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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
ED N IO IT
Hidden Treasures of the Pacific Northwest
ASTORIA
Gateway to the Oregon Coast
How Nature Helps our Brains Snoqualmie National Forest 4 0 6 9 2 1 9
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We are
CLOSING Last year we started a movement for people to reconnect outdoors over the holidays. We closed on one of the most popular shopping days of the year, paid our 12,000+ employees to spend time outside, and invited America to join us. The response was overwhelmingly positive. More than 1.4 million people and 170 organizations chose to #OptOutside.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
EDITOR IN CHIEF MEGAN HAVER
SUPPORTING STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY Sam Galus , Megan Haver, Hannah Moles RESEARCHERS Megan Haver, Jorydn Williamson MORAL SUPPORT Eve Haver, Scott Haver DISTRACTIONS Netflix ADVENTURE PARTNERS Josh Martin, Sam Galus SOURCE OF ARTICLES medium.com, travelastoria.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Eve Haver, pexels.com INSPIRATION National Geographic and the National Parks SUCCULENT WHISPERER Hannah Moles
EDITOR’S NOTE Here’s to the people who are curious. To those who are always looking for the next adventure and always eager to learn. Not everyone has this burning passion like we do. Not everyone is emotionally moved by what they do. The sad part is that truly passionate people are looked at differently. Here’s an example: I don’t watch TV. I don’t even own a TV. Most people look at me like I’m boring, weird, or don’t have a life. I feel like it’s just the opposite. People who watch TV don’t have lives. Those who go out and do something with their time are living. I just feel like I have so many other things to go out and do. So many other things to put my attention towards to soak in knowledge and gain experiences. If you watch TV and this offended you in any way, I do apologize. But I hope that you are chasing after all the things you say “#goals” to rather than sitting around. It’s a waste of time.
Very valuable time. In my mere 19 years of life, I’ve done so much. I’ve traveled to Scotland, England, and Spain. Road-tripped all 5 Great Lakes. Traveled along the East and West coasts of the States. Slept under the light of the stars, summited peaks, and crawled around in caves. I don’t know where I would be without this longing to travel, to explore, to learn. And to be able to actually go out and do it is truly a blessing. I hope that everyone is willing and able to go out to obtain their goals and create a life they are ecstatic about. Because I don’t see any other reason for life. Go out and explore.
Megan M. Haver Editor in Chief
CONTENTS 10
BOX IN MOUNT BAKER
Hiking through the Snoqualmie National Forest and Yellow Aster Butte BY NATHAN BOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY MEGAN HAVER
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BIODIVERSITY OF THE OLYMPIC FOREST
The wettest area in the Continental United States and the many species that live there
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HOUSEPLANTS AND HIKES
Why nature is good for our brains and how to introduce more of it to your life BY PEAK WELLBEING PHOTOGRAPHS BY MEGAN HAVER AND HANNAH MOLES
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DISCOVER ASTORIA
An old fishery town, now booming with tourism and friendly folks BY SCOTT LAIRD PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAM GALUS
Stories
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Thoughts at Canon Beach - NATHAN BOX
Standing on the beach, peering out at the Pacific Ocean, I looked to my left and saw greenish blue meeting the bold orange of a setting sun. Looking to my right, I was met with the same image. The vastness of this ocean is a paradox. It is both crippling and freeing. It is the very definition of cognitive dissonance. As the breeze hits my face, tears naturally come to my eyes. Cold air didn’t need to assist, I cherish moments such as these. I crave the opportunity to feel small, centered and reminded of my place in the universe. Few scenes provide this opportunity for me, but the Pacific Ocean always delivers. Snapping picture after picture, the setting sun settles my soul. It fills my view finder. Still, there are pictures I don’t take. Some of these moments are not meant to be shared, liked and retweeted. Some of these moments are meant for me. I am to lock them away for as long as my memory holds. Watching yellow fold into orange and slowly give way to black, I feel the power of a sunset. It is one of my favorite rituals; something I take for granted on a daily basis. I am glad to be here in this moment. There is nowhere else I would rather be. I am not alone on this trip. I am learning to let someone in. I am letting things progress at a natural pace. Trying my hardest not to force love, isn’t something that comes naturally for me. Usually, I assume the role of a child on Christmas morning. I am way too excited to contain myself and want the reward without the work. Relationships should have a natural flow. In my 31 years of living, I have discovered things need to move slowly and notions of Hollywood, hot, flaming love are overblown. As I stare at the one for whom I am torturing myself, I breathe deeply and gladly accept the challenge.
Leaving the shore and the confines of our wonderful room, we drive the roadside hugging gently against the shore. As I peer over cliffs, erosion is everywhere. Hereto, is a metaphor. Our lives are like those cliffs. The ocean comes with violence. A mixture of salt and spray with each wave it claims a piece of the land for its own. In our own lives, the pressures of this world come from all directions. With each crash, the world makes claims on who we are, where we should be, whom we should be with… This process doesn’t have to be a one-sided relationship. We’ve learned to tame the waves. Fortifying with levees, we have protected what is most important. The same logic should be applied to our own lives. Pacific Highway 101 is famous and rightfully so. We find ourselves on it for a couple of hours drinking in the scenery. Passing through the smallest of towns, ocean beaches and farm land, the spinal cord of America’s west, I feel free. I feel as if I can go anywhere and do anything. I feel empowered by the open road. I love it like some men love their wives. I will never understand those who refuse to make road trips. The time thinking, listening to music, lost in conversation is invaluable. I could do this for all my life, but alas, responsibilities are calling me home. The Emerald City and her needs are never far from my mind, but rest assured I will be back. I deserve to come back.
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Box in Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
“As we drove north of Seattle toward Bellingham, we found ourselves in awe of the landscape; trees, mountains and water surrounded us.” - NATHAN BOX
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Photo by Megan Haver View from Summit of Yellow Aster Butte
was born and raised in Southwest Oklahoma. Frederick isn’t famous for rolling hills and impressive mountain ranges. Frederick is flat for as far as the eye can see. As kids, we used to ride our bikes all over town. We really never coasted down hills nor did we ever struggle. We just peddled and peddled and peddled… Needless to say, as I made the transition to Western Washington, I found myself unaccustomed to neighborhoods built on hills and glorious ranges occupying my every view. As I began to hike, I often found myself winded, out of breath and with legs on fire. My body just wasn’t used to dramatic changes in elevation. Hell, even walking or biking around Seattle is a test of will. Five years have blown by and in that time I have gotten much better at tackling steep hikes or so I thought. When I printed off the directions for the Yellow Aster Butte trail inside the Mt. Baker — Snoqualmie National Forest, I was quickly warned of the steep ascent. Feeling a little cocky, I shrugged it off without a second thought. I filed the directions away in hopes of getting to the trail before the end of the summer. When my buddy Jordan booked a trip to Seattle, I asked him the question I ask everybody who comes for a visit, “What would you like to do?” As an aside, I usually follow up that question with a firm declaration of protest, “I will not take you to the Space Needle or Pike Place Market.” Luckily, Jordan wasn’t interested in those things. Instead, he wanted to get out of the city and into nature; one of the many reasons this guy is such a good friend. Instantly, I knew we should make an attempt at Yellow Aster Butte. As we drove north of Seattle toward Bellingham, we found ourselves in awe of the landscape; trees, mountains and water surrounded us. Soon, Mount Baker came into view. Before we knew it, we were in the park. After firming up directions and paying the entrance fee, we headed for a forest service road. Now, I could probably write a very imaginative piece about the life of this road. In its past life, it must have been used as target practice for bombing raids or the forest service was slowly trying to build the world’s largest inclining swimming pool, because there were potholes everywhere… for four miles. Inching forward at 5–10 miles per hour, it took us thirty minutes to get up the hill. I should take this opportunity to apologize to the Lancer and my tailbone; neither fared well on the trip. Surviving the drive, we set on our hike. Within minutes, 11
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we came to a simple conclusion; they were not joking about this thing being steep. From the trailhead to the finish, was a straight climb. As much as I have hiked in my years here in the northwest, nothing prepared me for this. It was so freaking steep. Taking frequent breaks and drinking lots of water, we trudged forward. With each step, we hoped the pain was worth the reward. After an hour or so of hiking, we came to a split in the trail. To the left was Yellow Aster Butte. To the right was Hidden Lake. After some discussion, we decided to head toward Hidden Lake. Sorry, Yellow Aster Butte. Don’t worry, you’re still on my list and I hope to visit soon. Luckily for us, the steepest part of the hike was to Hidden Lake. Lucky for me, I am a glutton for punishment. Summoning all of our energy, we pressed forward. Again, hoping what was over the ridge was worth the effort. Here, I should mention everyone in our party was from Oklahoma; Jordan, Patrick and I all call the Sooner State home. Hiking with Oklahomans is like watching fireworks with a child on the 4th of July. Every 5 minutes or so, someone uttered, “wow, ooooo, or awwww.” This reaction is expected when you are from the flatlands of America. I like to think we appreciate the beauty and majesty of nature better than most. Right before we found ourselves on death’s door, we made it to the ridge overlooking Hidden Lake. Instantly, the work was worth the reward. Before us was a sweeping valley, crisp blue water and snowcapped peaks. I quickly threw my pack off and was overtaken by the vista. In that moment, I felt all things I seek when I hike. I felt insignificant. I felt joy. I felt small. I felt privileged to be in this moment with such dear friends. It was one of those moments I will hold onto for the rest of my life. After such an arduous hike, you think we would be done. Alas, the pull of the lake was too much. We needed to sit near its shores. The hike downhill to the lake would be easy. The hike out would be just as steep as the hike to the ridge. Still, the pull was too strong and before long we working our way down the hill. The things I will do for the perfect photo. After a half hour of hiking, we found a flat spot near the lake. Patrick and I snapped photos. Then we all ate some much deserved food. Sitting there, we laughed and talked of life. No one was around for miles and it felt like the world was ours. As I stared back up at the ridge, the thought of the strength it would take to get out of there and back to my car flashed through my mind. It was very real concern, but the right price to pay to be there in that moment.
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“Instantly, the work was worth the reward. Before us was a sweeping valley, crisp blue water and snowcapped peaks.”
Photo by Megan Haver Hike up to Yellow Aster Butte
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922,651 acres of land
Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, this park straddles a diversity of ecosystems from Pacific shoreline to temperate rainforests to the alpine slopes of Mount Olympus. The scenic Olympic Mountains overlook the Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Rain Forest, the wettest area in the continental United States.
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Biodiversity
OF THE OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST species of mammals
miles of rivers and streams
species of fish
miles of wilderness coast
species of birds
named glaciers
species of native plants
THE SEA OTTER Along with 22 other species in the Olympic National Forest, the Sea Otter is identified as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
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Houseplants and Hikes How Nature Helps Our Brain
“Studies show that nature can put us in a good mood, increase our capacity to pay attention at work, recover from physical maladies, and more.” - PEAK WELLBEING
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ook up and scan your field of vision for a “nature check.” How many potted plants are around you? Can you see a patch of grass or a tree through a window? Any paintings or photographs of waterfalls or the sky? If you’re like most people, there might not be much nature in sight. In today’s urbanizing world, more than 50% of people live in urban areas, and this proportion is growing, projected to hit 70% by 2050. Yet studies show that city dwellers who have little access to green spaces are at higher risk for stress, depression, and anxiety. Nature has immense mental health benefits, and luckily, you can manipulate your environment to increase the amount of “green” around you without changing your lifestyle too much.
THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN NATURE
Photo by Hannah Moles Succulents
Studies show that nature can put us in a good mood, increase our capacity to pay attention at work, recover from physical maladies, and more. What’s fascinating about this is you don’t have to physically be out by a stream, sitting on a log, to reap the benefits. Seeing trees and grass through a window improves your mood and more, even indoors. One study showed that office workers liked their jobs more, had better health, and even reported higher life satisfaction when they had a view of nature through a window. No window? No problem. Looking photographs and other simulations can do the trick. In a number of studies, researcher Terry Hartig showed nature-depicting pictures, videos, and immersive virtual reality experiences to his subjects and measured improved mood and decreased stress. Another study showed that posters of natural landscapes in office conditions decreased feelings of stress and anger in men. Hartig also investigated nature’s restorative effects on our attention. In one study, subjects completed 40 minutes of attention-draining tasks, and then spent 40 minutes doing one of three activities: going for a walk in nature, going for a walk in the city, or sitting and reading magazines and listening to music. Sitting and listening to music might sounds quite relaxing, but the nature walk was actually the most effective to restore attention; when they came back, they performed the best on a standard proofreading task. Getting into nature — or bringing it to you — also has medical 17
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benefits. In a famous study from the 80’s, patients recovered from abdominal surgeries faster if they were lucky enough to get a hospital room that faced trees. Compared to those who got a room that looked out on a brick wall, the vegetationfacing patients had on average, 1 day less of recovery time, fewer complaints, and less need for pain medication than their counterparts. And in a Swedish hospital study by the same researcher, rooms with pictures of natural scenes helped heart surgery patients reduce anxiety and the need for pain medication (compared to abstract art or a blank wall). For children, studies have shown that homes with more nature — like a backyard or lots of indoor plants — may help buffer children from the stresses of life and home dysfunction. Meanwhile, children with ADHD exhibit more calm, focused behavior in natural environments compared to man-made ones. Even sitting inside in a naturally-decorated environment was more calming than playing outdoors in a man-made area, like a cement playground without trees or grass in sight.
WHY IT WORKS
Scientists are still investigating the mechanisms that underlie nature’s positive effects, but a study early in a new line of research showed that walking in nature helps us reduce “brooding” and ruminating on what’s going wrong with ourselves and our lives. Another theory, the theory of restorative environments, describes how nature lets us rest our attention. While cities demand our “directed attention” (with traffic, strangers, and signs to read), nature doesn’t make the same demands; it is generally calm and doesn’t engage our direct attention nearly as much. We can rest, yet at the same time, there’s plenty to occupy our minds if we want to engage them, because nature attracts our “involuntary attention” with non-threatening yet rich sensory experiences: the wind rustling the trees, the refreshing smells, a trickling brook.
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Photo by Megan Haver Summit of Yellow Aster Butte
SO, HOW WILL YOU GET YOUR DOSE OF NATURE THIS WEEK? Try one or more of these tips:
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Discover Astoria Gateway to the Oregon Coast
“The region and town played a vital role in the western expansion of the United States and uses that rich history to draw and captivate visitors.” - SCOTT LAIRD
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Photo by Sam Galus Astoria Neighborhood
teeped in history and an industrial heritage, the City of Astoria has reinvented itself as a tourist destination. Located at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon’s far northwest corner, Astoria has found a way to blend its riverfront, coastal, and cannery cultures. Without taking itself too seriously, the town has embraced its working class roots and opened its doors and welcomed visitors to come and enjoy a relaxed and charming experience. The region and town played a vital role in the western expansion of the United States and uses that rich history to draw and captivate visitors. It uses great restaurants, cafes, and brew pubs, and an eclectic waterfront to entice those visitors to stay. It’s friendly, casual and welcoming attitude, along with year-round events, keep guests coming back. Astoria is perfect for a day trip, a romantic overnight get away or a weekend family vacation. Located just sixty miles from Vernonia, less from Columbia County’s Highway 30 corridor, it’s just down the road, yet feels like you’ve traveled a world away. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Mariners Robert Gray and James Cook passed by in the 1790s and Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery established their Pacific Coast base in the region in 1805. John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company established a fort where the town now stands in the early 1800s. Large populations of Scandinavians and Chinese immigrants arrived to work, cutting down the huge timber and catching and canning the tremendous runs of salmon. The fur, timber and canning industries have left a long lasting and still visible legacy on the community. Today Astoria embraces its newest industry – tourism. The vibrant waterfront and downtown is packed with old buildings, some renovated into new and thriving businesses, some still waiting to be revived. Restaurants, antique shops, galleries, clothing stores, book shops and more line the streets. Museums, parks, trails, bird watching, live music, and theater provide activities for just about everyone. And of course there is the ever-present view. Every establishment along the waterfront tries to take advantage of the expansive river with huge windows, decks and balconies, allowing guests to watch passing ships and the wildlife while sipping a brew or enjoying a meal. Astoria has also established 21
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the Riverwalk, a six mile paved trail that follows the waterfront so visitors can further enjoy the maritime atmosphere. One thing I noticed during our recent visit to Astoria was the quality of the service everywhere we went. Everyone was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They all seemed genuinely pleased to see us walk in, and especially interested in making us feel welcome. It’s amazing the impact that a friendly face, authentic smile and welcoming attitude can have in helping a tourist, as well as the locals, enjoy their visit. If you are planning a trip to Astoria make sure to check the local calendar for upcoming festivals and events before you visit. Year round activities happen every month; you may want to either avoid the crowds or plan to join in the fun. There is always something happening in Astoria: the Fisher Poets Gathering in February; the Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival in April; the Tenor Guitar Gathering in May; the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, and the Astoria Music Festival in June; the Astoria Regatta in August; the Pacific Northwest Brew Cup in September, the Astoria International Film Festival in October. These are just some of the events you might want to check out. In addition the Astoria Sunday Market happens May through October, the theatrical “Shanghaied in Astoria” plays Thursdays through Saturdays from July to September, and a Civil War Reenactment takes place in August and September at nearby Fort Stevens. There are plenty of places to stay overnight in Astoria, from motels on the main street to small bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. One of the best hotels in town is the Cannery Pier Hotel. Located just west of the bridge and jutting out over the river, the Cannery Pier Hotel offers spectacular balcony river views to go along with all the expected amenities of a top flight establishment. All of the amenities are great but the Cannery Pier Hotel takes your comfort and enjoyment further. Rooms feature a large claw foot tub and glass shower – a through window provides a river view while you bathe. There was a pair of binoculars and a Pendleton wool blanket to enhance our wildlife and ship watching from the padded window seat and balcony. From our balcony we watched a bald eagle, sea lions, ducks, Canada geese, a Blue heron, gulls and other sea birds pass by, along with small sailboats, fishing boats and giant shipping vessels. In the evening there was complimentary wine and lox tasting. There’s a full service spa which features an authentic Finnish sauna and a large hot tub, with, you guessed it, a view of the river. The hotel has three vintage cars available 22 National Geographic July 2017
Photo by Sam Galus Cannery Pier Hotel
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Photo by Sam Galus Viewpoint from Astoria Column
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to chauffeur you to and from dinner, free of charge. On our return to the hotel, fresh baked cookies were waiting for guests in the lobby. In the morning we borrowed cruiser bicycles and rode the riverwalk to breakfast. A guest really couldn’t ask for much more. Make sure you make reservations early—the Cannery Pier Hotel tends to be full most weekends. Astoria is bursting with restaurants, cafés, coffee houses and drinking establishments. If Oregon microbrews are your thing, you’re in luck. Astoria has a choice of five breweries including, the Rogue Ales Public House, the Fort George Brewery and Public House, the Wet Dog Café, the Astoria Brewing Company Tasting Room and Buoy Beer Company. Don’t forget to bring your growler! The Buoy Beer Company on Pier 8 has great river front seating in the dining room, a great pub, fantastic gourmet pub food – the fries were great – and fourteen beers on tap. Try the Coffee Brown – it’s excellent! And don’t miss the glass floor where you can watch sea lions relaxing. For breakfast try Coffee Girl at the east end of town on Pier 39. Tucked away inside the old cannery building, the cozy Coffee Girl has delicious baked goods, tasty entrees, inexpensive prices and of course, good coffee – and a great view of the river. The Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding was delicious and the Breakfast Panini Sandwich and Swedish Veggie Bagel were both extremely tasty. Vegetarians will love the Blue Scorcher Bakery & Cafe, a worker owned cooperative located right next door to the Fort George Brewery. The Tempeh Rubin was excellent and so was the atmosphere. For coffee in the morning check out Three Cups Coffee House right under the bridge, featuring Columbia River Coffee Roasters’ Thundermuck, a dark roasted and flavorful brew to get your day started.
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RECOGNIZING THE GRANDEUR OF THE BRIDGE - MATT LOVE It took a field trip in February to recognize the grandeur of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. There I was, riding a school bus, heading north to Washington, when I realized I was seeing the Bridge in a fascinating novel way. It came alive for the first time and transcended mere conveyance. But...why this trip instead of all the other ones I’ve taken? For one, I wasn’t driving. Two, I had an elevated vantage point being a 360-degree view. Three, the weather changed three times during our crossing. Four, my creative writing students from Astoria High School were writing about the bridge in real time and I was, too. When you write about something from an intimate proximity, your relationship to that subject invariably changes, and so it did for me that winter afternoon. We drove through sunshine, a squall, a cloud bank. Gulls followed the bus like a presidential security escort. A few ships prowled the channel, heading for port. We crossed over the mighty multi-hued Columbia River and a state line. How many bridges in the country have two distinct stories to unfold when you cross over them? Not many, I suspect. It’s always a tale of two bridges when traversing the AstoriaMegler Bridge: the green steel arcing into the sky near Oregon and the flat ride hovering above the water near Washington. Most drivers have a favorite. The journey was only 4 1/2 miles across and then we turned around and did a repeat run. A school bus travels slower than a typical vehicle and the reduced speed enabled a new way of seeing the bridge. The languid pace unlocked its grandeur for me. Only when we slow down do we truly begin to see, and everyone crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge should slow down and notice. There is always something new and old and beautiful to witness.
Photo by Sam Galus Astoria-Megler Bridge
PETER IREDALE SHIPWRECK OF FORT STEVENS The 3 a.m. hour of October 25, 1906 was dark, windy and cold. The 275 foot long Liverpool sailing ship was struggling toward the mouth of the Columbia River on its way to Portland, Oregon. But its 25 crew and 2 stowaways weren’t destined to make it there. Heavy mists obscured the beacons of the light houses and the Columbia River light ship. Soon the fated ship ran aground, and it broke off its top spars. Then heavy rain squalls and a
Photo by Sam Galus Peter Iredale Shipwreck
fresh westerly gale pushed it ashore, where it lies to this day, now a playground of Oregon beachcombers and children. Luckily, it is not a gloomy ship of ghosts and terror. Everyone was rescued by a life-saving crew from Hammond, and later congenially housed by the men at nearby Ft. Stevens. The maritime inquiry absolved the captain (master) and his mates of any wrong action in the loss of the ship.
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TOP 10 CAMPGROUNDS OF THE WEST COAST LOWER FALLS CAMPGROUND Skamania, WA
MOSSYROCK PARK Mossyrock, WA PACIFIC BEACH STATE PARK Pacific Beach, WA
NEHALEM FALLS Nehalem, OR
HONEY BEAR CAMPGROUND Ophir, OR
LAIRD LAKE CAMPGROUND Medford, OR
SALT POINT STATE PARK Jenner, CA
GOLDFIELD Hayfork, CA
DEL NORTE COAST STATE PARK Klamath, CA
VAN DAMME STATE PARK Little River, CA
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BEST FEATURES:
FEES:
The Lewis River Trail is available for hiking or horseback riding with a wheelchair-accessible loop with views of six major waterfalls.
$15/night
From the 14,000 acre Cowlitz Wildlife Area, you can spot bald eagles and an osprey nest. This is a great campground for spotting wildlife.
$16/night
Being the only state park in Washington with a view of the ocean from your tent, this campground is perfect for long walks on the beach.
$12/night
Set in the Tillamook State Forest, this campground has one of the best west-coast spots for spectacular waterfall views.
$10/night
With an authentic chalet and great German food, this camping resort features a big dance floor with dances and live music on summer nights.
$18/night
Secluded and private, this small campground is perfect for enjoying Laird Lake. However, there is no drinking water and garbage must be taken out.
NO FEE
For divers, there’s a protected underwater reserve and for hikers, there are plenty of trails. Bluff Trail and Stump Beach Trail are highly recommended.
$6/night
With access to a trailhead leading to Boulder Lake, this is a great campground for easy California backpacking with spectacular scenery.
NO FEE
The breathtaking Redwoods are the main focus of this campground. But with lots of coastal access, there are many reasons why this is a favorite.
$16/night
Just across the entrance to the park, there is a bay, ideal for launching sea kayaks. There is also a paved road, popular with cyclists and joggers.
$5/night
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“My girlfriend and I took our first road trip to Death Valley, California. The performance, build and safety features of Subaru makes it the perfect car for our interests and adventures. It doesn’t hurt that it gets great gas mileage too. We can’t wait for our future road trips!” - Phil M., Hayward, CA. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru. Tell your story at subaru.com/dearsubaru