
Washington State Discovery Tours
It’s the perfect time of year for a road trip. Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to take some time for yourself to explore. The great state of Washington is home to some beautiful views and rich history. Join us in the exploration of the Long Beach Peninsula and Southwest Washington.
Let’s start on the beautiful coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Ilwaco, WA. It is here that William Clark wrote in his journal, “Great joy in camp we are in View of the Ocian, this great Pacific Octean which we been So long anxious to See. and the roreing or noise made by the waves brakeing on the rockey Shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distictly.”
It is here where you can find the 1,882 acre state park, Cape Disappointment, that features the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Learn about the national significance of the linking of America from the Atlantic to the Pacific. From the interpretive center, you will have unbeatable views of the Pacific, the Columbia River, and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.
As you continue your journey, learn more about the history of Lewis and Clark by stopping at the Station Camp and Fort Columbia Historical State Park. At Station Camp, Clark led a party of men over the Cape Disappointment headlands and up the beach to a mile north of present day Long Beach where they celebrated their arrival at the Pacific Ocean. Close by, you’ll come across Fort Columbia Historical State Park where you’ll see where coastal guns protected the bay during World War II and earlier wars.
After a long day of exploring Long Beach, rest your eyes at The Lamp Camp. Open year round, we offer tent sites and RV sites.
Before heading north, make sure you check out the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, home to an ancient grove of red cedars.
Continue your trip by discovering Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen. See the West Coast’s tall ships, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, with your own eyes. Sail away for the weekend or lets your kids have hands-on history.
After your day (or weekend) sailing, camp out at Ocean City State Park (a 170-acre camping park) before heading up to Lake Sylvia State Park to discover the former logging camp above the historic town of Montesano. As you head South East, you’ll come across the Lewis and Clark State Park. Here you can hike and horseback ride through a stand of old-growth trees on the historic north spur of the Oregon Trail.
Just south of the Lewis and Clark State Park, you’ll be greeted with views of Mount St. Helens. Learn about the historic Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption here at the Seaquest State Park. While you’re here, the park offers hiking and biking, as well as camping and other overnight accommodations.
As you’re rounding out your trip, you won’t want to miss Vancouver and the Columbia River Gorge. This gorge is one of America’s great natural wonders.
End you trip with a bang, Beacon Rock State Park. It is one of the most spectacular sites on the Lewis and Clark Trail. The huge rock is actually the core of an ancient volcano. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, interpretive trails and markers, camping, boating, and a trail to the top of Beacon Rock.
While this would be a great trip for the end of fall, this also would be a road trip option anytime of the year. Tag us on Facebook or Instagram of your explorations through Washington, @thelampcamp.