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

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 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

The first bloom of Pacific rhododendrons ignites the beautiful and lush scenery of spring here on the Long Beach Peninsula. Rhododendrons are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest and are rightfully Washington’s State Flower. The history of the abundance of rhodies here on the Peninsula can be attributed in part to the Clarke Family, who have operated Clarke Nursery for over 60 years. This family has deep roots in the cultivation and hybridization of the flower and is the primary source of the majority of the plants thriving on the Long Beach Peninsula today. The oldest of our rhodies is thought to be at least 60 years old. Take a stroll through historic Seaview, Washington and view the beautiful Victorian era homes with their splendid giant and old rhododendrons.

Strap on your waders and throw out a line! The 13^th Annual Surf Perch Derby is here! Enjoy a hearty fisherman’s breakfast and fish your heart out all day, then weigh in your catch in the afternoon for a chance at great cash prizes. Teams and individuals are able to enter in the fun. This event annually occurs on the Saturday after Mother’s Day. May 18, 2013

Soon to be featured on The Weather Channel as part of the new television series Coast Guard Pacific Northwest, U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment is holding an open house on May 18 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Enjoy a tour of their facilities and they will have representatives available from the local fire departments, the Columbia River Bar Pilots, the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and many others! The Columbia River Chief’s Mess will be hosting a delicious BBQ as well. May 18, 2013

SummerFest begins! Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer-long weekend festivities that include FREE Wagon Rides, Face Painting, Entertainment, and much more! Mother Goose will be kicking off the event during Memorial Day weekend. May 25 – September 2

Events on the horizon:
- World’s Longest Garage Sale – Memorial Day weekend – May 24-27
- Columbia Pacific Farmer’s Market – Fridays, June 14-October 11
- Garlic Festival – June 15-16

In the months ahead, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a coast-wide assessment of razor clam stocks and develop recommendations for the 2013-14 season.

That season is expected to get under way sometime in October 2013.

Read the latest WDFW press release on clam digs.

Harvest Rules

• By law, clam diggers are limited to 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
• All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
• The final word on beach openings is announced about a week before each dig is scheduled to start, provided marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.
• Information about current and proposed digs, as well as the location of Washington’s razor clam beaches, is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.

More information on how to dig, clean and enjoy clams can be found on our funbeach.com Razor Clam page.

Get ready to cast a line! Washington’s salmon fishing season has been set for 2013.  Chinook only season Starts June 8th to June 21. Coho, Chinook season starts June 22 and runs through September 30th, 7 days a week with a 2 fish per day limit. The Long Beach Peninsula offers a plethora of great Charter Fishing companies to get you out on the water, having fun, and bringing home the big one! Click here for more information on local fishing and boating for the Long Beach Peninsula!

Click here view the WDFW News Release in its entirety.

It’s almost here! Get ready for some fun on the Long Beach Peninsula! We have many great activities for you and your family to enjoy!

Spring is upon us once again, the days are getting longer and everyone is ready for some fun in the sun! Come out to the Peninsula to enjoy the many great attractions, activities, and events that we have to offer. Our beach is one of the USA Today’s 10 Great Places to Fly a Kite! Make sure you check out the Spring Break Family Fun happenings at the World Kite Museum March 23-April 7!

Need to get out and experience the great outdoors? No problem! There will be FREE Admission to all WA State Parks on Saturday, March 30^th.

Love to dig Razor Clams? New Razor Clam digs have been approved and scheduled throughout March and April! You can check the dig times and current information here.

Check out the full listing of activities here!