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Twin Bridges County Park Revitalized for Family Fun in Grays Harbor

Twin Bridges County Park is a beautiful place to swim and sun.

Twin Bridges County Park Revitalized for Family Fun in Grays Harbor

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, enjoy Grays Harbor’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities at the newly upgraded Twin Bridges County Park. Known informally as the “Elks Picnic Grounds,” Grays Harbor County renamed the area last June when it took control of the park after a long-term, long-expired lease with the Aberdeen Elks was officially terminated. The “twin bridges” moniker comes from two bridges – one spanning a railroad and the other a county bridge. The name goes back about 50 years.

“For years and years, the kids all called it ‘Twin Bridges.’ They would jump off the bridges into the river in the summer,” comments Mark Cox, Grays Harbor County Utilities and Facilities Supervisor,

The bridges aren’t side-by-side, but the name stuck.

According to Cox, the area used to be the old county “poor farm, like a homeless work camp.” He says the county work crews have discovered “all sorts of interesting historical facts” while sprucing up the park, like coal and concrete. He surmises that the concrete may have been for road projects. The land was originally property of Grays Harbor County. It’s now set to re-open to the public, just in time for summer.

twin bridges county park — Twin Bridges County Park in rural Montesano opens to the public on May 26, 2016.

Tourist and family-friendly features include:

Easy entrance and egress on a newly graveled roundabout
Full-time caretaker on-site
8 old, refurbished wooden picnic tables with 6 new metal ones on order
Direct access to the Wynoochee River
Nature trails
ADA accessible portable toilet
Several hundred feet of gravel bar with a gentle decline
No sharp drop-offs into deep water (swim at your own risk)

Cox adds, “The fast side of the river is on the other side (of the park), so there’s safe wading for the little ones.” He also notes that the Wynoochee River that wraps around the park is clean. Read more here: www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/05/18/twin-bridges-county-park/

Kitesurfing Rocks Year-Round at Ocean Shores

For some people the term “Ah, go fly a kite!” is more than a brush-off line from a 1930’s Little Rascals movie—it’s an actual call to the art of kite flying at the beach. Consistent winds on the Grays Harbor coast beckon all levels of flying aficionados year-round with any number of kite designs.

On blustery weekends, the western Ocean Shores sky is festooned with these wind floaters. From single string fabrications to their multiline sophisticates, from traditional four-corner tailed kites to modern behemoths, they share the oceanside vista in aerial dance.

Of the many flying experiences available, kitesurfing, stands out for its physicality and adventurous style.

kitesurfing ocean shores — Kiters on shore talk shop. They are are open to giving information on the sport and taking care of each other. The board is fitted with a hydrofoil allowing it to rise above the water a couple feet for a feeling of flying. Photo courtesy: Dennis Crowley.

Kitesurfing is a water-surface sport mixing the skills of other aquatic endeavors including wakeboarding, windsurfing, paragliding, and even terra firma gymnastics into one awesome extreme sport.

Kite flying itself has an ancient, fable-laden history and propelling objects using a kite system can be traced back into the nineteenth century. Kitesurfing itself began in 1977 with Gijsbertus Adrianus, a Dane awarded the first kitesurfing patent who can be considered its originator. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/05/09/kitesurfing-ocean-shores/

Wynoochee Lake: A Gorgeous Destination for Family Fun

One of the major benefits to living in Grays Harbor is the proximity to so much natural beauty. The area is a gateway to miles of exquisite beaches, majestic forests, and the awe-inspiring Olympic Mountains. Nature surrounds Grays Harbor, beckoning hopeful explorers. But sometimes exploring the wilderness with small children and knowing just where to go can be a bit daunting.

In particular, the Olympics can be difficult to access. In general, those seeking mountain adventures must hike for several miles to penetrate them. One easier way to admire the mountain scenery with younger nature lovers in tow is at Wynoochee Dam and Lake.

Located at the mouth of the Olympic Mountains, Wynoochee Lake is a hidden gem. The dam and day use area make a perfect destination for families looking for a day trip. The dam is a little over one hour’s drive from Aberdeen. There are no commercial services in the vicinity, so it is best to pack and plan accordingly. Cell phone coverage can be spotty, and although a pay phone is available, be sure to prepare for that as well.

There are picnic tables, covered areas, a partially paved trail along the lake, and heated restrooms, which are a real treat on cooler days. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/03/31/wynoochee-lake-dam/

5 Scenic Nature Drives in Grays Harbor

Living in the Pacific Northwest, especially on and near the Olympic Peninsula, we are lucky to have access to some of the scenic drives in the country. From old growth forests housing elk, bear, bobcat and deer to coastal vistas that are wilder than anything seen along competing coastlines, the scenic beauty in our neck of the woods offer great opportunities for exploration. While many know that all you need to do is drive along Highway 101 around the Peninsula for fantastic views and experiences, few know the joy of experiencing a remote forest service road.

The remote roads around Grays Harbor not only show us the beauty of the region, but they also give us a glimpse into our shared history and culture. Driving along a dirt road in the middle of the woods, it is easy to see what drew so many settlers to this area and why the native populations have called this place home for millennia. On your next day off, pack a picnic, hop in your car and explore these nature drives around Grays Harbor. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2015/04/18/5-scenic-nature-drives-grays-harbor/

Birders Delight at the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival

Attention residents of Grays Harbor: Prepare to be inundated with hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.

This weekend, Hoquiam will become the center of the world for shorebirds as they make their annual migration from South America. Some of these birds will travel over 15,000 miles, making a quick stop in our backyard before continuing their journey north. Since they are stopping by our own backyard wildlife refuge, what better way to welcome them than by throwing a huge festival?

grays harbor shorebird festival — Shorebirds in flight during a visit to the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: USFWS.

This year’s Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival promises to be an excellent adventure. With 24 events, lectures and field trips taking place over the three-day event, birding enthusiasts and newbies to the activity will find something perfect for them. Working together to produce the annual Shorebird and Nature Festival, the Grays Harbor Audubon Society, Grays Harbor NWR, the City of Hoquiam and a handful of other local sponsors are eager to have you attend this year’s event.

The highlight of this event for many is the bird viewing that occurs at the Grays Harbor Wildlife Refuge. While many will think that they can just pop down to the refuge and take a good look at the shorebirds, you will need to plan your trip around high tide. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/05/02/grays-harbor-shorebird-festival-2/