Santa's reindeer ride the waves during a Christmas Ships Fleet parade on the Columbia River (photo by Cheryl Landes) In 2022, the Christmas Ships Fleet will celebrate 68 years of sailing, bringing holiday joy to spectators from St. Helens, Oregon, to Camas-Washougal, Washington, on the Columbia River and from Portland to Lake Oswego, Oregon, on … Continue reading 2022 marks 68th season for the Portland Christmas Ships parade
Grand Coulee Dam (photo by Cheryl Landes) The laser light show at the Grand Coulee Dam in Eastern Washington resumed on Memorial Day weekend after a break due to COVID-19. The half-hour show is project on the dam's spillway, and admission is free. There's a viewing area with benches outside the dam's visitor center, which … Continue reading Laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam continues through September 30
Santa's reindeer ride the waves during a Christmas Ships Fleet parade on the Columbia River (photo by Cheryl Landes) The 2021 schedule for the Christmas Ships Fleet in Portland is posted for the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. The fleets will sail December 3-21. Routes vary, so check the pages linked below for more information … Continue reading 2021 Portland Christmas Ships Fleet parade schedule
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay Watch award-winning sandcastle carvers create their sand art pieces and vote for your favorite at the Sand Island Sandcastle Carving Competition Friday-Sunday, August 13-15. Look for highlights and other surprises hidden in the carvings. If you'd like to try your hand at sand carving, free classes are available on Saturday, … Continue reading Sand Island Sandcastle Competition August 13-15 near St. Helens, Oregon
Fireworks over the Columbia River at Rainier Days in the Park in Rainier, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) Rainier Days in the Park is a three-day festival with a parade, carnival, food and craft vendors, and live music. The 2021 event runs Friday-Sunday, July 9-11, at Rainier City Park in Rainier, Oregon. The fun starts … Continue reading Rainier Days in the Park July 9-11
Fireworks over the Columbia River in St. Helens, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) Let Freedom Bells Ring celebrates the 245th birthday of the United States in St. Helens, Oregon. The day's events start Sunday, July 4, at 1:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Courthouse Plaza, 230 Strand Street, and ends with a fireworks show over … Continue reading Let Freedom Bells Ring celebration July 4 in St. Helens, Oregon
Multnomah Falls Lodge with Multnomah Falls in the background in the Columbia River Gorge (photo by Cheryl Landes) After a long closure due to COVID-19, the Multnomah Falls Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened again. The restaurant, espresso stand, snack bar, and gift shop are now open. Full-service, sit-down dining is available in … Continue reading Multnomah Falls Lodge has reopened
Photo credit: Okanogan County Tourism Council When I think about where to go for ice fishing, my mind gravitates to the frozen lakes of northern New Hampshire and the Upper Midwest like Minnesota and Wisconsin. But for those living in the Pacific Northwest, there's another place closer to home--Okanogan County in northcentral Washington. The winter … Continue reading Is it possible to go ice fishing in Washington State? You bet!
A view from the Sediment Retention Structure at Mount St. Helens Photos by Cheryl Landes On May 18, 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted, the blast deposited more than three billion cubic yards of sediment into the Toutle River Basin, covering 32 miles with an average depth of 150 feet. Mudflows filled the Cowlitz River … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Sediment Retention Structure at Mount St. Helens
Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) New Year's Day 2021 brings new life to three trails in the Columbia River Gorge that suffered damage from the Eagle Creek fire in 2017. After extensive repairs, they're open to hiking again. The entire Eagle Creek Trail, which … Continue reading Three Columbia River Gorge trails reopen after repairs from the Eagle Creek fire
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 