Cascade Locks, Oregon, is nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge east of Portland Oregon. Known for its stunning scenery and numerous waterfalls the area is named after the historic locks built to navigate the rapids of the Columbia River before the construction of the Bonneville Dam.
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Hammond, Oregon, is a small, unincorporated community located near the mouth of the Columbia River in Clatsop County Oregon. It’s part of the Astoria-Warrenton-Hammond area and is known for its coastal charm and proximity to outdoor recreation. Hammond is a gateway to Fort Stevens State Park, a popular destination for camping, hiking, and exploring historical military sites, including the remnants of Fort Stevens itself. The area is also rich in maritime history and is close to the Columbia River Bar, famously known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific.”
We spent a week in the Hammond/Astoria area in early September 2024. Unfortunately Anna had hurt her back just before we got there and I was feeling a bit under the weather so we didn’t get to see everything we wanted to. We did manage to get in a day trip in the the beautiful Cannon Beach area as well as a visit to Fort Clatsop.
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We decided to stop in West Wendover, Nevada during our planning for our return trip from the northwest without considering much more at the time than the fact that this would allow us to add Nevada to the list of states we have camped in. A few days before we arrived here I started doing some research into things to see in the area and boy was I disappointed that we didn’t have another day or two to spend here. First, I didn’t realize that West Wendover is famous for being a gateway to the Bonneville Salt Flats which is just east of the city in Utah. The salt flats are a stunning, vast, and flat expanse of salt. As most people know the Salt Flats are a popular spot for racing events, photography, and tourists looking for a unique landscape. The town also has a rich history related to aviation and the military, with the Wendover Airfield being a historically significant site. The airfield was originally built in 1941 as a military base during World War II, serving as a training center for bomber crews. It played a pivotal role in the development and preparation of crews for long-range missions, including the famous Enola Gay crew, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. We were able to make a quick run over to see the Salt Flats but unfortunately since we stayed only one night we didn’t get to see the airfield.
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Forks, Washington, is a small town of around 3,500 people located on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula. Known for its stunning natural beauty, historic logging roots, and its connection to the Twilight book series. Situated in a lush, temperate rain forest, Forks is surrounded by towering trees, rivers, and the rugged Pacific coastline, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and fans of the Twilight saga. The economy of Forks has evolved from a reliance on the timber industry to a more diversified base, with tourism playing a significant role today, thanks to Twilight. Visitors flock to Forks for both the outdoors and the chance to see places associated with the popular book series. The local economy also depends on fishing, logging, and other small industries that support the town and its surrounding rural areas. The Forks Timber Museum and the Forever Twilight Collection are important local attractions.
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Although the address of the park is in Goldendale, Washington, The park we stayed in is closer to Maryhill. Maryhill, Washington, is a small, unincorporated community perched along the Columbia River in Klickitat County just east of The Dalles Oregon. It’s famous for its rich history and unique attractions, including the Maryhill Museum of Art, which houses an eclectic collection of art, Native American artifacts, and even works by Rodin. Unfortunately, we didn’t go to the museum. We did however see the Stonehenge Memorial, a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge built as a World War I memorial. The area also offers stunning views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood as well as stunning landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge Offering opportunities for wine tasting at local vineyards, windsurfing, and hiking. Maryhill’s combination of art, history, and outdoor beauty makes it a hidden gem worth visiting!
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