zooraft.com), Wet Planet (wetplanetwhitewater.com), and/or River Drifters (riverdrifters.net/white-salmon-river-rafting).
Grab your wetsuit (it’s cold all year), helmet, oars, and hang on for dear life!
White Salmon Windsurfing
Photo: Zach Dischner
Little White Salmon River
White Salmon and ends at Rheingarten Park where VIP seating is available under the canopies for our vets and their families and guests. Everyone else, please bring a chair or picnic blanket. We’re serenaded with live music of patriotic favorites as we enjoy a summer afternoon with our neighbors and friends under blue skies with gorgeous views. If you want to march along, contact the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce to learn how you can participate. Also check out the event’s Facebook page.
Would you like to indulge in a little imbibing? Then join us on the Holiday Wine Walk in downtown White Salmon. Get ready to sip the best boutique wines from the White Salmon area and kick off your Holiday shopping with a Holiday Makers Market. Come enjoy Nights in White Salmon Holiday Makers Market. Come on down to downtown White Salmon for an evening of Makers Market, Specials & Happenings!
Dock Grade Ornaments are hung the week of Thanksgiving and stay up until late January. Daytime viewing of this magical strip of decorations is a must. Access this one-way short cut from SR 14 just west of the Heritage Plaza Park and Ride. Many people make a loop through Bingen to come back and see it all over again. It’s that impressive!
Dreaming of a White Salmon is in December. Enjoy early afternoon Holiday Wassail at the Library. Then moving to the Riverview Bank lot, Community Partners provides s'mores and firepits, while our friends at Encounter Church provide plenty of platters of homemade cookies and cider to share with you. Our local fire department brings Santa to oversee the first lighting of our Community Christmas Tree and Menorah. Many local businesses offer open houses, workshops, and specials this day.
July 4th Entertainment from Gorge Winds
White Salmon Tulips near Pioneer Cemetery
Many an Event Held here
Darlisa Black
Bingen
Heading a bit farther east on SR 14, our next stop is the city of Bingen. 2024 was an especially important year for this tiny burg as it just turned 100 years old!
There’s plenty here to charm your senses, beginning with its visual appeal where you’ll delight in magnificent views of the Columbia River Gorge. For stunning
sea level sights, visit the Marina, the Marina Park, and The Point; the latter offers water access and is a great place for dog-walking.
Paragliders land at The Point after taking off from Burdoin Mt. It’s a launch point for water sports. Being next to the marina, it’s a great place to practice stand-up paddleboarding skills.
The spectacular sights continue in downtown Bingen where locals and visitors enjoy displays of public art on their town strolls. Visit the antique store while wandering through our city streets.
Bingen knows how to quench thirsts and please palates. To sate your taste and olfactory senses, check out its top-notch eateries and pubs.
While you’re dining on one of the delicious delectables or savoring the spectacular scenery, the kids might like to wheel on over to the skate park in Daubenspeck Park. Here, they’ll find fun for all skill levels.
The Gorge Heritage Museum is another Bingen attraction. Housed in the former Bingen Congregational Church, it was dedicated in 1912.
The West Klickitat County Historical Society established the museum in 1984. Explore the vibrant heritage
Downtown Bingen–as Colorful as the Rainbow
Darlisa Black
of the native peoples and pioneers of West Klickitat and East Skamania Counties who settled and traded along the Columbia River.
The rich histories of Native Americans, explorers, trappers, pioneer settlers, fruit growers, ranchers, miners, and loggers were lived out in this scenic region between Mt. Adams and the Columbia Gorge .
Recorded history in the Gorge began 1,100 years ago. Evidence of possible earlier inhabitants was destroyed by repeated floods over a period of 1,500 years. These floods devastated the Columbia River Valley and created the Columbia River Gorge as you now see it. The river provided the bounty and avenue for a trade culture be-
tween the inland and coastal natives.
In the early 19th century, Lewis and Clark camped near Bingen Point during their passage to the Pacific Ocean. They were followed by the Hudson’s Bay Company, American Fur Company, the Oregon Trail, and immigrant settlers, entrepreneurs, and merchants.
The exhibits of the Museum display pioneer clothing, house-hold items, logging & farming tools, and medical and surgical equipment. Also included are historical documents, newspapers, and Native American artifacts & crafts. The displays and exhibits have been donated by the families of these pioneers and collectors of history. Historic material donations are welcome at the Gorge Heritage Museum. Visit their Facebook page for more info.
We can’t leave Bingen without indulging in one of the most delectable treats of the Pacific Northwest... huckleberries! There is no better way to sample them than at Bingen’s Huckleberry Festival. The weekend of September 5-7 rings in the 61st annual celebration of this locally harvested berry. Stop by Daubenspeck Park where you’ll find fresh huckleberry pies, ice cream, smoothies, jams, jellies, and syrups just to name a few of the scrumptious goodies. In addition to the many tasty food vendors, the music will delight your auditory senses. You’ll also enjoy other ongoing live entertainment, a beer garden, arts and crafts vendors, and kids games and bouncy houses. A bonus is there is no entry fee and parking is free. Reserve a room and spend the whole weekend. Start Saturday morning with a huckleberry pancake breakfast served by our local fire crew. Visit huckleberry-fest.com for more info.
If you’re a movie buff, you’re in for another treat. Every Friday night in August, come and enjoy familyfriendly Outdoor Movie Nights at Daubenspeck Park. Later in October, visit the Arts & Crafts Fair at the Gorge Heritage Museum.
Gorge Heritage Museum
Bingen’s skate park in Daubenspeck Park
“Oh Joy of Joy” Statue, 306 W Humboldt St, Bingen
Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center
Six Rivers Community Mediation Center guides people to peaceful, sustainable conflict resolution. We mediate a variety of issues, including: Family Neighborhoods
Landlord/Tenant Workplace
Mediation is a voluntary process. A mediator is not a judge. Mediators do not choose or decide outcomes. Impartial, third-party mediators guide people through problem-solving in a safe space. People in mediation determine for themselves what is important, what solutions they will consider, and whether they will sign an agreement. Reaching an agreement, every step of the way, is voluntary.
Services are provided on a sliding scale based on household income.
Four miles east of Bingen on SR-14 is a favorite of fisher-men and -women alike, Rowland Lake. The highway splits the lake. Only the north lake is stocked with trout, but is it ever stocked! Thousands of catchable rainbow and hundreds of rainbow broodstock are planted in late December through May. Broodstock can be up to 11 pounds. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and some crappie are also caught here.
Rowland Lake
There is limited and very rocky shore access available and a rough WDFW unimproved boat launch on the north side of the lake.
For more info visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/rowlandlake.
Rowland Lake Fisherman
Happy Trails ...
Overindulge on huckleberry sweets and other festival delectables? No worries! As we journey farther east, five miles from Bingen, we can walk it all off on one of Catherine Creek’s unique and beautiful trails. Just after 4.5 miles from Bingen on 14, turn left on Old Highway (Number) 8, and follow the signs. Not only are the vistas breathtaking, but if you’re lucky enough to trek them in March through May, your eyes will feast on some of the most spectacular wildflower displays known to man.
Catherine Creek Arch is pictured here. A trail loops around it. Leashed doggies are welcome!
alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/catherine-creek If hiking’s in your blood, you’ll find another trekkable treat a bit farther east: the 31-mile Klickitat Trail. Continue east on Old Hwy 8 to where it deadends on SR 14. Turn left on 14, go over the Klickitat River Bridge, and hang a left on WA-142 E (the sign will say “Klickitat/Wahkiacus”). Go another 400 feet, and look for the Lyle Trailhead sign.
The Klickitat Trail, a non-motorized multiple use trail, follows the first 31 miles of an old railroad corridor that once linked the towns of Lyle and Goldendale. It’s unique among
Catherine Creek Arch
Paul Gerald
Lyle
Klickitat County’s scenic splendors continue into Lyle, WA, just 10 miles east of Bingen on SR 14. Diminutive though this community is, with a population of 267 as of the 2020 census, it has a lot to offer! For starters, it boasts five wineries alone–Cor Cellars, Domaine Pouillon, Klickitat Canyon, Syncline, and Tetrahedron. Check out our wine directory for more info. It’s home to Howard’s Haven Animal Sanctuary, a safe haven for animals. Their mission is to rescue animals in dire situations, to educate visitors about animal health and welfare, and to advocate spaying, neutering, and treating/training animals with kindness. They welcome visitors by appointment only. Schedule a free visit by calling 541.705.7073 or by going to thehowardshavenanimalsanctuary.com/visit
Lyle residents love their history, and have lovingly preserved it in their very own Twin Bridges Museum. It’s housed in the former Methodist Church at the intersection of Klickitat and 4th Street. Come by to enjoy their ex-
tensive collections of Lyle residents’ memorabilia. Details can be found on twinbridgesmuseum.wordpress.com.
Lyle also has all the trappings a hungry, weary traveller may need for rest and restoration. Book accommodations with our historic hotel, grab a morning espresso, sate your palate at one of our many fine eateries, visit our grocer, and fuel your vehicle.
Windsurfers love the sporting challenges offered along Lyle’s shores. A favorite is Doug’s Beach, 2.9 miles east of Lyle off/on the south side of SR141. This 379-acre, undeveloped day-use park on the Columbia River is rated for advanced sailors who are properly trained, skilled, and equipped, although there are a few protected areas for beginners close to shore. Read the Google reviews for first-hand experiences.
A bit farther east from Lyle on SR14 and just before reaching Dallesport is Schreiner Farms. This 12,000acre site is a habitat for approximately 18 species of exotic animals from antelope to zebras. It is also an operating cattle ranch. You’re welcome to drive through, provided the rules posted on their website, schreinerfarms.com, are honored.
Lyle Bridge by Darlisa Black
ing with recreational opportunities. Warm weather water fun on the Klickitat River includes drift boating, kayaking, and rafting. You can also enjoy a scenic hike on one of the many paths and trails. And if you like fishing, you’ll love the plentiful salmon and steelhead. The Klickitat doesn’t get the press of other salmon and steelhead rivers, and the locals like it that way.
From August until the new year, the Klick, as it’s known, provides solid fishing for summer steelhead, Chinook salmon, and in the lower reaches coho salmon too. The lower part of the river by the mouth is favored by salmon anglers when those runs
occur. Steelhead (as well as resident rainbow trout) are distributed throughout the rest of the river system upstream. There is some access for bank anglers, but a really good way to fish this river is out of a raft or drift boat. If you’ve never done this before, go with a guide at least once to find out not only where the best runs are, but also where problematic rapids or drops are located.
If you’re in Klickitat around the end of July, you won’t want to miss Klickitat Canyon Days—this year is our 47th! You’ll need sunscreen and plenty of water for this fun-filled jaunt. It kicks off with a free community movie, starting at dusk on Friday, July 26. Saturday hosts a parade, live music, vendors, beer garden, car show, 5K run, reunion, and a host of other fun activities for the whole family. Sunday brings the Ducky Derby—yep, 600 small plastic ducks, numbered and sponsored by participants, are floated down the Klick.
Come join the annual Klickitat Salutes, currently scheduled for October 12—but check online to be sure. There will be music, food, silent auction, and veterans fishing with local guides.
The Klickitat Historical Museum is another must-see while in town. Check out the caboose that was donated in 2011. As well, visit gorgespirits.com/khp.htm for some phenomenal photos, such as the chimney, above left, and the Klickitat Mineral Springs poster on the previous page.
Vaux’s Swift
Chimney of abandoned ice plant—Vaux’s Swift nesting site
f otection o us all for
Goldend
Klickitat
CtFiDtt Klickitat County Fire Department
Klickitat County Search & Rescue and all other First Responders
God bless you for your dedication to - and sacrifice for - our safety and well Y Yoou are appreciated more than you know!
KlikittC -being. ale Police Department f's Of County Sherifff fffice
A World of Wine in 40 Miles
... is how the Columbia Gorge Wine Region is affectionately known due to its unique topography and climatic changes. In this 40-mile stretch, encompassing both sides of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, an extraordinary combination of climates, soils, elevation, and geology combine to produce some of the best and most varied grape varietals in the Pacific Northwest.
A great transition occurs between the alpine forests of Underwood Mountain to the deserts of our eastern side, and our latitudes are shared with some of the finest wine growing regions of Europe, including Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, and Italy.
The Columbia Gorge is part of two American Viticultural Areas (AVA), including the western edge of the Columbia Valley AVA and encompassing all of the Columbia Gorge AVA, which was established in 2004. In our region, the Cascade Mountain range restricts the grand Columbia River into a narrow passage.
This mountain range runs north into British Columbia, and south to California, creating a drastic climate difference as rains and clouds from the Pacific move inland and get hung up on the mountains. Hence, the
areas on our western border see much more rain than the deserts of our eastern border, with rainfall diminishing more than one inch per mile moving east.
Soils deposited from ice age floods and volcanic eruptions define the geology. The river canyon acts as a corridor for cool marine winds, which is why the Columbia Gorge is known worldwide as a premier windsurfing and kiting playground. And our two crowning beauties, Mt Hood and Mt Adams, create vertical elevations that allow for a huge range of grapes to be grown with success.
Long famous for its fine pears, apples, cherries, and other fruits, it wasn’t until the 1970s that residents started experimenting with grapes. The vines prospered, and soon folks began to recognize the Gorge as a viticultural gem. Currently, over 70% of Gorge grown grapes are exported to other wine regions such as the Willamette Valley and Walla Walla, but plenty are crushed here in the Gorge at local wineries the day they are picked. From Albariño to Zinfandel, the Columbia Gorge really is a World of Wine in 40 Miles! columbiagorgewine.com
Ginger Swanson, of Windermere, brings you: Ginger Swanson, of Windermere, brings you:
29
Professional photography, staging advice, and impeccable customer service
Client Testimonials:
“Ginger and the Windermere team have effectively partnered with us to achieve our real estate objectives. Ginger's extensive experience and vast knowledge of the Columbia River Valley Gorge real estate market represent tremendous assets that she brings to our mission. She integrates a personable style into her professional approach with her clients. We are pleased to be collaborating with Ginger.” ~ G.D.
“Ginger is superlative. If you don’t list with her, you do yourself a disservice! She goes the extra mile to display your home, professional photographers with drone, but more important she is honest, kind and extraordinarily well informed about the market. You cannot do better than to associate yourself with Ginger. We love her and give her our unqualified endorsement. If we had 100 houses to sell, Ginger would have 100 listings!” ~ D.S
“Ginger sold our house on 20 acres, another 20-acre property and a 60-acre farm. We previously had the property and the farm unsuccessfully listed with other agents at different real estate companies. Ginger had a good understanding of the value of each of our listings and helped us set our selling prices. She was very diligent, responded quickly to the questions we had and kept us informed during the entire process. She was a delight to work with and the hardest working agent we have had the pleasure to work with in real estate transactions in 4 states.” ~ K.B.
Our County’s Public Libraries
The White Salmon and Goldendale public libraries are two of 15 locations that are part of the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRL), which is now the 5th largest library district in Washington State.
In addition to traditional library services, other offerings include:
• streaming movies & music
• eBooks, audiobooks, & digital magazines
• public use Wi-Fi
• homework help for K-12
• the FVRL Bookmobile (photo below)
Enjoy the dramatic view of Mt. Hood while browsing through the White Salmon Valley Community Library’s diverse collections for your learning and entertainment.
Both branches are generously supported by FRIENDS of each library.
The Goldendale library has served the community for over 100 years. It underwent a much-needed renovation in 2018. Visit FVRL.org/goldendale-remodel to check out the changes; better yet, stop by!
History buffs, this is one of the few Carnegie libraries left in the state. It’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
One of the most popular events is sure to give you a brain freeze. It’s the library’s Ice Cream Social. This year it’s on Aug 10 in the Goldendale Library Camplan Community Room and celebrates Klickitat County’s 50th anniversary of joining FVRLibraries. Here you will enjoy ice cream, music, and community.
Both branches host a myriad of events for all ages throughout the year. Please visit the FVRL calendar at fvrl.librarymarket.com/events/month
Yakima County. (Wait, there are two ways to spell Yakama? Yes. The city and county of Yakima, just north of Klickitat County, are spelled with an “i.” In 1993 the Tribal Council elected to change the spelling of the tribe to Yakama, the spelling that appears in the Treaty of 1859.)
The Klickitat Band culture is quite prominent in Klickitat County. Harvey says the Klickitat language—called Sahaptin—is now being taught at Goldendale High School. A popular and well-attended event is the annual powwow at their Rock Creek Long House. This year it’s
Come to me, all who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Goldendale United Methodist Church
109 E Broadway, POB 1033 Goldendale • 509.773.4461 gumchurch12@gmail.com
Sun: 9:30am Worship
Learning Ladder Christian Preschool goldendaleumc.org/learning-ladder.html
Alcoholics Anonymous
Mon, Wed, Fri: 7 - 8pm Narcotics Anon Thurs: 7pm Free Community Meals 5:30pm: Tue, Wed, Thu, 2nd & 4th Mon All are Welcome!
Visit our website for other activities. GoldendaleUMC.org
1280 W Jewett, POB 1098 White Salmon • 509.493.2597
gracebaptist@grace-ws.org
Pastor Mark Hoeffner
Sunday School 8:45-9:45am 10am Worship Svc (nursery & children’s church) 10am live streaming on website
Loving People, Loving God, Making Disciples, Following Jesus
Visit our website for more information. Grace-WS.org
Ss. Joachim & Anna
Orthodox Mission
301 NW 2nd St, POB 745
Goldendale • 907.317.3828 frjohnphelps@gmail.com
Reverend John Phelps
Sat: 5:30pm Vespers
Sun: 8:15am Orthros 9:30am Liturgy
New Life Assembly of God Church
1602 S Columbus, POB 92 Goldendale • 509.773.4650
Pastor Kevin Gerchak Sun: 9:30 Sun. School (all ages) 10:30 Worship Service Streams Live on Youtube Prayer times: Tue: 9am–10am Wed: Noon–1pm Wed: 7pm Adult Bible Study, TAB (grades 7-12), New Life Kids (3 yrs old - grade 6)
WhiteSalmonUMC.org Grace Baptist Church
Wed: 7pm Youth Group Fri: 9pm Compline OrthodoxGoldendale.com
Pastors Rod & Cathy Smith Sun: 10:30am Worship Wed: 7pm Bible Study
Let the Word not only inform you but inflame you.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church
Serving Catholics in the White Salmon area since 1912.
240 NW Washington St, White Salmon | POB 2049 509.493.2828
Sat Mass: 5pm English 7pm Español
Sun Mass: 9am English 11am Español 1pm Español
RiverOfLife222.org
341 N Main Ave, White Salmon POB 934 • 509.493.1308
Pastor Kendra Behn-Smith Sun: 11am Livestream on Facebook Mon: 3 - 5pm Girl Scouts Tue: 10:30am Prayer Group
All are Welcome!
Daily Mass/Misa Diaria: Call the office for Mass time. (Llame a la oficina para la hora de misa.) Wed/Miercoles: 6pm Español StJosephWhiteSalmon.org White Salmon United Methodist
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Goose Lake
Trout Lake Fair
Bigfoot Sightings
Ketchum Kalf Rodeo
White Salmon Spring Fest
Art & Wine Fusion
Bingen Skate Park
Huckleberry Festival
Catherine Creek & Klickitat Trails
Klickitat Canyon Days
Klickitat County
Lake State Park
Columbia Hills State Park
Dalles Mountain Road
Wishram Historic Railroad
Maryhill Winery
Maryhill Museum
Car is King Weekend (Maryhill Museum)
Maryhill Loops Rd Skateboarding Events
Maryhill State Park
War Memorial
Places & Events
Home &
Goldendale Observatory
Presby Museum
Goldendale Public Library
Goldendale Farmer’s Market (Ekone Park)
Goldendale Bluegrass Pickers Festival (Ekone Park)
Goldendale Community Days
W.E. Rock Crawl
Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo (KC Fairgrounds)
Ghost Town of Goodnoe
Columbia Hills State Park
Columbia Hills Historical State Park has three entrances: the first at milepost 85 on Hwy 14 includes a campground with trailheads to the east; the second is Horsethief Lake Park; and the third, Crawford Oaks, open to horses and bicycles, is about .5 mile east of the Butte parking;
it has a great view of the Gorge looking west. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.
This 3,637-acre camping park has 7,500-feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Horsethief Butte stands over the lake, dominating the skyline. The entrance to Horsethief Butte is 1.2 miles east of the main Horsethief
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There are pit toilets and well-marked trails.
Park entrance.
“She Who Watches” Petroglyph
Mt Hood from Col Hills
Steve Nygaard
Horsethief Lake State Park
Dallesport
This unincorporated community has a population of approximately 1,300. It was the site of the first ferry crossing in the area beginning in 1854 and was the original county seat until 1878. Boat traffic moved up and down the Columbia River but could not pass the Dalles and Celilo falls near Dallesport. The solution, the Dalles-Celilo Canal, opened May 5, 1915 with five locks and a 90-foot lift. The canal remained in use until it was flooded in 1957 by the newly completed Dalles Dam. The Dalles bridge opened in 1953 shortly after Congress approved the construction of the dam.
IDallesport is home to the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport–see their ad on the facing page–where visitors are welcome year-round. The original grass strip, known as Case Field, was built in the early 1920s as part of the U.S. Airmail Service. In 1942 the U.S. Corps of Engineers developed the current airfield as a WWII training facility.
To get to Dallesport, turn right off of SR14 (if you’re heading east) when you see the sign for The Dalles–this is US197 South/ Dallesport Rd. Dallesport is a little over 2 miles south of this, just north of the Columbia River. Look for the airport entrance on the left/east side of US197.
Wishram Historic Railroad
f you love locomotives, you will not want to miss Wishram. Heading east on SR14, as soon as you’ve passed through Wishram Heights, look for the sign for Wishram. It will be another right, this time a sharp one, onto Bluff/Wishram Rd where you’ll roll steeply down to sea level and into yet another tiny town. Follow the signs to the Wishram Train Station.
Wishram is the retirement home for the Great Northern 2507 where it is roofed and fenced in. This steam-powered locomotive was built in 1923 at the Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was assigned to pull the Great Northern's mainline passenger trains such as the Empire Builder and Oriental Limited until being re-
tired in December 1957 and sold to the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway.
Wishram is an official train station for Amtrak. This and Bingen are the only two Amtrak stops in the county. The Wishram platform is not sheltered, so dress accordingly in extreme weather. There are also no restrooms. Passengers are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
For more info visit Amtrak.com/stations/wih
Wishram Train Order Operator, 1970
LMaryhill Winery
uscious grapes grown in the fertile soils along the Columbia River grace Klickitat County with delicious world-class, award-winning wines that rival anything coming out of Europe!
One of our many wineries, Maryhill Winery, overlooking the breath-taking Columbia River Gorge, is roughly 5 miles east of Wishram.
Maryhill Winery is one of Washington's largest wine producers, outputting 80,000 cases annually. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, live music on the vine-covered terrace every weekend, Memorial Day through September, tours and special events, and tournament-quality bocce courts.
Drawing more than 75,000 wine enthusiasts from around the globe each year ranks Maryhill among the top-five most visited wineries in the state. It has been honored with more than 3,000 awards since its first vintage in 2001, including being named 2015 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest and the 2014 Winery of the Year at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. It now has four tasting rooms throughout the Pacific Northwest with each featuring full bistro menus!
See Maryhill Winery’s back cover ad and Journey’s Wine Directory for more wine tasting opportunities!
Right next to the award-winning winery, our next stop is the award-winning Maryhill Museum of Art. The structure, a work of art in its own right, was originally intended as a mansion for Sam Hill (1857–1931), one of the most colorful and influential figures in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s. Hill was a successful businessman, world traveler, builder of monuments, and early advocate of paved roads.
This is the place for indulgence in fine & performing arts and architectural appreciation, while basking in the glory of the Columbia River Gorge.
MARYHILL MUSEUM OF ART
Among the museum’s permanent exhibits is Auguste Rodin. This includes smaller-scale versions of well-known sculptures, such as The Thinker, The Hand of God, The Age of Bronze, and the life-size plaster of Eve.
As well, there are special exhibitions. Visit MaryhillMuseum.org for more info.
Maryhill Museum Welcomes You
The Museum Overlooks the Columbia River
Maryhill Park & Peach Beach
Now we’ll visit beautiful and relaxing Maryhill State Park and campground, right on the Columbia River and a stone’s throw from Stonehenge. Here you can camp, swim, picnic, and feast on the view. Maryhill State Park has it all!
This lovely getaway is part of Washington State Parks, so unless it’s a free day, you’ll need a Discover Pass to
enter that you can buy at the park entrance. Find “Free Days” at parks.state.wa.us/167/Discover-PassFees.
Maryhill State Park is next to RV camp, Peach Beach. Discover more at PeachBeachCamping.com.
And don’t miss the charming little town of Maryhill just outside the park. It will delight your eyes in the spring with its blossoming fruit orchards and quench your palate in the summer with luscious fruit, honey, and other delectables, all for sale!
RV & Tent Camping–right on the river!
Tempie Davies
Delicate Blooms Produce Delicious Fruit
Take the High (and loopy) Road
Maryhill Museum of Art founder Sam Hill was one of the Northwest’s first and most vocal advocates for modern roads. He was president of the Washington State Good Roads Association and spent much of his life championing the importance of highways in the Northwest. In 1913 Sam Hill convinced the Oregon governor and legislature to visit Maryhill and see the 10 miles of demonstration roads he had constructed over the prior four years, at his own expense, as a way to experiment with road building techniques and surfaces.
Located off Washington SR 14, the historic Maryhill Loops Road was the first macadam asphaltpaved road in the Pacific Northwest. Prior to the construction of US 97, it served as the only road between the Columbia River and Goldendale, Washington.
Historically, it was part of a larger road that encompassed several miles, over which seven different experimental roads were constructed. It rises 850 feet in a series of 25 curves, eight of them hairpin turns, at a grade of 5 percent. In 1998, a 3.6-mile section of the road was completely refurbished and received the Outstanding Project of Historical Significance Award from the American Public Works Association, Washington State Chapter.
—Maryhill Museum of Art Visit MaryhillMuseum.org.
MARYHILL LOOPS ROAD: Remains an attraction for history and scenery fans.
Maryhill Loops Rd is venue to numerous sporting events
WGoldendale
elcome to Goldendale, our county seat and, as we like to say, truly a Golden Dale. It is aptly located midway along the Klickitat County eastwest aerial point. It’s slightly south of the heart of Klickitat County.
Goldendale sits on a fertile plateau 10 miles north of the Columbia River between the wind- swept Columbia Hills and the pine-covered Simcoe Mountains of South-Central Washington. The sprawling area contains pine forests, fertile farmland, and high desert.
A population of roughly 3,600 within city limits may not make this a booming metropolis anywhere else in the U.S. In our rural county, however, it is the largest city–don’t forget, we only have one traffic light in the entire county, and it’s not even in Goldendale!
In 1872 the town was given its name by the early homesteader John Golden, a Pennsylvania-born farmer who settled with his wife from Oregon. The house built by his son-in-law, Curtis M. Shelton, at Columbus and Collins, remains standing in downtown Goldendale.
Goldendale Observatory
Famous for its dark skies, Goldendale offers pristine, naked-eye night views of our galaxy from almost any open area. The city has taken steps to enhance this feature with the installation of full-cutoff and dimmable LED street lamps.
If you want even more astronomically awesome observations of the cosmos, you’ll delight in knowing one of the town’s biggest draws is our Observatory.
This 5-acre Washington State Park has provided spectacular sights to star-struck visitors for decades. For hours of observation, go to GoldendaleObservatory.com/visit.html.
In the meantime, don’t miss the Live Streaming Events on the same website. Click Live Events and the play button at the top. These videos are also recorded. The Episode Playlist will take you to the Observatory’s YouTube channel where you can view amazing (and recent) time-lapse cosmic photography.
How did this facility, allowing for such awesome explorations of our Milky Way, come to be? The main telescope was the brainchild of four Vancouver, Washington-area
1897 home of Curtis M Shelton, John Golden’s son-in-law
Washington State’s OLDEST RODEO!
114th Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic
amateur astronomers who designed and built the instrument in the 1960s over a period of six years, with help from Clark College and its students. Vancouver’s light pollution and cloudy weather precluded siting the telescope in that area, and the builders’ search for a perfect star-gazing spot eventually led them to Goldendale. The telescope was formally donated after the town agreed to build a public observatory to house it.
Goldendale was not a random selection; it had been the site of an important, but unsuccessful, experiment in 1918 to prove Einstein's new (at the time) theory of relativity during a total solar eclipse. The founders knew more eclipses were coming to the area in 1979 and again in 2017; observatory visitors witnessed both events exactly as intended.
Here are the directions: From Hwy 97, take the Broadway St exit into Goldendale. Turn right on Columbus Ave, stay right at the fork (just after the cemetery), and follow that straight up to the observatory.
Goldendale Home & Garden Show (May 2-4, 2025)
Make plans to attend this most popular event with free admission and parking. You’ll find new exhibits with live music, food, and fun for the kids. Get tips on spring planting, and landscaping; purchase plants and trees; and meet face-to-face with area home improvement experts.
Demolition Derby & Fireworks Show (July 4, 2025)
ABATE of Washington hosts the July 4th Demolition Derby. Other fun includes a Poker Run, Motorcycle/Quad Barrel Racing, great local food, and more. For details visit members.goldendalechamber.org/experience-goldendale-calendar
Goldendale Community Days (weekend after Independence Day)
This is Goldendale’s biggest event of the year. It’s sheer entertainment from the parade, to the car show, to rides, to music, to yummies, to tons of other fun. Community Days delights all ages 100!
It’s held on the front grounds of the Courthouse (Columbus Ave) and spreads throughout downtown on Main St. The music begins on Friday afternoon, Juy 11, and continues on until Sun-
Goldendale Observatory State Park
day.
The parade starts on Saturday, July 12, at 10am and is quite the procession! Before it passes by, join in by registering at 8:30 Saturday morning (usually on Schuster) or pre-registering at City Hall or the Chamber office.
There will be 10 bouncy houses for the kids, and the Chamber is hosting a street vendor fair and resource fair.
If you love old cars, you’ll love the Community Days Car Show, planned for Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. That’s the grand display with buffed and puffed vintage vehicles gleaming up and down Main St. For more information, call 360-214-6659.
Harvesting the Wind
The locals have a saying: “It’s so windy, there’s whitecaps on the mud puddles!” We know how to harness that wind and invite you to witness this in action.
There are over 600 wind turbines in Klickitat County. These produce a combined output of over 1,200 megawatts, providing energy and jobs to the area. There’s enough clean renewable electricity produced to meet the needs of 28,000 residences.
From their bases to the tips of the highest blades, these giants can loom to heights of up to 490 ft–more than the length of a football field! A single blade can reach 164 ft–that’s the length of an Olympic-size (50 meter) swimming pool!
For a spectacular wheat field & wind turbine-filled drive, try this 56-mile jaunt: From 97 go east on Hoctor Rd. This joins Old Hwy 8, then Rock Creek Rd. It emerges at the mouth of Rock Creek at Hwy 14, about 19 miles east of 97. From there head back north to Goldendale, completing the circle at the Goldendale exit. This is a 1.5 -2 hour drive.
Goldendale Farmers’ Market (Saturdays during the growing season)
Our fertile soils, temperate climate, spectacular sunshine, and green thumbs produce much more than gorgeous grapes. While our growing season may be short, the bounties of our gardeners are bodacious.
Every color of the rainbow is displayed at our Saturday Farmers’ Market when the weather is warm, from May
800 E Simcoe, Goldendale, WA 98620 (behind Quality Inn, west side of 97) stargazersrvresort.com facebook.com/StargazersRV 509-773-7827 (STAR)
See their ad, pg. 55
KLICKITAT
Mineral Springs Unit (public access) Hwy 142, Klickitat, WA 98628 oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Klickitat_Trail :_Klickitat_Mineral_Springs_Hike
LYLE
Klickitat Trail Trailhead
Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail
1.3 miles east of Lyle on SR 14 (slightly east of mile marker 77) gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/lylecherry-orchard.html
Rowland Lake (camping not allowed)
Along Old Hwy 8 west of Lyle, wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/30295
Turkey Hole
5 miles up Klickitat River from Lyle wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/30298
Wishbone Campground
10 Canyon Rd, Lyle, WA 98635-9509 509- 365-3210
ROOSEVELT
(*Following 3 campgrounds operated by US Army Corps of Engineers - call 541506-7819 for more info or visit: nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/ColumbiaRiver/John-Day)
Rock Creek* (an 1805 campsite of Lewis & Clark); Primitive camping; portable toilets Apr-Sep; SR14, 17 miles east Maryhill, near Roosevelt, WA, 99356
Roosevelt Park Recreation Center* (primitive camping, no electrical or waste dump; boat ramp; vault toilets; windsurfing); take Roosevelt Ferry Road–W exit off Hwy 14 into Roosevelt
Sundale* (primitive camping; boat ramp; vault toilets; picnic area); 6 miles west of Roosevelt on SR14, Roosevelt, WA, 99356
TROUT LAKE
Elk Meadows RV Park, 78 Trout Lake Creek Rd, Trout Lake, WA, 98650 elkmeadowsrvpark.com; 509-395-2400, 877-395-2400
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Check with the Trout Lake Ranger for things to do and see; see pg. 3
WHITE SALMON
Gorge Base Camp RV Park & Campground, 65271 Hwy 14 White Salmon, WA, 98672; management@gorgebasecamp.com gorgebasecamp.com; 509-493-1111
Northwestern Lake Riding Stables 126 Little Buck Creek Rd White Salmon, WA, 98672; hnwstables.com; 509 493-4965
We did our homework, but things may have changed. So please let us know if you found any of this info to be inaccurate or if we missed any recreational areas by reaching out to us:
info@GoldendaleSentinel.com or 509.773.3777
Background wallpaper by RAY CRESSWELL
This amazing blast from the past is a trove of timeless treasures chock full of local history! It was originally built as a three-story, 22-room family residence. Over the years the Presby was also used as a boarding house for school teachers and railway workers.
The Mansion was sold for $12,000 to the Klickitat County Historical Society by Pearl Shepard in 1962.
The Society’s primary purpose is to collect, preserve, and present the history of Goldendale and Klickitat County, and you’ll find this purpose fully displayed here. It even houses the actual Goldendale Sentinel printing press and Linotype machine, which date back to 1878!
The Presby hosts an amazing quilt show during Community Days in July. In August you’ll find Pioneer Pal Day that teaches our youth about life as Pioneers by inviting them to step back in history with hours of stories, crafts, and activities. The theme of the museum: “Presby is the living time capsule for Klickitat County.”
This is the place to come to purchase different books on the history of Klickitat County by local authors. Visit PresbyMuseum.com for more information on the museum and/or to learn how to become a member of the Klickitat County Historical Society.
Winthrop B. Presby built this mansion in 1902-03 and lived in it until about the time this photo was taken, circa 1910. It then was home of the Shepard family until sold to the Klickitat County Historical Society in 1962.
through September. The venue is on the Goldendale Chamber grounds, hosting a plethora of home-grown/made produce, plants, jewelry, crafts, jams, and much more. All vendors are invited to register, so you can share your wares. Produce vendors are especially welcome. Check us out on Facebook (facebook.com/Goldendalefarmersmarket) or on the Goldendale Chamber’s website.
Goldendale Pickerfest (Bluegrass)
(June 5-8, 2025)
Pickers of all musical skills, sizes, shapes, and ages from all over will be joining in the jammin’ jamboree, creating a full weekend of bluegrass grooviness.
Camping for the full weekend is $10 per person—day visits are free. Stay tuned to facebook.com/goldendalepickersfest for updates.
W.E. (World Extreme) Rock Crawl (July 29-30, 2025)
Broken Boulder Farms
The Rock Crawl is a few miles north of the city. You have to come into Goldendale, and head north on Pipeline Rd to get to the Rock Crawl. Broken Boulder Farm hosts the event and is
also home to a lush assortment of lavender, veggies, and flowers, all available for purchase.
You’ll find more details on WERockLive.com.
Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo (Aug 13-17, 2025)
Hold yer horses for another rousin’ county event, held at the KC Fairgrounds right here in Goldendale.
Every year the county Fair & Rodeo brings residents and visitors together for a grand stompin’ time. And 2025 is their 81st year!
It will kick off Thursday evening with an old-fashioned barbecue, featuring delicious local food and produce.
After more than 80 years of producing the Fair Premium Book—beginning with the very first County Fair—at no cost to the KC Fair Board, last year the Board decided to end The Goldendale Sentinel’s production of this critical publication and instead are doing it entirely online at their considerable expense and the dismay of many who prefer a printed product. This saddens us as we were honored to provide such a valuable service free of charge to all involved with the Fair (as many Fair participants have affirmed), and it was what the original founders of the Fair Board wanted. But since everything must eventually come to an end, so be it.
Fortunately, we will continue to produce Harvest, a special section supplement about the Fair. Be on the lookout for it. It
Lindhe Insurance LLC
will be included in The Sentinel’s weekly publication the Wednesday before the Fair.
Central Klickitat Parks & Rec
The Goldendale Pool is open from mid-March until mid-September with activities the whole family can enjoy: lap swimming, water aerobics, swim lessons, fun for kids, and more.This is the perfect way to cool off
during the hot days of spring and summer. Visit centralklickitatparksandrecreation.com/pool for pool info. The pool is dome-covered for warmth from March until the 1st weekend in June. And if you can brave really cold waters, Central Klickitat Parks & Rec sponsors the annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge into the Columbia River at Maryhill State Park on Jan. 1!
CKP&R offers lots more for kids of all ages besides just water activities. Included are youth soccer & football, disc golf, art classes, community gardens, and more. For more info call 509.773.0506.
Victorian Houses
Presby’s the most famous, but we’ve got quite a few others around town, as well—most beautifully restored. See how many you can spot on your travels through town. Hint: start on Broadway.
The Goldendale Sentinel 117 W Main St
We gotta put a plug in for ourselves—after all, at 145 years old, we’re one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in the state and the official paper of Klickitat County.
Housed in one of Goldendale’s historic buildings, The Sentinel was established in 1879 and, to the best of our knowledge, has never missed a week of publication. We welcome you to visit GoldendaleSentinel.com. If you like what you see, please subscribe.
Concours de Maryhill
After 24 years Goldendale Motorsports Association is stepping down from hosting the Concours de Maryhill Open Car Show. They thank all past participants for supporting this popular event and Maryhill Museum of Art for providing the vista-laden venue. Car buffs may be interested in checking out what else GMA offers. Go to GoldendaleMotorsports.org
106 E Market St, Bickleton bickleton.org/market-street-cafe
509-896-2671
See their ad, page 69
BINGEN:
AYUTLENESE
120 E Steuben St, Bingen
509-493-1017
BENEVENTI’S
201 W Steuben St, Bingen beneventispizza.com
509-493-2177
See their ad, page 23
CARMEN’S KITCHEN
223 W Steuben St, Bingen
509-281-3215
DICKEY FARMS
806 W Steuben St, Bingen
509-493-2636, x1
See their ad, page 24
JOSLYN HOUSE B&B
706 West Steuben, Bingen
509-493-4888
MUGS COFFEE
120 W Steuben St, Bingen mugsco.com
509-281-3100
PINE SHED RIBS & BBQ
216 W Steuben St, Bingen
509-281-3330
SOCIETY HOTEL
210 Cedar St, Bingen
503-445-0444
See their ad, page 27
TAQUERIA EL RICONCITO
114 W Steuben St, Bingen
509-493-8227
GLENWOOD:
GLENWOOD GEN’L STORE
208 E Main, Glenwood, 509-364-3535
See their ad, page 12
GLENWOOD STATION
105 E Main St, Glenwood
509-364-3471
MT ADAMS LODGE
25 Flying L Ln, Glenwood mt-adams.com
509-364-3488
SHADE TREE INN (and restaurant & bar)
105 E Main St, Glenwood 509-364-3471
GOLDENDALE:
AYUTLA’S
Family Mexican Restaurant
630 E Simcoe Dr, Goldendale 509-773-7188 / 1987
BAKE MY DAY
118 W Main St, Goldendale
509-773-0403
See their ad, page 32
D’AVANZO’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT & CRUSH Smoothies/JuiceBar 119 E Main, Goldendale 509.772.2888
GEE’S CHINESE RESTAURANT
118 E Main St, Goldendale 509-773-6999
GOLDENDALE FARMERS’ MARKET
Goldendale Chamber lawn 903 E Broadway, May - Sept
GOLDENDALE MKT FRESH
622 E Broadway, Goldendale centerplacemarket.com/goldendale.html; 509-773-3072
See their ad, page 44
KC Food &
GOLDENDALE COFFEE (drive-thru)
630 E Simcoe Dr, Goldendale 509-261-1209
GRIST MILL
121 W Main, Goldendale 509-773-4176
GUNKEL ORCHARDS
89 Maryhill Hwy, Goldendale 509-773-4698
See their ad, page 40
HOLCOMB’S MARKET
320 S Columbus, Goldendale 509-773-4958
See their ad, page 57
LOIE’S CAFE
(in Maryhill Museum of Art)
35 Maryhill Museum Dr, Goldendale, 509-773-3733
maryhillmuseum.org
MARYHILL WINERY/BISTRO
9774 Hwy 14, Goldendale 509-773-1976
maryhillwinery.com
See their ad, back cover
PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA
821 E Simcoe Dr, Goldendale papajohns.com; 509-773-9900
See their ad, page 55
PONDEROSA MOTEL
775 E Broadway, Goldendale ponderosamotelgoldendale.com 509-773-5842
QUALITY INN
808 E Simcoe Dr, Goldendale choicecentral.com; 509-773-5881
See their ad, page 55
ST JOHN’S COFFEE SHOP & GREEK BAKERY
2378 Hwy 97, Goldendale 509-773-6650
See their ad on page 61
SIMCOE FOOD COURT
BT Mountain Coffee Taqueria Veracruz
213 E Simcoe Dr, Goldendale
held on April 19 and 20. On May 6, 2024, the band makes a presentation to the Goldendale City Council on Klickitat language and culture. And as of this writing, the Band is working at procuring funding to bring their Native dancing back to Goldendale’s Community Days.
The Yakama Nation is especially active on the waterways of the area, including the Columbia and Klickitat rivers. The tribe operates a fisheries program with some 40 employees. Among its fisheries projects is its unique work with the U.S. Department of Energy to use abandoned intake settling ponds at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation—a decommissioned nuclear energy facility
in Benton County— to acclimate about 500,000 fall chinook juveniles before releasing them into the Columbia. (The concrete pools were tested and found to have no nuclear contamination.) The Yakama Nation co-manages the Columbia, Wind, White Salmon, Klickitat, Yakima, Wenatchee, Methow, Entiat, and Okanogan rivers.
Harvey shares that many band members may be seen on various lands of the ceded Yakama territory to gather native produce, as they have for centuries. “We want people to know it’s just us digging for roots,” she says. “If you see us, you’ll know that’s what we’re doing.”
—Lou Marzeles
Canoe Ceremony Gift
St. John’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Ten miles north of Goldendale, on the east side of 97 in a beautifully forested area, is St. John’s, a local fave. Here you’ll find palate-pleasing, homemade sweet and savory Greek delicacies to enjoy in the sit-down dining area along with their quintessential coffee. The baklava melts in your mouth–just heavenly! As well are scratchmade, lusciously fragrant soaps, candles, incense, lotions, and a myriad of books, cards, and other Christian gifts.
Brooks Memorial State Park
Farther north of St. John’s on the west side of 97 is Brooks Memorial State Park, a 700-acre, year-round camping park. It has over 9 miles of hiking trails along the Little Klickitat River and up through the Ponderosa and Oregon Pine forests. At the top are open mountain meadows with a panoramic view of Mount Hood. Visitors may see deer, beaver dams, squirrels, spring wildflowers, and a variety of birds.
Brooks is a Washington State Park, so a Discover Pass is required unless it’s a Free Day. Find “Free Days” at parks.state.wa.us/167/Discover-Pass-Fees
St John’s Monastery
Klickitat County: The paranormal capital of the Pacific Northwest
Klickitat County has quietly built a reputation as one of the most active hotspots for paranormal phenomena in the United States. From UFOs streaking across the night sky to eerie Bigfoot encounters deep in the forests, and ghostly apparitions haunting old homesteads, the region’s supernatural legacy is as rich as its natural beauty. Locals and visitors alike have reported scores of strange occurrences, making Klickitat County a magnet for investigators, thrillseekers, and skeptics hoping to glimpse the unknown. A Legacy of the Unexplained Washington State ranks third nationally for supernatural sightings, with Klickitat County standing out even among its peers for the sheer variety and frequency of reports. According to a recent analysis, Washington has recorded 6,720 UFO sightings, 1,291 ghost sightings, and over 8,000 supernatural encounters overall. While urban centers log many reports, rural regions like the Columbia River Gorge—home to Klickitat County—are well represented, with residents and hikers regularly encountering the unexplained.
James Szubski, owner of Margie’s Outdoor Store in Bingen, calls Klickitat County “the Paranormal Capital of the Pacific Northwest—a title that’s well earned.” His store has become an informal clearinghouse for local paranormal reports, collecting stories from both residents and visitors. “For decades, anyone with a view of Mt. Adams has seen the so-called UFO hangar door open and strange things fly out. Sasquatch sightings are ridiculously common, and a huge number of folks have encountered other very strange things, like the Klickitat Ape Cat, in the wild
reaches of the county,” Szubski says.
UFO Sightings: Lights in the Gorge
Klickitat County’s skies have long been a theater for mysterious aerial phenomena. The region’s UFO lore stretches back to the dawn of the modern era of flying saucers, with the first widely publicized sighting occurring near Mt. Rainier in 1947. Since then, the area around Mt. Adams and Underwood Mountain has become a focal point for strange lights and unexplained craft.
In February 2023, a local resident captured a photo of what appeared to be a UFO above Underwood Mountain, just west of Bingen. The image, analyzed by the Klickitat Ape Cat Research Team, showed an object that conformed to the classic “Tic Tac” shape reported in many UFO cases. Notably, there were no visible wings or rotors, and if the object was indeed hovering over the mountain—about 10 miles from the photographer—it would have been much larger than a helicopter or small plane, the only types of craft legally allowed to fly at such low altitudes in the area.
Margie’s Outdoor Store has received several similar reports from the Underwood Mountain area, including close encounters from people living on the mountain itself. The region is seen as a hotspot for both UFO and cryptid activity, with numerous Sasquatch and Klickitat Ape Cat sightings reported on the ground.
A History of Aerial Oddities
While Klickitat County’s UFO sightings may not always make national headlines, they are frequent and persistent. The National UFO Reporting Center has cataloged thousands of cases across Washington,
many describing bright lights, metallic discs, and triangular craft performing maneuvers that defy conventional explanation. Residents often describe the objects as moving silently, hovering, or disappearing at incredible speeds—behaviors inconsistent with known aircraft.
Bigfoot: The Forest’s Elusive Giant
Perhaps no legend looms larger in Klickitat County than that of Sasquatch, or Bigfoot. One of the most chilling and well-documented Bigfoot cases in the Pacific Northwest unfolded on a secluded ranch near Centerville beginning in 1970. The family, isolated from neighbors by over a mile, endured nearly a decade of bizarre encounters with unknown beings. Their story, chronicled by retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Ken Coon, details a series of events that defy rational explanation.
The encounters began one dusky evening when the children, terrified, reported a “bear” in the backyard. The eldest son, armed with a rifle, confronted a towering, dark figure that quickly vanished. That night, their mother saw three sets of enormous yellowgreen eyes reflecting from the hillside—eyes that would return repeatedly over the years.
The family’s backyard spring, the only year-round water source in the area, seemed to attract these nocturnal visitors. The beings left behind strange gifts and demonstrated silent gestures suggesting intelligence beyond that of any animal. In 1974, the mother observed two of the creatures in the backyard, their forms “black, shiny, almost oily,” with faces more human than she expected. The beings appeared to communicate with each other before vanishing at the sound of a flushing toilet inside the house.
The encounters continued until the family moved away in 1977. Sheriff Coon, a seasoned investigator, spent hours interviewing the family and left convinced of their sincerity and the reality of their experiences. The case remains one of the most compelling in Bigfoot lore, a haunting reminder of the mysteries that may still roam Klickitat’s wild places.
Ghost Stories: Spirits of the Gorge
While UFOs and cryptids dominate the headlines, Klickitat County’s ghost stories are equally compelling. Many old buildings and abandoned sites in the county are rumored to be haunted. Locals tell of ghostly figures seen wandering old farmhouses, unexplained footsteps echoing in empty rooms, and sudden drops in temperature that send chills down the spine. Some stories trace back to tragic events—accidents, lost loves, or violent confrontations—that left an imprint on the land.
With over 1,200 ghost sightings recorded statewide, it is clear that the supernatural is woven into the fabric of daily life in the Gorge.
Why
Klickitat County?
Theories
What makes Klickitat County such a magnet for the unexplained? Several theories have been proposed:
• Geography: The county’s rugged terrain, dense forests, and relative isolation may provide cover for elusive creatures and make aerial phenomena more visible against the dark, clear skies.
• Cultural Legacy: Native American legends and pioneer folklore have long described mysterious beings and spirits in the region, creating a cultural context that encourages the sharing and interpretation of unusual experiences.
• Community Openness: With local businesses like Margie’s Outdoor Store actively collecting and publicizing reports, residents may feel more comfortable coming forward with their stories, leading to a higher rate of documented incidents.
Modern Investigations and Community
Response
The ongoing interest in Klickitat County’s paranormal activity has spurred a small but vibrant community of investigators and enthusiasts. Margie’s Outdoor Store invites anyone who has experienced something strange in the Gorge to file a report, either in person or online. The store’s website features a growing archive of encounters, from UFO sightings to cryptid encounters and ghostly happenings.
Local researchers, including the Klickitat Ape Cat Research Team and visiting experts from organizations like BFRO, continue to document and analyze reports. Their work, combined with the testimony of credible witnesses like law enforcement officers and longtime residents, keeps the county’s legends alive— and ensures that new stories are added to the record each year.
A Place Where Mystery Endures
Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or simply curious, Klickitat County offers a unique window into the enduring power of the unknown. The region’s blend of natural beauty and supernatural intrigue has turned it into a destination for those seeking answers—and for those content to simply marvel at the mysteries that remain unsolved.
As the sun sets behind the Cascade peaks and the forests grow dark, locals know that Klickitat County’s greatest secrets may be waiting just beyond the next bend in the trail, or flickering in the sky above. In the Paranormal Capital of the Pacific Northwest, the line between reality and legend is as thin—and as fascinating—as ever.
Klickitat County’s stories may never be fully explained, but for those who call it home—or dare to visit—the possibility of encountering the unknown remains as real as the land itself.
Ready to be Dazzled by Bickleton?
Then head on over to this beautiful borough in northeastern Klickitat County, about an hour east of Goldendale on Bickleton Highway—and what a scenic drive it is!
While our county is known for its tiny towns (remember, we only have one traffic light in the entire county!), Bickleton—or maybe Maryhill; it’s a toss-up—may lead in this category. As of 2019, the population was 102, up from the 2010 county census of 88. But that’s the only thing small about this town. In all other ways it reigns BIG.
Bickleton was first settled by Charles N. Bickle, who established a trading post and livery stable at the site. He also served as the area’s first postmaster. In 1879 the town was named after Bickle. The economy was initially based largely on cattle ranching and wheat farming. A series of fires, with the first big one in 1910, destroyed many of the town’s original buildings.
The oldest surviving building in Bickleton is the Bluebird Inn, a tavern which first opened in 1882. It’s billed as the oldest functioning tavern in the state, although it has changed ownership numerous times and operated under different names throughout its history. The tavern includes a 1903 Brunswick pool table, which is still used by regulars.
Known as the “Bluebird Capital of the World,” Bickleton is home to both the mountain bluebird and western bluebird. Human residents work year-round to keep thousands of little bluebird houses maintained and ready for the next generation of their favorite flying species. You’ll see these lovely little feathered friends throughout the eastern part of Klickitat County.
Another attraction is Bickleton’s Carousel Museum in “downtown” Bickleton. The carousel horses and buggies from a 1905 Herschell-Spillman carousel are on display here, all exquisitely restored. The Alder Creek Association purchased the carousel from Oak Park Oregon for $500 in 1929. It’s one of only a few of its kind still in existence.
Also on exhibit at the museum are interesting collections, such as woven wheat and barbed wire and antique lunch boxes. There are always new displays to tickle your fancy.
The museum is open from the first part of April through the end of September, Thursday through Sunday.
And now comes Bickleton’s pièce de résistance. Mark your calendar for the second weekend in June (June 13-15, 2025) for the 114th Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic & Rodeo. If 113 sounds like a big number, it is! This rompin’ good time is Washington state’s OLDEST rodeo. Told ya we do things BIG in Bickleton!
This two-day, Northwest Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA) sanctioned rodeo features riders and ropers who follow the rodeo circuit, coming from all over the West and Canada to compete. Events include saddle bronc, bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and more.
The Saturday and Sunday events and activities include RV dry camping ($30 for weekend), carousel rides, the Saturday night Dance Under the Stars (with music by the
Carousel Museum Wheat Display
Brilliant Bluebirds Delight Eastern Klickitat County
Ponyboys) and Beer Garden, and good food.
The venue for this stompingly stupendous happening is Cleveland Park on Bickleton Highway, 33 miles east of Goldendale and four miles west of Bickleton.
If the buckin’ broncos are more than you can handle, chill out with a ride on the more sedate antique carousel, brought out specifically and only for this special occasion.
Visit BickletonRodeo.com for more info.
Bickleton’s annual Community Day is on Saturday, Aug 31, 9am - 3pm. There is a Meet & Greet for all types of classic vehicles and a raffle for Meet & Greet entries. Also enjoy a homemade pie sale, other food offerings, flea market, arts and crafts, vendors, street entertainment, and live music
entertainment in those days included foot races, sack races, ball games, and local saddle horse races. And if some farmer had a horse he thought could buck, he might talk some young daredevil into trying his luck. This eventually became the Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic & Rodeo. For a first-person account of a visit to the delightful hamlet, read this tourist’s entertaining and comprehensive narrative of his Bickleton experience: ewillys.com/2013/09/02/pasco-to-randle-on-friday-august-31.
throughout the day. For more information call the museum at 509.896.2007.
Here’s a bit of history. The Alder Creek Pioneer Association was formed May 27, 1911. The first few Association picnics were local affairs with mostly local people as folks did not travel far from home in those days; but with the men barbecuing meat over a pit and the ladies bringing contributions from home, a bountiful picnic was held. The
Bickleton Rodeo Wild Cow Milking Contest
Carousel Museum Courting Buggy
Ready for a Carousel Ride?
Ghost Towns of Klickitat County
We’re sad to report that the two remaining vestiges of the once-pioneering community of Dot, the schoolhouse and grange hall & church, were destroyed in the July-August 2023 Newell Rd fire. This devastating conflagration burned almost 61,000 acres between Bickleton and Roosevelt, taking with it these two beloved icons as well as thousands of acres of valuable pastureland and crops. The agricultural community still grieves from the losses.
Dot was a pioneer community established around the late 1890s. It was located between Bickleton and Roosevelt (see background map on facing page) northeast of our Goodnoe Ghost Town.
Dot was listed as having a post office according to the Geological Survey of 1913. The grange hall, built in 1889, originally served as the Dot community church. One of the first pastors of the church was William Douglas in 1904. He was a circuit riding preacher, traveling from church to church preaching. His son, William O. Douglas, became a Supreme Court Justice serving from 1939 - 1975.
Rest in peace, Dot. While the little town may have perished, the people live on.
Goodnoe Hills rises up from the right bank of Rock Creek. It’s part of the more massive Columbia Hills, which stretches across Klickitat County from the Klickitat River on the west to Rock Creek on the east. The only other ghost town in the county, this settlement was a pioneer community in its heyday. The area was established in the 1870s by Chauncy Goodnoe and his cousin Philetus Goodnoe. Today several homesteads, the school house, and hotel remain as testament to the once bustling township. In the photo below, the school house and hotel can be seen.
Here are the 36-minute directions from Goldendale (be amazed by gigantically looming wind turbines along the way):
• Head south (right) on 97 for 3 miles
• Turn left on Hoctor Rd / Goodnoe Hills Rd for 18.5 miles
18.5 mi.east on Hoctor / Goodnoe Hills Rd
Goodnoe Hills
Dot Schoolhouse
Dot Grange Hall & Church
where Dot Ghost Town once abided
RGoin’ so soon?
Well, I’ll be right here waitin’ ’til you return. Stay safe, my friend!
Our Journey’s End
To complete our journey through Klickitat County, we’ve got 2 choices:
1) We can head south out of Bickleton along East Road all the way to Roosevelt. Along that route we’ll pass one of the country’s largest landfills. Garbage from as far away as Seattle is put to good use here, generating natural gas that adds to the electrical power grid.
2) We can continue east out of Bickleton for about 20 miles until we reach Alderdale Rd where we’ll head south. Here you’ll be in for a big surprise. The desert comes to life with intensive irrigated agriculture. Vineyards and vegetable farms, some fed with water pumped from the Columbia River, make this area one of the richest agricultural zones in the county.
oosevelt, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, was platted in 1906. In 1967 the Corps of Engineers burned individual buildings and dynamited the original Farmers Warehouse Grain Elevator because the newly built John Day Dam would result in the town being flooded. The new grain elevator was constructed on higher ground in 1965 and is still used today.
This tiny community is also home of Bowcutt’s Gold Buckle Rodeo Company, which has been providing quality rodeo stock since 1994.
Wind Turbines near Bickleton
View from Alerdale Orchard - Underwood Fruit & Warehouse Co.
Right: Tasha, Kelly, Jon, Addison, Dianne, Mayra, Jack
