Park rangers from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will be leading hikes on January 1st as part of its “First Day Hikes” program. The hikes nearest to our county are on the Buxton Trailhead of the Banks-Vernonia Trail, and inside the interior trail system of Stub Stewart State Park. The L.L. Stub Stewart hikeContinue reading ““First Day Hikes” on the Banks-Vernonia Trail, January 1st”
Tag Archives: columbia county
Upcoming events at McCormick Park and Nob Hill
We wanted to let you know about two local cleanup events, both of which are tailored towards the entire family. On Wednesday the 23rd (tomorrow), there will be a pollution prevention event at 10am at McCormick Park, which will include booths by various agencies, presentations, and a litter cleanup at Milton Creek. Here is theContinue reading “Upcoming events at McCormick Park and Nob Hill”
What would you like to see more of on Wild Columbia?
I looked at the stats for June and saw we had 12,880 visits for the month. Not bad for a county with a population of 50,000. We knew when we started that this website would fill a need, but I didn’t dream it would be this popular. Thank you for being a part of ourContinue reading “What would you like to see more of on Wild Columbia?”
Beaches of Columbia County
Now that we’ve entered summer, we’re doing a run-down of our most accessible local beaches. Most people will just want to hang out, but I’ve included some wildlife possibilities as well. Have fun! Pixie Park Pixie Park is at 1816 The Strand, Columbia City. It’s a small beach with nice views of the mountains, islands,Continue reading “Beaches of Columbia County”
An eventful backcountry waterfall hike
Some time ago, Jon and I lumbered through the wilderness to reach one of the highest and most unique waterfalls in Columbia County. The off-trail route was steeped in bushwacking and a steady drumbeat of wildlife sightings, including the coolest shed elk antler we’ve ever found. Unfortunately, the property status has changed and the fallsContinue reading “An eventful backcountry waterfall hike”
An oral history of the resurrection of Fox Creek
Fox Creek’s fish have had a rough time. Salmon once ran here in good numbers, laying their “redds” of eggs throughout the stream. When Charles E. Fox and company broke ground on Rainier in 1851, the first industry was a fish house at the mouth of Fox Creek. Workers packed barrels with salted salmon andContinue reading “An oral history of the resurrection of Fox Creek”
Be on the lookout for these special reptiles
You may have noticed that snakes, turtles, lizards, and frogs are all out right now. There are several rare species in our county that we would love for you keep an eye out for. Sighting any of these, especially with a picture, would be a huge help for our study of reptiles and amphibians inContinue reading “Be on the lookout for these special reptiles”
Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits
We’ve lost a lot of access to forest land over the last ten years. Many places I grew up exploring have been restricted or made off limits. But you can still find nice spots out there if you know the right route. This week, we’re showing you the way to Kauppi Lake. No matter howContinue reading “Kauppi Lake and Weyerhaeuser permits”
Everybody can herp!
“Herping” is the art of searching for reptiles and amphibians. It’s like birding, only you look down instead of up. Our daughter Sophia has been herping for as long as she’s been walking. As Sophia’s gotten older, it’s been wonderful to observe her joy in finding reptiles and amphibians when we spend time in theContinue reading “Everybody can herp!”
It’s all for the salmon: Dalton Lake’s New Bridge
Every year, tens of millions of juvenile salmon rush down the Columbia River. It’s a race for survival, and the race depends on two factors: How fast they can get to the ocean, and how much food they can find on the way. A significant issue for these salmon is that there isn’t enough foodContinue reading “It’s all for the salmon: Dalton Lake’s New Bridge”
Wild Columbia County 