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.
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.
West Wendover welcome sign
The Victory Highway
The Victory Highway was a historic U.S. highway that ran from New York City to San Francisco, passing through multiple states and connecting key cities. It was part of a broader initiative to create a transcontinental highway system that facilitated both civilian and military travel, particularly important during the World War II era. The highway was named in honor of the victory in World War I, symbolizing progress and unity. In the context of West Wendover, Nevada, the Victory Highway played a role as a major east-west route, passing through towns like Wendover as part of the journey across the western United States. While the Victory Highway is no longer in use by its original name today (it was later incorporated into U.S. Route 40 and later parts of I-80), the area around West Wendover and its proximity to the highway was a significant route for travelers and military personnel during the war years. In West Wendover, the highway served as a vital connection between Nevada and Utah, offering travelers access to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, local landmarks, and eventually the military installations like Wendover Airfield. Today, much of the legacy of the Victory Highway remains in the roads and infrastructure that still exist, and remnants of its historic significance can be explored through museums and local attractions.
The Victory HighwayPlaque describing the Victory Highway
Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are not only a visual marvel but also an iconic site for land speed racing. It has long been a destination for speed enthusiasts, where drivers attempt to break world speed records on the nearly perfectly flat surface. The Bonneville Speedway is a renowned venue where various speed trials, including the famous Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week, take place annually.
There weren’t any events going on so anyone could just show up and drive out on the flatsLooking out on the flats, there are some vehicles driving on it but we chose not to
Park Review – Wendover KOA Journey
Site A1
Rating: ⭐⭐ Location: West Wendover, NV Type: Commercial Park Check-in/Check-out times: 3:00/11:00 Site Quality / Amenities: Gravel roads and pads. Each site has a picnic table. There is a pool and a pavilion. Access: From I-80 take exit 410 to Florence Way (US-93 ALT) and go south about .6 miles to Camper Drive. Turn right on Camper Drive and the KOA will be ahead on the left. Staff: The person who checked us in was very friendly and helpful. Cellular/WiFi: They claimed to have WiFi but I could not find it. Verizon 5G was fast at 111 Mbps download and 5.23 Mbps upload. Since we were only here for one night we did not connect our Starlink. Restaurants: We did not eat out during our stay. Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby. What we liked: Easy access to the park and friendly staff. Bonneville Salt Flats nearby as well as other interesting sites like the historic Wendover Airfield Museum. What we didn’t like: Sites are dusty (and salty). We had a corner site but as you can see from the picture it was still cramped. A night here was expensive for what you got. Verdict: I’m not sure we’ll be in this area again and honestly I don’t believe there are any other RV parks nearby but we won’t rush back to this park.
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.
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!
Sequim, Washington, is a small city located on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula near the base of the Olympic Mountains, famous for its sunny weather, lavender farms, and proximity to outdoor recreation. The town offers a laid-back lifestyle, making it a popular choice for retirees and those seeking a quieter pace of life. With a rich history, a strong agricultural tradition, and a vibrant arts and tourism scene, Sequim continues to grow as a desirable place to live and visit. Its blend of natural beauty, cultural events, and welcoming community make it a unique destination in the Pacific Northwest.
