Outside it is wet, drippy, and chilly.  What a great time of year to sit and have a tasty snack and a warm latte while browsing the shops of Kalama or Castle Rock.  Our region's two small cities are both worth a day of exploration.  Recently, I spent the afternoon at the Port of Kalama, where business and recreation co-exist and thrive.  The new Mountain TImber Market is just getting started, with goodies like wine, chocolate, coffee, plants and art all for sale in cozy booths lining the edges of this new, sweeping building.  Mountain Timber Market  The historic and restored Lelooska totem pole is displayed a full story up through the heart of the building.   Be sure to go upstairs and watch the video on the restoration.  Food carts outside sent barbeque deliciousness wafting on the breeze coming off the Columbia River, which is just a few yards away.  Beachcombing, ship and bird watching, walking trails, and an extensive playground round out the options.  A person spending the night at the adjacent McMenamin's Kalama Harbor Lodge can use the pedestrian overpass to cross the tracks and duck under I-5 to browse the many unique antique shops in downtown.   Dining options also expand (the Chinese restaurant is great!).  Nearby to downtown, head to Kress Lake for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.  Haydu Park on the Kalama River offers full amenities.  The port area is a bit tricky to find off Interstate 5, but your phone or the trail map link below, will lead you there.    Cowlitz County Trail Map - Cowlitz EDC

So far I have been telling everyone about the numerous outdoor activities in the Toutle Valley--hiking, skiing, fishing, swimmng--but the small town charm of our biggest "city" is worth a day all to itself.

Castle Rock, which sits at the junction of Interstate 5 and the Spirit Lake Highway (SR 504) provides the visitor with so much to do and see.  The town is undergoing a rebirth based on a strong team of volunteers, and a can-do community spirit.  Late summer is a great time to visit, with flower baskets overflowing, new shops opening, and fishing heating up.  The new visitor center at Exit 49 is the perfect place to start your exploration, and before you visit, watch this year's "America in Bloom" video about Castle Rock.

 https://youtu.be/7PBzgVViTH8

The town has paved walking/biking path that follows the Cowlitz River, north to south, passing the bike skills path and the namesake "Rock". Across the river sits the fairgrounds, boat launch, and the North County Sports Complex with playing fields, a walking paths, and outdoor exercise equiptment.  Anglers can also access the river from Cook Ferry Road, and you will see "plunkers" waiting patiently for the bite of a salmon or steelhead.   

Specialty shops and eats include the fun bookstore "The Vault", the local metal art at "Focus Art and Frame" and the volcano donuts at the Castle Rock Bakery.  If you are going on a picnic, stop at the grocery store and pick up some scrumptious Kalama Sourdough rolls (hummy!).  Locals in SW Washington judge all pizza against Papa Pete's Pizza, and all burgers against the ones from the Shell Gas Station across the street.  C & L has shakes and burgers we love, too.  Lacy Rae's in downtown offers a homey lunch.  It seems like new shops are opening every week, giving even locals a reason to keep visiting.

The town also has several festivals, including a small-town fair, adventure mud race, and Christmas parade with a Festival of Lights.  There is far more to do and see in Caslte Rock than one blog post can cover, so I will continue to add more in the future!

More....

https://www.facebook.com/CastleRockBlooms/