Long-term plan underway for Camano Island State Park

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a process that will lead to a long-term plan for Camano Island State Park. The public is invited to a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cama Beach Center, located at Cama Beach State Park, 1880 S.W. Camano Drive, Camano Island.

The meeting is the first step toward a comprehensive plan for the park. The Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) will address overall visitor experiences, natural resources, use of the park’s buildings, recreation areas and trails and other topics of interest to the community. The meetings will address the overall CAMP process and the public’s hopes and concerns for the park. Information about the planning project is available online at www.parks.wa.gov/plans. Public comment also may be provided by e-mail to Camano.Island.Planning@parks.wa.gov or calling (360) 902-8616.

Camano Island State Park became functional in 1949 after the South Camano Grange successfully got the Department of Natural Resources to make property available. Initial improvements for the 134-acre park were provided by 900 volunteers in one day, when they constructed a small picnic area still in existence. Since then, park staff have The park receives approximately 200,000 visitors a year.

Brews on the beach in Pacific City, Oregon

Tsunami Stout, The Mother of All Storms, MacPelicans Wee Heavy Ale ... Who knew tiny Pacific City (aka “middle of nowhere” according to some), Oregon would boast the only coastal brewery in the Northwest? And award-winning beers to boot? 

Located about halfway between Lincoln City and Tillamook, the Pelican Pub & Brewery claims a gorgeous wedge of real estate right on the beach at Cape Kiwanda, a scenic jewel even for this spectacular coastline. The haystack rock rising from the surf is one of two along Oregon’s rocky coast—this one’s the biggest. Think pints and sunsets when you’re planning that late fall or winter camping expedition. And if Mother Nature hasn’t provided enough jaw-dropping beauty in this one teeny tiny corner of North America, just wait till the gray whales cruise across your line of vision in the late spring or late fall migrations (coming up in mid-November). If you happen to be a fisher-person, the Little Nestucca River, which runs into the Big Nestucca River, is famed for its huge Chinook salmon that run in autumn, and an excellent winter run of Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout. 

Put on those fashionable weatherproof layers we Northwesterners are so famous for and fill up the propane tank ... friendly Pacific City and a frosty Stormwatcher’s Winterfest at the Pelican are waiting to warm you up! 

There are numerous places to keep cozy in your RV this season... Click here for a list of parks and RV campgrounds in and near Pacific City: