Jess Caldwell is a content writer for North America Talk and writes about her outdoor adventures and rewilding journey in Washington State
Surf Fishing the Coast of Grays Harbor County, a Beginners Approach
By Jess Caldwell
As more people experience the desire to get off their screens, recreate outdoors and vacation locally, there is a renewed interest in heading west to the beauty of our Washington beaches. With over 50 miles of coastline, Grays Harbor County offers plenty of beach access with countless opportunities to rewild the weekend. Breathe in the fresh saltwater air, relax to the sound of the waves, observe a sunset from across the horizon and try something new like surf fishing.
Quiet RV Camping at Friends Landing in Grays Harbor, A Mulit-Generational Gem
By Jess Caldwell
There are a few commonalities that visitors share when describing Friends Landing located just outside of Montesano, Washington: Quiet, safe, accessible for multi-generations to enjoy fishing on the river and the beauty of a paved 1.7-mile trail circling Lake Quigg, the heart of the park. On a sunny afternoon, lifelong friends of 55 years were enjoying game night next to their neighboring RV sites by the lake. Couples were holding hands while taking a sunset walk around the 1.7-mile paved loop trail, while the youth were practicing their bike riding skills. The trail is a beloved highlight of this park that winds through wetland, woods and meadow. There are several interpretive signs from viewing docks and it features a stunning canopy of trees that provides beauty and shade. Grandkids played on the well-designed playground. One young man dropped a fishing line while sitting on the dock of the Chehalis River. There is a centrally located covered pavilion available that is a perfect gathering space for reunions and celebrations. Reservations for the pavilion can be booked free of charge on a first come – first served basis and offer picnic benches and a barbecue for grilling.
Grays Harbor Offers Spring Camping at Lake Sylvia in Montesano
By Jess Caldwell
Many of us are waiting for the promise of summer to pack up the stored camping gear and head out to Grays Harbor County for a local reprieve from our daily routines. Whether you consider it a mini-vacation, nature bathing, adventure seeking, self-care, quality family time or an excuse for a road trip and opportunity for a local adventure, now is the time to consider the many benefits of spring camping in Grays Harbor. Once you make the decision to head west toward the coast, the opportunities to engage the outdoors in a meaningful way open up to how much time can be budgeted away from home.
Washington State Trout Season officially opened on April 23 when the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife kicked-off the 2022 Trout Derby. The iconic Lake Sylvia State Park, located above the historic town of Montesano, is one of many participating lakes across Washington. Fourteen tagged fish have been placed there in preparation for the annual Derby, each with a unique prize that can be redeemed through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Trout Derby page. Lake Sylvia is open year-round for fishing and is well-stocked with both rainbow trout and steelhead, which can be seen here on the Fishing and Stocking Reports. According to the stocking report, this lake gets a lot of big fish. The number of fish per pound is how to determine the size of the fish planted. 1.0 fish per pound equals a 1-pound trout, the smaller the number, the larger the fish.
Following a Dream: New Owners of Lucky Shot Archery in Chehalis Are Expanding Opportunities for a Rapidly Growing Community of Archers
By Jess Caldwell
Whether you have been shooting a bow for years or have found a recent inspiration to try something new, Lucky Shot Archery in Chehalis offers a beautiful aesthetic with both an outdoor range for long-distance target shooting as well as an indoor range and a full-service pro shop.
Although Lucky Shot Archery has served the community for 14 years, new owners Cody and Courtney Watts took over ownership and operations in March of 2021 and are expanding the reach of this community treasure. Upon entering the shop, you will find these two behind the counter, along with their beloved dogs, who greet everyone with a very warm welcome.
Post pandemic life has brought a greater awareness to our innate draw to spend more time outdoors and find new hobbies and activities that elevate the health of our minds and bodies. Whether you are a solo adventurist looking for your next opportunity to map out terrain in the beautiful forests of the pacific northwest, or a family wanting to organize opportunities for local travel and the exploration of nature while staying active, Lake Sylvia State Park located in Montesano, offers some of the best mountain biking trails in western Washington. The park trails connect to 5,000 acres of Montesano City Forest, a network of hiking and biking trails that have been maintained by local riders and Friends of Lake Sylvia State Park. The gateway to ride is located just 40 minutes from Interstate-5 and can easily be a day trip or weekend stay.
Ocean to Table: An Introduction to Razor Clamming in Grays Harbor
By Jess Caldwell
Each year, thousands of clam diggers head to Grays Harbor County beaches as both locals and visitors hope to get their limit of razor clams. If you have never had this experience, it is well worth the investment to pick up a license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with either a clam gun or shovel. Not only is it refreshing to spend a day at the coast taking in the expansive view of the ocean, but there is nothing quite like harvesting wild food in the company of family or friends.
In Washington state, we have a growing community of archers who find inspiration through the discipline of shooting a bow. If you happen to run in the circles of competitive archery here in the South Sound, then you probably know that we have recently been celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of a local celebrity by the name of Bodie Turner.
Bodie just won “The Vegas Shoot” in the Men’s Pro Division with his compound bow as a 15-year-old. As the largest archery tournament in the world with nearly 4,000 shooters, this young man with laser focus took home over $75,000 in prize and contingency money. Twenty-two professionals made it to the final shoot-off by hitting a score of 900 out of 900 over the course of three days. These finalists had to take on the ultimate skills test by shooting shot for shot against their competitors.
