Washougal Invites Seniors

Washougal, Washington with a population of just under 15,000, is a distant suburb of Portland, senior travelers discover. Washougal was officially incorporated on December 4, 1908. Its Mount Pleasant Grange Hall is the oldest continually used grange hall in the state.

It is said that Washougal is the “crossroads to discovery” in the Pacific Northwest.  It is named after a tributary river that flows into the Columbia and the name means “rushing water” in the Chinook dialect.

The Washougal area has one of the oldest histories in the region, dating back to the time when all of the surrounding land was occupied by the Chinook tribe.

Washougal is in the Columbia River Gorge along the Washougal River, which runs right through the town. The Washougal River is one of the premiere Salmon and Steelhead rivers in the state. Seniors, bring along your favorite pole.

Washougal is considered one of the gateways to the Columbia Gorge. Senior outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, rafting the gorge and wind-sailing on the Columbia River.

 Senior Motocross Buffs Take Note

Washougal is world famous as the location of the Washougal MX Park. America’s most scenic raceway was established in 1971 in the rolling hills and green forests of southwest Washington. Only one of three natural terrain raceways in America, Washougal MX Park is used as the backdrop for national races.

Washougal annually hosts a motorcycling event that started in 1971 with a few motorcycle enthusiasts. It now brings over 20,000 participants and fans from around the world. In July, throngs gather to watch daring feats on two wheels, while the roar of engines is heard echoing through the foothills for miles.

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Columbia River, 10 miles east of Vancouver. The 1,049-acre Wildlife Refuge has been designated as the location for a “Gateway to the Gorge” visitor center.

 Senior History Buffs and Lewis and Clark

Historically, the Washougal area was a major part of the Lewis and Clark’s Corp of Discovery journey. They camped at Cottonwood Beach, just a short walk from the River Heritage Museum, for six days back in 1806.

The Museum is strategically located in downtown Washougal only two minutes from the Columbia River. One mile to the east is the famous Lewis and Clark campsite.

Washougal is a cool small town, with Mount Hood rising up to the east, the Columbia River to the south, the Cascade mountain foothills gently sloping up to the north, and the gorgeous – and noted for its white water rafting – Washougal River running through it.

The amenities run deep as does the fishing in and around Washougal. Plan to spend a few days in Washington State and if your timing is right, you will hear the roar of motorcycles.  Enjoy. -jeb