Description: We started out today looking for a ghost town in SW Washington, called Frankfort. We couldn't access that area, though. What we learned is that southwest Washington doesn't have much human activity because the vast majority of the land down there is owned by logging companies. Every road we tried to get through ended up being gated or warned, "private, no trespassing." On the way back, we decided to take the scenic drive along the Columbia River to head back towards I-5. We stopped at Skamokowa Vista Park and enjoyed a lovely, peaceful view of the Columbia. This park doesn't have a walking trail, per se, but there was plenty of walking to do along the sandy beach and up and down the sand dunes. We saw a men's group there for some retreat, and they showed us the rented yurts they were staying in. In addition to camping and shipwatching, this park offers plenty of picnic areas, ball fields, tennis court, and a basketball court. The park has wide open spaces to let the sun shine in. Also nearby is a place to rent kayaks and canoes. Pete and I would love to go paddling down here someday. I think this would be a wonderful place for families to host reunions or for any other group to have a retreat. It sounds like reservations for the yurts may need to be made well in advance, though. After our lovely stroll along this beach, we then drove back on Highway 4 and marveled at the beauty of the Columbia River. Location & Parking: Go to the Skamokawa Vista Park website for information on reservations, more details about the park, and a map and directions.
