Woodland Washington is much more than just a town on I5. Located between Longview and Vancouver Washington I believe it holds a few secrets. 

The first secret would be the Columbia River beach options. On my last visit, I listened to Sealions barking near the Lewis River's mouth, which passes right through downtown under I5. Head on down to the bottoms and see if you can find the view of Mt Hood that is in this post. 

Woodland is also your entrance into the Lewis River area and if you can find the time, visit my favorite Lower Lewis River attraction, the Lower Lewis River Falls. Check with the US Forest Service to see if you need reservations during the summer months. 

If you are of the live play crowd, check out what is on schedule at the Love Street Playhouse. Our last play was one of our best date nights. 

Our oldest daughter Dorian came to visit from North Carolina for Ed's father's funeral. We took here out and about to explore to take a break from the emotions and well, dad would have loved the tour. One of the places I had to show her was Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington State. 

Located at the mouth of the Columbia River the state park features 2 lighthouses, beaches, a boat ramp, and of course camping. One of the items on our bucket list is to rent one of the Lightkeeper's houses. The fact is that I suggest you check out the official website for Cape Disappointment to explore all the details. 

Since Ed is the photographer he typically visits mostly during the king tides that come through a few times a year. With massive waves, dense driftwood forests, and a park ranger warning visitors to watch for those sneaker waves - photographers mass like buffalo herds did in the distant past. A mass of tripods, workshops, and ohs and ahs abound. 

Otherwise, it is one of the most coveted camping sites in the PNW. They even have yurts which look like so much fun. 

I have passed this Washington wildlife refuge so many times. Just off of I-5 between Joint Base Lewis-McCord where I spend several years of my Army career and Olympia Washington is the Beill Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. I don't remember it having the name of Billy Frank Jr. Learning who he was is only part of the journey to explore this wonderful outdoor location.

One of the best drives in the Pacific Northwest is the Forest Service road 90 in Washington State. The road might not be the best-maintained road in the country but the waterfalls and scenery are some of the best you can find. Heading from Woodland on Washington HWY 503 past the three major lakes of Merwin, Yale, and finally the Swift Reservoir. Turn right towards the “town” of Northwoods, stop for a soda at the Eagle Cliff Camp store.

Ed and I went exploring looking for great photo opportunities. We found so much more! We arrived at Crystal Mountain Resort located in the Cascade Mountain Range. We had a wonderful time exploring the resort. 

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a working museum, or at least was when COVID 19 did not rule our lives. You can still visit the mill location and lovely covered bridge and sometimes you might get lucky, and see fish working their way up the river.