Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Washougal's claim to fame is the
Pendleton Woolen Mill
(17th and A Sts., 503/226-4801 or 800/568-2480,
www.pendleton-usa.com
)
, in oper-
ation since 1912 and still producing its acclaimed woolen products. The mill gives guided tours by appointment. An outlet store here sells seconds
and overstocked items.
Camas has a summer-only outdoor
swimming pool
(120 NE 17th, 360/834-2382).
Festivals and Events
Camas Days
(360/834-2472), held annually on the fourth weekend of July, includes a parade, wine and microbrew street, live entertainment, craft
and food booths, and of course, the bathtub races, which are not to be missed.
Accommodations and Food
For the most basic of accommodations, consider staying at the
Rama Inn
(544 6th St., Washougal, 360/835-8591, $55 s or $65 d), which has an
outdoor pool on premises.
The stately colonial Greek-revival
Fairgate Inn
(2213 NW 23rd Ave, Camas, 360/834-0861, $125-175 d) makes an attractive alternative to
more humble lodgings. All eight of the elegant rooms come complete with private bath, fireplace, high-speed Internet, and a full breakfast served
in the dining room.
Information
Get answers to your questions at the
Camas-Washougal
Chamber
of
Commerce
(422 NE 4th Ave., Camas, 360/834-2472,
www.cwchamber.com
, 9 A.M.-5 P.M. Mon.-Fri.).
BEACON ROCK STATE PARK
Beacon Rock State Park (509/427-8265,
www.parks.wa.gov
) is 35 miles east of Vancouver on Highway 14, and just west of the little town of
North Bonneville. You can't miss it; the centerpiece of the park is an 848-foot-high ancient volcano core believed to be the largest such monolith
in North America. Lewis and Clark named it when they traversed the Gorge in 1805.
Climb to the top of Beacon Rock for amazing views of the Columbia River.
Hike the steep one-mile trail to the pinnacle for spectacular views of the Gorge; the trail boasts a 15 percent grade, but handrails make the
hiking both easier and safer. This and other trails provide 14 miles of hiking in the park. Advanced climbers only may attempt to climb on the
south side of the rock, but it is closed part of the year to protect nesting hawks; register at the trailhead. The main part of the park is north of the
highway, and old roads are perfect for mountain biking and horseback riding. A four-mile trail switchbacks to the 1,200-foot summit of
Hamilton
Mountain,
passing the very scenic Rodney Falls. Anglers can launch their boats from the boat ramp to catch Columbia River white sturgeon,
