Named one of ‘America’s Favorite Beach Towns’ by ForbesTraveler.com and voted ‘Best Beach’ by the viewers of Seattle’s KING-5 TV, the Peninsula offers visitors blocks of colorful shops, great seafood, comfortable lodging, small museums, horseback riding, and an expansive beach. Southwest Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula: home to a new national park, two historic lighthouses, renowned restaurants, cranberry bogs, and oyster farms.
Take a vacation for your health! Nowadays its all about living an active lifestyle and enjoying the beauty all around us. With a breathtaking 28-mile stretch of ocean beach, it is no wonder that Peninsulites love to run and host a multitude of races. From fun-runs, and Relay for Life, to half marathons, duathlons and sprint triathlons! Who wouldn’t like to run along our soft rolling hills, steep inclines, and refreshing beach trails? The views alone make you feel as if you have won the race!
Check out some of the great runs!
Walk or run a 5k or 10K on our beautiful white sand beach with ocean waves breaking just a few yards away. Work up an appetite with the race of your choice, then get ready to enjoy delicious clam chowder with your friends and family and enjoy all that the Peninsula has to offer. June 22, 2013
Run or walk the 2nd Annual Firecracker 5K. The race starts at the Port of Ilwaco and is notable for being as challenging as it is beautiful! The trail climbs up to the Cape Disappointment headlands on the south end of the Discovery Trail and back. Perfect for those who love to sprint up and fly down steep hills. July 6, 2013
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project 5k run/walk course is on the beach at the Bolstad approach. This is a memorial race that was created to raise awareness of domestic violence and funds to help victims and survivors. August 3, 2013
Follow the footsteps of Lewis & Clark on the Discovery Trail Half Marathon through the contours of the beautiful sand dunes with ocean waves breaking nearby. There are eight age divisions and many prizes. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. This is a certified and chip timed course. September 14, 2013
Relay for Life is a fun overnight event 
and national fundraiser for the fight against cancer. Teams of 8-15 gather with camping gear to participate in the unique and inspiring fund-raising walk. Funds raised help in cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held in Ilwaco. September 21-22, 2013
The Triathlon course launches from Black Lake Park in Ilwaco and includes a 500 meter swim (1540′), 12.2 mile bike ride (19.6km), and a 3.1 mile (5k) run! The park is the transition area for all three legs. The Duathlon follows the same course excluding the swim. It begins with a 1.6 mile run, and will start when the Triathlon begins. September 21, 2013
Stay at the Beach! The Long Beach Peninsula has ample lodging ranging from gourmet Bed & Breakfasts, romantic boutique inns, family-friendly hotels, beautiful beach vacations rentals, and picturesque campsites and RV parks! The Peninsula has something for everyone!
Dine at the source! Load up on delicious and local fare to fuel you through your race! Don’t forget to indulge on the decadent treats offered by many of our local eateries to reward yourself for all of your hard work and training!
Discovery Awaits! There’s plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained before and after your race! Whether you like to continue on your adventure and hike beautiful trails, take a bike ride along our Discovery Trail, Surf the mighty Pacific Ocean, have a spa day, go on a unique shopping trip, or curl up with a new book!
Events on the horizon:
- Summer Fest – Long Beach, Weekends, through September 2, 2013
- Ilwaco Charter Association Sturgeon Derby – Ilwaco, through September 2, 2013
- Art Night at the Marina – Ilwaco, June 20, 2013
- Waikiki Beach Concert Series – Ilwaco, June 22, 2013
- Columbia Pacific Farmer’s Market – Long Beach, Fridays, through-October 11, 2013
- Doggie Olympic Games - Long Beach, June 28-29, 2013
The Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain are docking at the Port of Ilwaco June 27 through June 30, 2013. Come aboard and take a self-guided tour. Crews from both ships will be on hand in period costumes to answer questions and tell stories. A $3 donation per person is appreciated.
The Hawaiian Chieftan is a one-of-a-kind Tall Ship with a fascinating story. She originated in Hawaii and is a swift split-topsail ketch that has sailed many places, including Tahiti and the Atlantic Ocean. 
The Hawaiian Chieftain joins the Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington, in educational cruises and ambassadorial visits along the west coast throughout the year. The Hawaiian Chieftain also makes solo port visits as a sail training and education vessel.
The Lady Washington is a beautiful brig that embodies American maritime history of the late 1700s and early 1800s. She is a traditionally built replica launched on March 7, 1989. The Lady Washington was built in Aberdeen, Wash., by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority. The new Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington. She is the more famous of the two vessels as she has made several movie appearances and most recently was featured in a new music video produced by the Seattle-based rapper, Macklemore. The video promotes the artist’s single “Can’t Hold Us,” and was shot earlier this year while the vessel was in Ventura and Oakland, Calif.
Make a weekend out of it! The beautiful fishing community of Ilwaco has so much to discover! Be sure to check out the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum’s newest exhibition: From the Water to the Woods: 125 Years of Local Rail. They offer FREE admission on Thursdays. After stopping off at the Museum, check out the different art galleries along the Port of Ilwaco. There you will find local artists such as Don Nisbett, Queen La De Da, and Marie Powell. You can also spend the day relaxing at nearby Azure salon, enjoying a wonderful massage, manicure, pedicure, or even a makeover!
Looking for fresh seafood? Look no further than the delicious seafood markets of Ole Bob’s and Jessie’s. Or let someone else do the cooking! The RedWagon Sausages & Soups at the Port offers a great menu for you to take your meal and sit along the waters edge, or enjoy contemporary fine dining along the Port with a premier view of the waterfront at the Pelicano Restaurant. You can also pick up some tasty bites, fresh produce, and interesting treasures at the Saturday Market at the Port.
Sturgeon and Salmon fishing is also in full swing – with many great charters to choose from you will find what works best for you and your party! Book your charter fishing trip today! If you are in need of lodging, Ilwaco has a variety of accommodations – whether you are staying here for a fishing trip or you are looking for a quiet relaxing getaway that includes a gourmet continental breakfast!
Events on the horizon:
- Summer Fest – Long Beach, Weekends, through September 2, 2013
- Ilwaco Charter Association Sturgeon Derby - Ilwaco, through September 2, 2013
- Garlic Festival – Ocean Park, June 15-16, 2013
- Art Night at the Marina – Ilwaco, June 20, 2013
- Waikiki Beach Concert Series – Ilwaco, June 22, 2013
- Columbia Pacific Farmer’s Market – Long Beach, Fridays, June 14-October 11, 2013
- Beach to Chowder Walk/Run 5k/10k - Long Beach, June 22, 2013
- Doggie Olympic Games - Long Beach, June 28-29, 2013
My Garlic ‘Tis of Thee, Sweet Bulb of Infamy, To Thee We Sing
For the 32nd consecutive year, we celebrate Garlic! What pairs well with seafood? GARLIC, of course! In the land of clams, crab and oysters we take time out of our lives to celebrate the little things. Humans have consumed garlic for well over 7,000 years. It has many purposes medicinal and culinary. And is the perfect complement to many of our favorite foods and dishes.
The inaugural Northwest Garlic Festival was held June 25, 1982 near the Ark Restaurant, located in Nahcotta, WA. Nanci Main and Jimella Lucas, owner/chefs of the legendary Ark Restaurant for its 25 year lifespan, came up with the idea and initiated the festival, dubbing it as the 1st Annual Italian Independence Day & Garlic Festival. Their passion for culinary excellence and love of garlic was the driving force behind what we now know as the Northwest Garlic Festival. The success of the event forced it to move to a larger venue. Both Nanci and Jimella are still participating through their current Klipsan Beach restaurant, Jimella and Nanci’s Market Café, and garlic aficionados will still be able to savor their delicious garlic ice cream.
Come out and celebrate the passion for this bountiful bulb with the masses at the 32nd Annual Northwest Garlic Festival held in Ocean Park, WA located on the Long Beach Peninsula. Peninsulites hold garlic very dear to their hearts as the Long Beach Peninsula is a known foodie destination and garlic is the key ingredient in many of our favorite local recipes.
The festivities will be held on Saturday, June 15 from 10AM-5PM, and on Sunday, June 16, from 10AM-4PM. Admission is FREE, parking is FREE, and there will be live music, crafts, food vendors, and of course, plenty of garlic! The local 4-H Club will also be there and welcoming children to their petting zoo. The festival takes place at Wilson Field, the home of the Beach Barons Rod Run to the End of the World, located at 25815 Sandridge Road, Ocean Park, WA.
The North Coast Blues band will perform from 1:30 PM until festival closing on both Saturday and Sunday. The Ilwaco High School Jazz Band will grace the stage on Saturday from 10AM-1PM, and on Sunday you can enjoy the musical delights of Double J and the Boys from 10AM-1PM. Keep your eyes peeled for the Clove Brothers, they are the ambassadors of the Garlic Festival and a photograph with them is a must!
Every year there is a specially selected, commemorative poster. The unveiling is free and open to the public on Friday, June 7 at 6PM. The reception takes place at the Ocean Park Lighthouse Realty office located at 25810 Vernon Ave in Ocean Park. Light food and beverages will be provided by the Peninsula Arts Association. The winning artist will be in attendance as well. Poster sales are a fundraiser for the Peninsula Arts Association Scholarship and Art Enrichment programs. Bring the whole family and come out and celebrate!
Fun Fact! At one of the Garlic Dinners hosted by the Nanci and Jimella, John D. Morse composed “Garlic Anthem” as part of a garlic poetry contest. It was such a hit that it was sung each year at the beginning of the garlic dinner. Everyone would stand, raise their glasses and sing:
My Garlic ‘tis of Thee
Sweet Bulb of Infamy
To thee we sing
You give our food such zest.
You garnish all our breath
We all love you the best.
Long may you reign
The Ilwaco Charter Fishing Association presents the Ilwaco Sturgeon Derby
Sturgeon Season starts May 11 and runs through July 4th, and is open 7 days a week. The Sturgeon Derby begins June 1 and runs throughout the remainder of the season. Weekly prizes for the biggest catch and overall prize for the season. Come out and catch the fish of your dreams just like the woman pictured aboard the Sea Quest, a charter boat in the Sea Breeze Charters Fleet. The Port of Ilwaco offers a variety of wonderful Charter Fishing Companies to get you out on the water.
Sturgeon are the largest freshwater species Washington anglers are likely to encounter. These prehistoric fish are found in the waters of the Columbia River and Willapa Bay tributaries. Both green and white sturgeon are caught locally, but whites are the most common and certainly the largest, sometimes measuring over eight feet and weighing several hundred pounds.
Sturgeon feed on the bottom, cruising along and picking up tasty morsels with their sucker-like mouth. Anglers usually fish for them with smelt, shrimp and other baits. Hooked sturgeon, especially the larger ones, may jump completely out of the water, providing a spectacular show for anglers or anyone who happens by at the right time! Since sturgeon must be between 42 and 60 inches to keep, many of them get caught and thrown back, making it an exciting day. There’s nothing like seeing the twinkle in the eye of a youngster who pulls in a fish taller than she is!
First time on the water, no problem! A sturgeon fishing trip on the Columbia River is perfect for those who might be concerned about sea-sickness. Sturgeon trips start at 5am and last for 8 hours or until the boat limits out.
If fishing isn’t your forte, but you still want to see all that the Columbia River has to offer, then hop aboard the Columbia River Eco Tours‘, Christina Cousteau, a 40’ Tollycraft Yacht with heated cabin and restroom facilities. Often you will have the opportunity to view Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons and Canada Geese amongst the abundant species of waterfowl in the area. A wildlife photographers delight!
If taking a boat trip is beyond your interest but you love the rich, flaky, and mild flavor of sturgeon, then look no further than our local restaurants and fish markets who offer seasonal specials.
Dine at the source! Dine at The Depot Restaurant, The Shelburne Inn, 42nd Street Cafe & Bistro, Aloha Charlie, Ole Bob’s Seafood Market, or stay the night with Boreas Inn as they are among the select eateries that highlight sturgeon during its seasonal run.
The Ilwaco Charter Association Salmon Derby begins June 22 and runs through Labor Day.
Events on the horizon:
- Summer Fest – Long Beach, Weekends, May 25 – September 2, 2013
- Free Admission to WA State Parks – Statewide, June 8 & 9, 2013
- Ilwaco Charter Association Sturgeon Derby – Ilwaco, June 1, 2013
- Waikiki Beach Concert Series – Ilwaco, June 8 & 22, 2013
- Columbia Pacific Farmer’s Market – Long Beach, Fridays, June 14-October 11, 2013
- Garlic Festival – Ocean Park, June 15-16, 2013
- Beach to Chowder Walk/Run 5k/10k- Long Beach, June 22, 2013
The Long Beach Peninsula Is Only A Few Clicks Away!
The Long Beach Peninsula hosts eight active webcams, perfectly located for your favorite picturesque views. Whether you want to check out the waves crashing onto the beach, see the winding path of the Discovery Trail through the dunes and onto the sand, spot the activity on the Willapa Bay at the Port of the Peninsula, watch the visitors stroll along the main street of Long Beach, or view the traffic on the Astoria Megler Bridge from both Washington and Oregon sides. Each and every one of these unique viewpoints is at your fingertips.
Here is a selection of some of our Live Webcams:
The Surf Cam
Check out the waves on the Long Beach Peninsula! The Surf Cam is anchored at [pickled fish] eat + drink, an eclectic bar and grill specializing in fresh, creative, locally inspired cuisine. [pickled fish] is located on the top floor of the oceanfront Adrift Hotel on the Sid Snyder beach approach. It has fabulous views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach Boardwalk, and the Discovery Trail. Watch the setting sun, catch spectacular 4th of July fireworks, and be sure to witness the kite filled sky during the Washington State International Kite Festival during the third week of August.
The Tree Cam
The City of Long Beach commissioned a 20-foot tall bronze statue of a windswept tree to commemorate the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. The tree is an interpretation of the tree in which William Clark carved his initials in on Nov. 19, 1805 not far from this very spot. The bronze tree was installed along the Discovery Trail in October of 2003 – 8.5 mile paved coastal path stretching from Ilwaco to Long Beach. The Tree statue can be accessed at The Breakers Discovery Trail approach.
The Oyster Cam
The Port of Peninsula is located in the middle of the Long Beach Peninsula at Nahcotta on Willapa Bay and has about 90 boat slips. A brow hoist boat sling is available for lifting boats (30′ and under) into and out of Willapa Bay. Power and water are available, as is a public boat launch ramp and the only boat sewage pumpout station located on Willapa Bay. The Port of Peninsula boasts the only fully approved, above ground, commercial fueling facility on Willapa Bay as well. There are fifteen Oyster Dredges working out of the Port.
Please keep in mind that if your view appears as if the glass is wet, it is probably raining. If a partial image appears, it is likely that your browser was updating to the most recent image and the old and new images have overlapped. Just reload or refresh the page and the latest image will be captured. Do not despair if most of what you see is black; it may be nighttime at the beach.
Events on the horizon:
- Summer Fest – Long Beach, May 25 – September 2, 2013
- Free Admission to WA State Parks – Statewide, June 1, 8 & 9, 2013
- Ilwaco Charter Association Sturgeon Derby – Ilwaco, June 1, 2013
- Waikiki Beach Concert Series – Ilwaco, June 8, 2013
- Columbia Pacific Farmer’s Market – Long Beach, Fridays, June 14-October 11 2013
- Garlic Festival – Ocean Park, June 15-16 2013
- Beach to Chowder Walk/Run 5k/10k- Long Beach, June 22, 2013
Celebrating 115 Years of Standing Watch
The Keepers of the North Head Lighthouse and Washington State Parks invite the public to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the North Head Lighthouse in Cape Disappointment State Park on Saturday, June 8, from 11AM to 3PM. The celebration will also commemorate the official title transfer of the lighthouse from U.S. Coast Guard ownership to the Washington State Parks System. This is also in conjunction with Centennial 2013, the 100th birthday of Washington’s State Park System. The celebration will kick off with Lt. Scott McGrew, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment and Larry Fairleigh, the Assistant Director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, and others, speaking about the lighthouse and the historic title transfer. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place after the presentation.
June 8 is a “Free Day” at all Washington State Parks – no Discover Pass required in honor of National Get Outdoors Day. Parking near the lighthouse is limited. Additional parking will be available at the Cape Disappointment Campground Store parking lot with a shuttle providing transportation to the lighthouse and back.
Activities for children, a raffle, refreshments, self-guided tours of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence, tours of the lighthouse, and a specially designed lighthouse history display will be available for guests. Tours of the lighthouse are $2.50 for adults, with children ages 7-17 free. Children must be at least 7 years old to take the tour of the lighthouse.
Be sure to grab your raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes. Raffle tickets will be on sale beginning June 1 at the Picture Attic, Shoalwater Cove Gallery, Campiche Studios, Saturday Market in Ilwaco, and at the stores in the State Park. Tickets will also be available at the celebration. The drawing of winning tickets will be at 11 AM, September 17th, 2013, at the Picture Attic, Long Beach, WA. The top prize includes a two-night-stay for up to 6 people at the historic North Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence and one catered gourmet dinner for 6, including fine wine, plus a continental breakfast for 6. The other four prizes are different works of art from local artists such as Don Nisbett and Nancy Campiche.
Grab a delicious pizza pie from Serious Pizza located at the Cape Disappointment State Park Store and head on over to the open-air amphitheater to catch the Waikiki Beach Concert Series performance by Polecat.
Events on the horizon:
- World’s Longest Garage Sale – Peninsula-wide, Memorial Day weekend – May 24-27
- Summer Fest – Long Beach, May 25 – September 2, 2013
- Free Admission to WA State Parks – Statewide, June 8, 2013
- Waikiki Beach Concert Series – Ilwaco June 8, 2013
- Columbia Pacific Farmer’s Market – Long Beach, Fridays, June 14-October 11
- Garlic Festival – Ocean Park, June 15-16
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