Focus: River, park, fairgrounds highlight Skamokawa recreation opportunities

There are people who say that there's "nothing to do " in Skamokawa (Skuh-MOCK-away) and while at first glance at this tiny town, you may believe that's true. However, as they say, "looks can be deceiving" and that is true about this small town as well. While there are no massive shopping malls or casinos here, the community calendar that is put out by the Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce, shows a full schedule of events for the county, and many of them take place right here in Skamokawa, the little town located along Ocean Beach Highway (SR 4) at mile post 29 in Wahkiakum County.

The county' fair has been held for over 100 years, and their fairground property is located here. This year, the WCF will be held Aug. 18 - 20. In the past several years, there's been several new improvements, like a new mini-stage, a new building for the exotic birds, new grandstands, fresh paint, plumbing and more.

This county fair is a stepping stone for those kids in 4-H who want to enter their animals and such in the state fair later on, and the Youth/4-H building is full of items that reflect the talent, artistry, imagination and hard work that they put in before submitting their items into the fair. Fair ribbons also bring in a much needed revenue for these kids who often use this money for school or more projects, so it's a great incentive for them to strive to do their best, as the better their placement, the bigger their premium checks will be.

Besides hosting the fair, the fairgrounds and adjoining park is also used by others for various fund raisers or even for family gatherings. The fair also holds a monthly flea market on the first Saturday of each month to help raise money for the fair, and they also hold a great event for all the horse lovers, called the "Silver Buckle Series," which features three separate competitions, so that's a big draw for all the horse enthusiasts. Also during the year, there are other special fund raising events, like their St. Paddy's Carnival and the Halloween Carnival and Haunted House, which are big hits for young and old alike. If you're interested in renting out the fairgrounds/adjoining park or one of its buildings, call (360) 795-3480 and leave a message at the office.

One of the larger events that takes place at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds is the annual "Rods and Reel Rod Run," put on by Wahkiakum Dollar for Scholars organization, which raises money for scholarships that are given to the local graduating seniors. This event is held the Saturday after Memorial Day each year, and the fairgrounds and connecting park make for the perfect setting for all these fantastic vehicles. From vintage classic cars, to "rat rods," to "hot rods" and more, this fund raiser draws in hundreds of entries and raises thousands of dollars in just one day! The generosity of multiple donators means even more money is raised as multiple prizes and even "prize tables" are offered up in their drawings which are held at the end of the show, and these prizes come from many sources, with most of them coming from local businesses and artisans. If you're interested in learning more about this event, contact Lee Tischer at 360-430-4377.

Since it was formed, Skamokawa Vista Park has always been a popular place for those who love to camp. However, in recent years, "camping" has not only gained in popularity but how it's done has also gotten a little more convenient with motorhomes and big fifth-wheel rigs getting bigger and fancier, and with all the comforts of home. Needless to say, these folks are finding the improved camping sites down by the river with more amenities much more to their liking and they are coming here in droves! First time visitors quickly tell their friends and family members about the beauty of Vista Park, with its gorgeous view of the river and passing ships, and soon, those people are booking a spot to stay. For some retirees, who have made their motorhomes their homes, they are even staying for longer periods of time; some for weeks at a time and others for months.

For those who love to tent camp, there are still great spots for you too, and three large, convenient restroom areas, with two of them providing showers as well, so it's all very handy for those who stay in the park, whether they're roughing it, or for those who are wanting all the comforts of home.

Those who love fishing and hunting enjoy staying here as it's not only a convenient spot to enjoy both of these activities but with a boat launch near-by, it's also very handy. Often times these folks really enjoy staying in the yurts that the park has, in two different sizes, and are located in the upper part of the park area which not only has the restrooms and showers close by, but there's a very nice covered picnic area as well, so it's great to have a BBQ and seat your guests under cover. This upper area has also been used for many family and class reunions.

A large covered area is located in the center of the park and also makes for a wonderful spot for large gatherings, and with a big fire pit located there, makes for a great spot to roast a hot dog or a marshmallow or to just sit around and visit. The large fire pit was donated by local, John Gustafson and it was originally from one of the fountains that came from the Seattle World’s Fair in the 60's, so it's a unique piece.

An added feature last year is returning this year as well, as the Ship Channel Coffee cart is back. By the end of June it will be open seven days a week but for now, it's open Friday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's a great addition to the park.

More plans are in the works for various upgrades to this facility in the near future and its popularity continues to grow as more and more people discover it. For reservations, be sure to call early: 360-795-8605 SVP Manager for Port 2: Janet Bryan.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Skamokawa, you have a wide variety of places from which to choose, with each of them offering a unique experience while still providing the things that people like about the area: a sense of calm, friendliness and beauty.

One of those unique places to stay while you're here in the country, would be "The Inn at Crippen Creek Farm," which is located out Middle Valley at 15 Oatfield Road. Hosts Don and Kitty Speranza offer a wide variety of reasons to come and stay here, visit here and/or dine here. This is a place where you can not only spend the night but it's a place where you can come to take a cooking lesson, hold a party or just come here for dinner, which truly makes it unique. Your hosts have taken this beautiful, serene place to stay to a whole new level, with a special thing in mind: food; really good food! Not only do they cook a fabulous array of dishes, but with their own greenhouses and farm animals, they also serve up their very own, home grown food, which we all acknowledge, "fresh is best!" If you would like to learn how to cook up some particular dishes, they will set this up for you and then you can have your friends come along, or your hosts will invite others to come and learn with you. There are even folks who come here for a "farm stay" where they help out in the care and feeding of the animals and the gardens and see what it takes to run a farm. So, if you want to have a family gathering, reunion, wedding with a big menu, or a nice sit down dinner with a few friends or a pizza party to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary, the Speranza's can make it happen. Call 360-795-0585 for more information or check them out online.

Heading out another valley in Skamokawa, you will find the "Inn at Lucky Mud" which is at 44 Old Chestnut Drive, just off East Valley Road. It is nestled among 40 acres of forest with its own pond and disc golf course. This B & B was custom built for those who enjoy comfort, privacy and the views that come with being out in such a lush, green place. The three rooms in the main house are all different but all have covered patios with views of the pond and surrounding area. If you want to get away from it all, this is ideal for you. Once again, fresh, delicious food is served up here with a wonderful breakfast and plenty of coffee, while dinners can be arranged upon request. Hostess Jessica Scheik can be reached by calling 360-795-8770 or 1-800-806-7131 or check out the website.

The "Twin Gables B & B" is operated by Kathleen and Stevan Morgain, and is yet another special place to stay when you come to town. One of its unique features has to do with its name, as this B & B had been two houses, but one of them was turned to match the other and multiple feet were added to the middle to join them together and thus you have "twin gables"; neat! Twin Gables is located just off the highway at 1416 W SR 4 along Skamokawa Creek, so thhis particular place to stay has its very own dock, which gives those who love the waterways, suberb access to the various sloughs and the mighty Columbia River. Not only can you stay in one of the rooms here in the main house, but if you'd rather, you can rent the separate, on-site apartment that offers a little more privacy as well as its own living area and kitchen, and accomodates two couples. This vacation destination also has the distinction of being the one which is located just a short distance from Skamokawa Vista Park, the Wahkiakum Co. Fairgrounds, the Skamokawa Store and the local restaurant and lounge, so it makes it handy for those wishing to be a little closer to town. Once again, great homemade food, complete with freshly baked bread with homemade jelly, will just put the icing on the cake if you happen to choose to stay here. Call 360-795-3942 or check them out online.

Sadly, the beautiful "Inn at Skamokawa Landing," another unique place to stay, is no longer open for business, as the owners have opted to get out of the hospitality business, and have put the Skamokawa Landing up for sale. This historic building, built around 1911, is one of the few remaining steamboat landings on the Columbia River and is registered as such with the National Registry of Historical Buildings. The Inn boasted large, gorgeous suites on the second floor of this fully remodeled building, with magnificent views and it is hoped a new owner will be found soon, so that this Inn can be utilized once again.

There are still a couple of businesses within the building on the first floor, and one of those is "Columbia River Kayaking," which certainly loves the dock and direct access to the slough and river from its back door, so it's an ideal spot for them. Tours and classes are given by trained professionals and they have gear and kayaks for sale at their place of business as well. The office is located on the left side of the building which is located at 957 Steamboat Slough Road. Contact them by calling: 360-747-1044 or go online to check out what they have to offer.

Need an attorney? Heidi Heywood PLLC has an office located on the right side of the building. 360-795-3413.

Another historic building sits prominently up on the hill on the north side of the highway, right at milepost 29, and was once the Central School, which was built in 1894. Many years have passed since the school was closed, and has been used in multiple ways by various owners but it finally got purchased by a grassroots organization that called themselves, the "Friends of Skamokawa" in 1987. Since that time, a lot of hard work and determination have brought the old building back to life with multiple improvements. A book store and a gift store are located in the lower level of the hall, whereas the River Life Interpretive Center is located in the upper level. This room has picture panels by each of its big windows that showcase what you would have seen in years past. This large area is used to house multiple events and artistry, from photographs to paints, handmade knitted items to iron works, from poetry readings to singing and just about everything in between. The area boasts an extensive array of artisans and authors and they have all been showcased here at one time or another.

Due to the stairs however, the one large fund raiser held for the hall, a Wine Tasting and Auction, is held at yet another historical building, the Skamokawa Grange Hall located near the fairgrounds. This event is held on the second Saturday of September every year and helps to raise the money which is used for the continuing restoration and maintenance of this historic building. For more information call 360-795-3007.

Just across the street from the former school, is the Skamokawa Resort, which is partly old and partly new. The Skamokawa General Store and Hotel, are the older part of the property, as is the U. S. Postal Office building and another meeting room/house rental, but which have all gone under a huge amount of restoration in recent years. The newer part of this resort is the three story "condo" building, which houses three separate suites with the largest being able to accomodate over a dozen people. The amenities and views are outstanding. This property has a huge gathering room at the back of the store with a gorgeous view of the Columbia River, and with its easy access, is a great spot to hold a meeting, reception or party of any kind. With the adjoining walkways, landscaping, a cute white gazebo and that fantastic view, it just makes for an ideal spot to sit back and enjoy your stay here, or use as a beautiful back-drop for a special occasion. The store is a great spot for those that camp at Vista Park, as they seem to have a little of everything, and of course, if you're staying in one of the suites, it's just the place to pick up the items you need. Your proprietors at this property are Lance and Shannon Britt. You can contact them at 360-795-0726, or check out their website.

The Duck Inn Restaurant and Lounge are located just east of the resort and is operated by Logan Britt, who just happens to be Lance’s brother. The Duck Inn will soon be revealing their new menu and specialty items, and recently put in a new machine in the lounge that will provide customers with the perfect smoothie and other crushed ice beverages. Live music and karaoke are found here at various times. Logan and Lance have teamed up to make a great improvement to this area that had no store or restaurant for awhile. They are terrific sponsors to various fund raising events in the community and have made many positive changes to Skamokawa. If you'd like to make a dinner reservation or set up a special gathering for multiple people, call 360-795-6055.

One of the newer businesses in the area is the "Skamokawa Farmstead Creamery," which features a variety of tasty goat cheeses, and operated by Vicki Allenback. It is located at 1681 West SR 4. The cheeses are sold at various farmer's markets around the area, as well as along the Oregon and Washington coastal communities. You can check out the website for further information or you can call direct, 360-795-8700.

Dan Silverman is the master gardener in our area, and he owns and operates the "Skamokawa Gardens Nursery" located at 927 Steamboat Slough Road, which is just a little way past the Skamokawa Landing. His plants and hanging baskets are just gorgeous. 360-795-3382.

There are multiple home-based businesses here as well, like Gribskov Glassblowing, Skamokawa Enterprises, Heavy Stone Jewelry, Collupy Glass, Jewelry Designed by Pam and more, so, the little town may not appear to be bustling, but behind the scenes, it's people are pretty busy.

Skamokawa may not be a 'glitz and glamour' kind of place, with lots of noise and traffic jams, but there are indeed plenty of "things to do". It's just that they relate to the kind of place you come to where you can "get away from it all." Nestled amongst the sloughs and creeks just off the mighty Columbia River, it is just the perfect setting for those who want to ride a bike, take a hike, paddle a kayak or walk on the beach, take part in the local events or maybe just sit back and enjoy a much calmer, quieter type of atmosphere and leave the heavy populated city problems behind them. Come to Skamokawa; you're always welcome here.