Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAMPGROUNDS
The only campground in this area worth recommending is Cape Disappoint-
ment State Park (227 campsites), which is at the southern end of the Long
Beach Peninsula at the mouth of the Columbia River. This park has campsites
on a small lake, as well as some at the foot of North Head. Some of the sites in
the latter area are tucked in amid massive boulders. For reservations contact
Washington State Parks ( & 888/226-7688; www.parks.wa.gov/reserve.asp).
WHERE TO DINE
For smoked salmon and oysters, fresh fish and crab, and fresh clam chowder,
stop in at Ocean Park Crab & Seafood Market, 254th Street and Pacific High-
way, Ocean Park ( & 360/665-3474 ).
The Ark Restaurant & Bakery NORTHWEST Located at the north
end of the Long Beach Peninsula, the Ark is an oyster lover's paradise. Set at the
foot of a working dock and surrounded by oyster canneries and huge piles of
oyster shells, the restaurant has its own oyster beds, as well as its own herb and
edible-flower garden. You can be sure that whatever you order here will be
absolutely fresh, and that's exactly what has kept the Ark afloat for decades. Of
course, oysters are the top dinner choice, and the Ark's oyster platter comes with
16 extra-small oysters. Even if you aren't an oyster fan, you'll find plenty of deli-
cious dishes on the menu here, however, you had better like garlic, which is used
liberally here. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to save room for one of the Ark's
excellent desserts.
3310 273rd St., Nahcotta. & 360/665-4133. www.arkrestaurant.com. Reservations highly recommended.
Main courses $9-$11 lunch, $12-$28 dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Aug Tues-Sat 5-9:30pm, Sun 11am-2:30pm
and 5-9:30pm; June-July and Sept-Oct Wed-Sat 5-9:30pm, Sun 11am-2:30pm and 5-9:30pm; mid-Mar to
late May and Nov Thurs-Sat 5-9:30pm, Sun 11am-2:30pm and 5-9:30pm; Dec to mid-Mar Fri-Sat
5-9:30pm, Sun 11am-2:30pm and 5-9:30pm (call to confirm hours in Dec).
The Depot Restaurant ECLECTIC This is the just the sort of
restaurant you dream of finding on vacation. Small, out of the way, casual and
inexpensive, yet with excellent food. Located in the old Seaview train depot, this
restaurant abounds in vintage character, from its linoleum floors to its wooden
counter to its old-fashioned hanging lights. The menu is short and varied, and
includes Willapa Bay oysters (of course) and clam chowder made with local
clams. However, the more elaborate preparations, such as scallops with porcini-
mushroom risotto and truffle oil, are the real stars here. No matter what you
order for an entree, you should be sure to start with the house salad, which is
made with mixed greens, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and slices of pear.
38th St. and L Place, Seaview. & 360/642-7880. Reservations recommended. Main courses $10-$18. DISC,
MC, V. Sun and Wed-Thurs 5-9pm; Fri-Sat 5-10pm (shorter hours in winter).
Sanctuary Restaurant NORTHWEST/SCANDINAVIAN
A 1906 church in the community of Chinook, between Long Beach and the
Astoria-Megler Bridge, now serves as one of southwest Washington's most mem-
orable dining experiences. The church has changed very little since its days as a
house of worship, and people still pack the pews, which are used for bench seat-
ing at the tables (should you happen to get a table on the altar, you may wind
up in the minister's throne-like chair). The menu includes such staples as pan-
fried oysters, but the traditional (Swedish meatballs) and more imaginative
Scandinavian dishes are the real attraction here. The fish specialties shouldn't be
missed, nor should the krumkaka (crumb cake) dessert.
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