‘Graveyard of the Pacific’revealed in week-long event

October 18 , 2007

Cape Disappointment State Park, Oregon State Parks and The Columbia River Maritime Museum invite the public to celebrate Graveyard of the Pacific Shipwreck weekend October 25- 27. Activities include a sea shanty camp, maritime programs, maritime music, ranger talks and exhibits. The Columbia River bar area earned the name “Graveyard of the Pacific” after more than 2,000 vessels met their end where the river meets the Pacific Ocean.

At Cape Disappointment State Park, event, include:

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Daily tours of the North Head Lighthouse, tours cost $2.50 per adult, free ages 7 to 17.

• Oct. 26 and 27, 1 p.m. – Rangers will give maritime-related talks at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 adults, $2.50 ages 7 to 17 and free for ages 6 and under.

• October through December –“The River of Lost Ships” exhibit featuring shipwreck artifacts, historic images and maps on display at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

At Fort Columbia State Park:

• Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Sea Shanty Camp of the Columbia. Students will learn about the history and performance of maritime music. Participants must pre-register by October 25 by calling (360) 642-3029.

At Fort Stevens State Park near Hammond, Ore:

• October 25 through 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Free ranger-lead talks at the Peter Iredale shipwreck that washed ashore on October 25, 1906.

At the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria:

• October 27, 2:30 p.m. – Mapping the West: 18th and 19th Century Cartography. Admission is free.

• October 27, 7:30 p.m. – “An Evening of Maritime Music” featuring the instructors of the “Sea Shanty Camp of the Columbia.” Admission is free.