COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND WINE COUNTRY - Columbia River Gorge - page 7

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
About half an hour north of Vancouver, nature lovers will have ample opportunity to explore fields, woodlands, and wetlands at Ridgefield Nation-
al Wildlife Refuge (1071 S. Hillhurst Rd., 360/887-4106, www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges ), which fans over 5,150 acres around the marshy lower
Columbia River. Bring your binoculars in winter, when up to 10,000 geese and 40,000 ducks land here. Hiking and fishing are permitted—the
two-mile Oaks to Wetlands Wildlife Trail is popular with all ages. Parts of the refuge are closed October-mid-April.
Clark County Historical Museum
The Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main St., 360/993-5679, http://cchmuseum.org , 11 A.M.-4 P.M. Tues.-Sat., $4 adults, $3 students
and seniors, $2 children 6-18, $10 for a family of four, free for historical society members and children under 5) hosts a changing lineup of
exhibits related to Clark County History.
St. James Church
Be sure to drive by the St. James Church (12th and Washington Sts.). Built in 1885, this was the first Gothic Revival-style church in Washington
and is home to the state's longest-standing Catholic congregation.
Parks
Marine Park occupies the site of the Kaiser Shipyards, where “Rosie the Riveter” hurriedly constructed more than 140 ships during World War
II before the facilities were decommissioned and dismantled. Today you can climb a three-story riverside tower next to Kaiser Center for dramatic
views of Vancouver and Portland. Also in the park is the new Water Resources Education Center (4600 SE Columbia Way, 360/696-8478,
9 A.M.-5 P.M. Mon.-Sat., free). The center houses hands-on exhibits, a video theater, and a 350-gallon aquarium filled with Columbia River
creatures. Not far away is the Chkalov Monument, commemorating the Soviet transpolar flight of 1937, when three Russian aviators were the
first to cross over the north pole and into America.
Old Apple Tree Park, along the river just east of I-5, honors what is believed to be the oldest apple tree in the Northwest. The tree was planted
in 1826 and still bears small green apples each summer.
Shady Esther Short Park (W. 6th and Esther) contains the historic Slocum House Theater, along with a Victorian rose garden, playground, and
a monument to pioneer women. The site is a popular one for festivals and concerts throughout the summer.
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
Nightlife
Enjoy the Columbia River view from Beaches Restaurant & Bar (1919 SE Columbia River Dr., 360/699-1592,
www.beachesrestaurantandbar.com , 11 A.M.-9 P.M. Sun.-Mon., 11 A.M.-10 P.M. Tues.-Sat., bar open until 2 A.M.), a fun place with tasty ap-
petizers, a diverse menu, and a hopping bar. Also facing the river is Who-Song and Larry's Cantina (111 E. Columbia Way, 360/695-1198, 11
A.M.-10 P.M. Sun.-Thurs., 11 A.M.-11 P.M. Fri.-Sat., bar open until 2 A.M.), where the singing waiters are a local phenomenon.
The Arts
Tired of living in Portland's shadow, proud Vancouverites have worked hard to establish a lively arts and entertainment scene of their own. Skip
the bridge, and check out some of these local venues.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Homes, the 60-seat Slocum House Theater (360/696-2497, www.slocumhouse.com ) was built in
1867. The theater stages productions year-round.
Music lovers need not venture south to enjoy a quality performance. The unique Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (360/735-7278,
www.vancouversymphony.org ) attracts talented local musicians and a roster of traveling professionals to its full season of classical performances.
Its venue, Skyview Concert Hall (1300 NW 139th St.), is wonderfully intimate and acoustically striking. The season runs September-May annu-
ally.
The city's well-attended Six to Sunset (360/619-1111, www.cityofvancouver.us , free) concert series in central Esther Short Park sets out to
offer something for everyone. These weekly summertime concerts range from orchestral music to Beatles cover bands to contemporary rock. Food
vendors and blanket seating complete the town carnival atmosphere.
Festivals and Events
Don't miss the annual Vancouver Rodeo (360/896-6654, www.vancouverrodeo.com ) , a four-day benefit show taking place around the 4th of July.
Look for bull-riding, dances, and even pony rides for the little 'uns. Also in summer, the annual Fort Vancouver Brigade Encampment fills the