📰 What's Making News

Clark County Adds 7,600 Residents, Now 550K Strong

Clark County ranked second in the state for population growth over the past year, adding 7,600 new neighbors to reach a milestone 550,000 residents. The county remains Washington's fifth most populous, with much of the growth concentrated in the Ridgefield, Battle Ground, and La Center corridors. If you've noticed more rooftops on your drive north, the numbers back up what your eyes are telling you. Read more from The Columbian.

Daybreak Regional Park Closes Aug. 3 for River Restoration

Heads up if Daybreak Regional Park is part of your summer routine: the lower portion near Battle Ground will close Aug. 3 while the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership tackles restoration work along the East Fork Lewis River. The closure runs through Oct. 15, so plan your late-summer outings accordingly. The upper areas of the park remain accessible. Full details at The Columbian.

High 90s Headed Our Way Tuesday and Wednesday

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Vancouver-Portland metro area from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Wednesday, with daytime temperatures expected to push into the high 90s. Now's the time to top off water bottles, check on neighbors, and shift outdoor plans to early morning or evening hours. The heat should ease by Thursday. See the full forecast at The Columbian.

Camas Golfer Jacinda Lee Reaches PNW Amateur Semifinals

Camas resident Jacinda Lee made a serious run at the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Women's Amateur last week, finishing in the top four after reaching the semifinals. It's a standout showing on a regional stage and one more reason to keep an eye on local golf talent coming out of Clark County. Read more from The Columbian.

Battle Ground Church Covers 20 Loads of Laundry for 40 Neighbors

Saving Grace Church of the Nazarene partnered with Sunshine Laundry and Cleanworks Laundromat on Main Street in Battle Ground to launch Laundry Love, a monthly outreach that covered full wash-and-dry cycles for 40 people. Volunteers led by Will Swaney handed out quarters and grocery staples alongside the suds. The program ties into the church's existing Fourth Sunday Community Meal, adding a practical helping hand to the lineup. Full story at Clark County Today.

Ridgefield Picked for Clark Public Utilities' Next Solar Array

Clark Public Utilities announced the Port of Ridgefield as the site for its next community solar array, expanding the utility's renewable energy portfolio in one of the county's fastest-growing areas. Community solar lets customers who can't install rooftop panels subscribe to a share of locally generated power. Details on array size and enrollment timelines are still forthcoming. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Camas Schools Tap Griffin Peyton to Lead Secondary Education

Camas School District has appointed Griffin Peyton as its new director of secondary education, overseeing the district's middle and high school programs. Read more

B.C. Wildfire Smoke Headed Our Way, Temps Could Top 90

Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia is expected to drift into Western Washington this week, with temperatures forecast to climb into the mid-80s and possibly the mid-90s in some areas. Time to check those air filters. Read more

Seahawks Training Camp Opens Saturday in Renton

All Seattle Seahawks players report Friday, with the first practice set for 1 p.m. Saturday at the VMAC in Renton — rookies already checked in last week. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, July 21

• Twilight Tuesday Nature Walk – 8:00 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Walk along the Columbia River and wetlands as daylight gives way to night — look for wildlife, native plants, bats, and the first stars. Currently waitlisted; email [email protected] to add your name. Free. More info
• ROAD TRIP – MS/HS Boys Backpacking: Boys Going Glacial with Opal Creek Center – 8:30 AM, Oregon. Circumnavigate Three-Fingered Jack in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness with the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center team — glacial moraines, lava flows, and mountain goats await. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe – 9:30 AM at various FVRL Library locations. Feel the rhythm of the Pacific with dance and authentic music celebrating traditions from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand. Free. More info
• Storywalk at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner — a reading adventure the whole family can enjoy. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Littles ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides, then meet Chipper the Squirrel for snack and story time. One adult rides free per child. $13.50/child. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 10:00 AM at 78th St., Hazel Dell. A Master Gardener docent leads you through the historic "poor farm" turned demonstration garden, on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Columbia Springs Community Days: Plants – 10:00 AM at Columbia Springs. Interns set up hands-on activities on the lawn across from the fish feeding pond — this week's theme is plants. More info
• ROAD TRIP: FBC.PDX Beginner Campout – 10:00 AM at Milo McIver State Park, Oregon. A beginner-friendly community campout running July 21–23 with birding, campfire conversations, and river time. More info
• Lewisville Regional Park Picnic Bench Painting – 10:30 AM at Lewisville Regional Park, Battle Ground. Volunteer with Clark County Parks to spruce up picnic tables at this historic park. All tools provided. More info
• Kids Axe Academy – 12:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14 taught by an Axepert Coach, ending with a tournament. Limited to 8 kids. $15. More info
• Meaningful Movies – 1:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Watch a documentary followed by a community discussion on its themes. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room – 2:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Navigate an underwater-themed escape room with clever clues and puzzles, designed for teens of all skill levels. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels — dedicated writing time, no critiques. Free parking. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Aram Arslanian (Orphan Train) – 6:00 PM at Kascadia Public House, Washougal. Catch original music from Aram Arslanian, who performs under the name Orphan Train. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, Ridgefield. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the summer sky. More info
• Science Pub: The Yellowstone Hotspot – 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Geologist Ellen Bishop, PhD, explores how the Yellowstone hotspot shaped the Pacific Northwest's landscapes over 60 million years. $8. More info
• Twilight Tuesday w/ WREC – 8:15 PM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Ages 8+ join a twilight walk along the Columbia River — watch for bats, identify emerging stars, and explore native plants. Expect 2 miles on uneven terrain. Free. More info

Wednesday, July 22

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest – 8:00 AM at the Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant spirit. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (60+) stay active, with sessions at 8:30 and 10:00 AM. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day – 9:00 AM at Johnson Bixby, Vancouver. Get a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one session with a certified financial planner — in person or on Zoom. Free. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Eruption Hike with MSHI – 9:00 AM. A guided nature hike through the hummocks created by the 1980 eruption — witness the geological and biological forces that shaped this landscape. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and fluid sculptures — on view through September 30. More info
• Takohachi Duo – 10:00 AM at various FVRL Library locations. Experience kamishibai, a vibrant Japanese street theater tradition weaving folktales into a dynamic, interactive performance. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver, Vancouver. Tour this museum-like setting on Officers Row featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. The Second Story Gallery showcases artwork from Camas School District high school students in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM at Autumn Leaf Books, Camas. Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 downtown Camas businesses all month long — completed passports earn prizes. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild: Un-Bee-lievable Pollinators – 10:00 AM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 connecting stories with nature exploration. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tours available by reservation or for small walk-in groups, 10 AM–2 PM. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers – 10:30 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. School-aged children and their adults enjoy an educational reptile presentation followed by a meet-and-greet with the animals. Registration required. Free. More info
• Brain Health and Dementia Awareness – 1:00 PM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Hope Dementia Support hosts a community conversation about brain health, aging, and reducing risk. Free. More info
• Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge – 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield. HOPE Dementia Support offers naturalist-led activities to explore nature and spot local wildlife. Free; registration required. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk – 2:00 PM. A new walking program for adults 65+ featuring easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks and trails, in partnership with Vancouver Parks and Community in Motion. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes every Wednesday through 7 PM. More info
• Trainer in the Park – 3:30 PM at Dakota Dog Park, 1515 NE 164th Ave, Vancouver. Free training advice from Julie Mills of Paws Down Pets — look for the green DogPaw flags. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch, Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling for free — ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Poetry Street PNW – 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Read aloud your original or favorite work and hear monthly featured poets at this open mic. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style — intermediate lesson at 6, beginner at 7, social dance 8–9:30 PM. $5–$10. More info
• Ciencias Night at OMSI – 6:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. A night of museum exploring, science demonstrations, vendor tables, and cultural celebration honoring the local Latinx community. $8–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights – Riftbound Weekly Play – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss-format constructed play with Nexus Pack prizes for all participants. More info
• Evanescence 2026 World Tour – 7:00 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. The world tour features an all-star lineup of female-fronted rock acts with classic hits and new music. Tickets from $35. More info

Thursday, July 23

• Lakes Trail at Snow Lake – WTA Backcountry Response Team – 8:00 AM at Mt. St. Helens. A longer hike along the gorgeous Lakes Trail with views of Mount St. Helens, then into the Mt. Margaret Backcountry to camp at Snow Lake. More info
• Cape Horn (Lower Trail) – WTA Work Party – 8:30 AM. Help brush back vegetation and restore a rocky talus section on the newly reopened lower Cape Horn trail, showcasing incredible Gorge views. More info
• Days of Aloha – 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park and Clark College, Vancouver. Four days (July 23–26) celebrating Hawaiian arts and culture with workshops, hula competition, concerts, a 5K, and more. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Tending at Sandy River Delta – 9:30 AM. Join Confluence, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and Indigenous partners for land tending focused on cattail wetland rehabilitation. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products, open until 2 PM. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. The beloved Tiny Art Show returns for its 6th year — come see what the community has created. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. A six-week intro class — perfect for curious beginners. $10/lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Family Storytime at Ridgefield NWR – 10:30 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The Ridgefield Community Library crew hosts storytime at the new Community Nature Center, followed by refuge wandering. No registration required. More info
• Teddy Bear Picnic – 11:00 AM at Heritage Park, Camas. Preschoolers ages 3–5 bring a favorite stuffed animal for story time, games, and snacks at the park. No registration required. Free. More info
• Clark County Play Day: Orchards Community Park – 3:00 PM at 9800 NE 54th St. Learn about the upcoming park improvement project — enjoy lawn games and light refreshments while sharing feedback with parks planners. Drop in 3–6 PM. More info
• Poindexter Corrective Exercise Center Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at 6833 NW Friberg-Strunk St, Building B, Camas. Celebrate the relocation of PCEC with a tour of the new space and connect with the community. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Games, crafts, snacks, and conversation for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Ages 9–19 play Dungeons & Dragons — fill out a character creation form before attending. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for a fun, flat 5–10 mile group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park, Vancouver. An eclectic mix of music from around the world — bring a picnic or grab food from a waterfront restaurant. Free. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland – 7:00 PM at Hazel Dell Commons, Vancouver. Aerialists fly, acrobats tumble, and delightful oddballs perform under a vintage circus tent. $17–$55. More info
• Lord of the Rings Trivia at Firehouse Axes – 7:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Test your Middle-earth movie knowledge with Rogue Trivia PDX. Party size 1–8. $5/person. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Kat Nichols leads the lesson — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info

Friday, July 24

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St, Vancouver. Help keep this community garden growing — harvested produce is donated to LULAC. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Family Mt. Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge – 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Rentals available on-site. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library, La Center. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session with fellow makers. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Camas Days 2026 – 10:00 AM in Downtown Camas. Two days of parades, live music, street vendors, a kids zone with inflatables, beer and wine garden, and bathtub races on Saturday. Free. More info
• School Supply Swap – 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver, Vancouver. Bring extra school supplies, take what you need for the new year — community giving at its best. Runs through July 26. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play at Drip Drop Art Studio – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Open-ended art and sensory fun for little ones, plus a Maker Station for ages 5+. $18–$24. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Kauffman Ave – Urban & Rural – 12:00 PM at corner of Fourth Plain and Kauffman, Vancouver. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores the hidden stories of Vancouver's First Fruit Valley and early brickyards. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, Vancouver. Free lunch served noon–1 PM for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly art group hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Adaptive Mountain Bike Skills Camp – 1:00 PM. Oregon Adaptive Sports hosts a three-day aMTB skills camp for off-road hand cycles — applications open, up to 5 athletes per camp. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers – 1:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up to battle monsters and discover treasure in this intro to tabletop gaming. Free. More info
• HOPE Walk at Columbia River Trail – 1:30 PM. A gentle, guided walk celebrating connection for people living with dementia and their care partners. RSVP required. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, bakers, food vendors, and live music every Friday through 6 PM. Free. More info
• Kids Outdoor Games with FVRL – 2:00 PM. Run, jump, and activate your brain with outdoor games led by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library team. Free. More info
• Base Camp Camping at Mt. St. Helens with MSHI – 3:00 PM. Camp on the north side of Mount St. Helens for the weekend — guided hikes, self-guided adventures, evening dinners, and grand views. More info
• Four Days of Aloha – 3:30 PM at Esther Short Park and Clark College. Hapa Haole Hula Competition, Mele on the Lawn, concerts, a 5K, and Celebration of Cultures running through July 26. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and a pool — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with MSHI – 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of Mount St. Helens with geologists and mountain guides — see the youngest, fastest-growing glacier in the world. More info
• Summer Concert Series: Bottleneck Blues Band – 5:30 PM at the O.O. Howard House, Vancouver. Enjoy red-hot blues on the lawn with food trucks and a beer garden. Free admission. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts presents The Prom – 6:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. Four eccentric Broadway stars descend on a small-town prom in this feel-good musical. $16–$20. More info
• Good Times and Wine: Tom Mann – 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Nashville-recorded country artist Tom Mann performs live with an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live performances from local artists on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• La Center Our Days Celebration – 8:00 PM in Downtown La Center. Kicks off with a Twilight Parade Friday night, followed by a full day Saturday with a 5K, car show, pancake breakfast, kid zone, live music, and more. Free. More info

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