📰 What's Making News

Vancouver's Spencer Tibbits Holds His Own at the U.S. Open

Vancouver golfer Spencer Tibbits wrapped up the U.S. Open championship on Sunday with a final-round 73, finishing 3-over par and tying for 61st place in one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments. Competing against the best players on the planet is no small feat, and Tibbits gave Clark County something to cheer about all weekend long. For a homegrown talent to make the cut and grind through all four rounds at the U.S. Open? That's worth raising your coffee mug to. Read more from The Columbian.

Raptors Sweep Walla Walla Behind Hearn's Three-RBI Night

The Ridgefield Raptors capped off a three-game sweep of the Walla Walla Sweets on Saturday night, winning 6-4 behind a big performance from Isaiah Hearn. The University of Oregon product went 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a two-run blast in the first inning that set the tone early. It's the kind of momentum that makes summer baseball at the RORC worth the drive. If you haven't caught a Raptors game yet this season, the squad is giving you plenty of reasons to grab a ticket. Full recap at The Columbian.

Fire Rescue Swimmers Pull Woman From Columbia River Currents

Vancouver Fire Department rescue swimmers deployed from Fire Boat 1 over the weekend to pull an unresponsive woman from dangerous currents in the Columbia River near the Vancouver Waterfront. Multiple units responded, including Rescue Boat 80 and the U.S. Coast Guard. It's a powerful reminder that the Columbia's currents are deceptively strong — even close to shore. With summer officially here and river activity picking up, personal flotation devices aren't optional; they're essential. Details from Clark County Today.

Spotted a Baby Seal on the Beach? Leave It Right Where It Is

Harbor seal pup season is underway across Washington's beaches, and those tiny, wide-eyed creatures lounging on docks and shorelines are not lost or abandoned — they're just waiting for mom to come back. Wildlife officials are reminding beachgoers to keep their distance (at least 100 feet), skip the selfies, and definitely resist the urge to "rescue" a pup. Touching or moving them can actually do more harm than good. If a seal looks injured, the right move is to call the NOAA hotline rather than intervene yourself. Here's the full guide from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Forest Service Drafts First-Ever Rock Climbing Rules Nationwide

The U.S. Forest Service just opened a 30-day public comment period on a proposed directive that would create the first national policy governing rock climbing on federal land. If you climb at Beacon Rock or anywhere in the Gifford Pinchot, now's the time to weigh in.

Wildfire Season Hits Early, Hard Across the West

Extreme heat, wind, and drought have already sparked multiple wildfires across Western states, including an uncontained blaze in Utah that forced evacuations southwest of Salt Lake City. Conditions remain volatile heading into the week. Full details here.

Eastern Washington Farm Workers Brace as Smoke Season Arrives

Wildfire smoke is already reaching agricultural fields earlier than usual this year, and labor advocates near Spokane say outdoor workers face growing health risks as the season intensifies. Read the full report.

Bee Experts Gather in Othello After Record U.S. Colony Die-Off

International researchers and beekeepers converged in Othello, WA, to share recovery strategies following the largest colony die-off in U.S. history during the winter of 2024. A key focus: improving communication between hobbyists and commercial operators. Here's what they discussed.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, June 22

• Summer Camp at Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center — 9:00 AM at Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center, Brush Prairie. Kids ages 5+ spend the week learning horse safety, grooming, care basics, and end with a supervised ride. Art projects, team challenges, and animal encounters on the 40-acre property round it out. $200 per child per session. More info
• Audiobook Walking Club — 9:30 AM, meeting location varies. Bring your own audiobook and join the Camas Public Library's monthly walking group for 60 minutes of walking plus optional social time. Free. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn — 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Early literacy tips and hands-on activities for little ones ages 0–5 and their grown-ups. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes all summer long (through August 14). More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at Forest Home Park (640 NW Logan St.), Camas. The Camas Library heads outdoors for a family storytime — bring a blanket! All ages. Free. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime and Ice Cream — 11:00 AM starting at Copperbell Bookstore, then over to Eight Cow Creamery in Ridgefield. Story time for pre-K littles, plus a free kid scoop with every adult scoop purchased. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome at this weekly gathering. Free. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Grab whatever shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays: The Land Before Time — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library (upstairs Community Rooms). Registration required at CamasPL.org/movies. Free. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for kids ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• K-POP Demon Hunters Bingo at Firehouse Axes — 6:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Celebrate the one-year release of K-POP Demon Hunters with themed bingo from 6:30–9:00 PM. More info
• Reel Science: Ghosts of the Abyss at OMSI — 6:30 PM at OMSI, Portland. Watch the documentary followed by a talk with Titanic author and historian Don Lynch. $11–$15. More info
• Northwest Harmony Guest Night — 6:30 PM at Vancouver United Church of Christ. Whether you're an experienced singer or a shower vocalist, come sing with the Northwest Harmony Chorus and see what the fun is all about. More info
• Monday Night Trivia at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Gather your crew and take on reigning champs Goon Sauce for bragging rights. More info
• George Vancouver Day at Kiggins Theater — 7:30 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Local historian Kevin Spaeth presents the legacy of our city's namesake on his birthday — the captain whose expedition changed the Pacific Northwest. $15–$20. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Solstice Picnic — 8:00 PM in Yacolt Burn State Forest. Bring a lawn chair and watch Common Nighthawks swoop and dive in the fading light. Songbirds, flycatchers, and maybe an owl or two as darkness falls. RSVP by email to Randy Hill. More info

Tuesday, June 23

• Talapus and Olallie Lakes Adventure (Women Only) — 9:00 AM, Talapus Lake Trailhead near North Bend, WA. A scenic hike to two stunning alpine lakes through forest with a slow, steady incline. Eventbrite registration required. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project Volunteer Day — 10:00 AM along Highway 14, Camas/Washougal. Join the East County Citizens Alliance for their fourth year maintaining 8,000 square feet of native wildflowers at the Gateway to the Gorge. More info
• Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM. A smaller, quieter interactive storytime with sensory play and freedom of movement for kids ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Travel Tic-Tac-Toe Kids Camp Make and Take — 11:00 AM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Kids create a portable tic-tac-toe game with hand-painted rocks and a mini drawstring bag. $5, register in advance. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at McGrath's Fish House — 1:00 PM at McGrath's Fish House, Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff — 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library (also June 24 at Vancouver Community Library and June 25 at Washougal Community Library). Silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation. Free. More info
• Preschool Doodle and Play — 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–6 and their adults play with the library's art supplies. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and dive into Dungeons and Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time with fellow writers of all experience levels — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration needed. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 6:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Stroll the 79-acre Washington Historic Register property with docents and learn about its role in horticulture, food security, and community enrichment. Free. More info
• Beginner Punch Needle Workshop — 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn basic punch needle fiber art techniques and create a tote bag. No experience needed. $55. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society General Meeting — 7:00 PM at 3205 N.E. 52nd St., Vancouver. Crystal Hicks of Washington State Library presents "Bureaucracy to the Rescue: Unlocking Family Mysteries with State Records." Open to the public. More info

Wednesday, June 24

• TOPS WA 1056 — 8:15 AM weigh-in, 9:30 AM meeting at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, Vancouver. Contact 206-915-4627 for details. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program for adults age 60+. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Complimentary 30-minute one-on-one sessions with a certified financial planner (Zoom or in-person). Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Walk-in or reserved tours of this historic gem. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 — listen to a story, then explore the native plant garden. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at Makoto Japanese Buffet — 11:30 AM at Makoto Japanese Buffet, 1119 S.E. 163rd Pl., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• "Little Yellow Journal" Tour Stops in Portland — 11:30 AM in Portland, OR. Explore 30 years of heartfelt visitor journal entries from Nature Sacred Places around the country. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — 12:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone for FIFA World Cup 26 — catch the games on massive screens with stadium energy. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities to explore nature and spot local wildlife. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk — 2:00 PM. A new walking program for adults 65+ from Parks Foundation of Clark County, Community in Motion, and Vancouver Parks. Easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. 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. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Women's Advanced Mountain Bike Training — 5:30 PM at Rocky Point. Clinics focused on riding steeps — proper braking, body position, and line choice — led by Brave Endeavors. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library (Totem Pole Room). Read your original or favorite work and listen to monthly featured poets. All ages. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss-format Riftbound play with Nexus Pack prizes for all participants. More info
• Youth Nature Photography Awards with Vancouver Audubon Society — 6:00 PM at 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. The award ceremony for the 2026 Youth Nature Photo Contest, co-sponsored by Vancouver Audubon Society and HD Aluminum Prints. More info

Thursday, June 25

• PCTA Trail Work Project at Mt. Adams — 8:00 AM in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for crosscut logout, brushing, and drainage work on the PCT. Registration required; max 12 volunteers. More info
• On the Road Tour: Plants and Community, Best Friends Forever — 8:30 AM–4:30 PM starting at 78th Street Heritage Farm. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a guided tour of local nurseries, farms, and gardens — with lunch at Fiesta Bonita. $35. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park — 10:00 AM in Vancouver. Help remove ivy and non-native plants and spread mulch. Family-friendly and great for teens. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free; advance registration required. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip in the Big Canoes — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Lake. A free family-friendly paddle in 29-foot, 14-passenger canoes with the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and Vancouver's Water Center. Spot shorebirds and signs of beaver activity. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (and again at 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell. Bring a current project — all skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• St. Francis Circle Annual Luncheon for the Humane Society of Southwest Washington — 11:30 AM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. Open to current members and anyone considering adding HSSW to their estate plan. RSVP by June 18. More info
• Ribbon-Cutting for Sovereign at ilani — 12:00 PM at ilani Casino Resort, Ridgefield. Celebrate the opening of Sovereign, the new Cowlitz Indian Tribe-owned steak, chops, and seafood restaurant (replacing the former Michael Jordan's Steak House), featuring dishes inspired by native ingredients and regional traditions. Free. More info
• Blueberry Pancake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 1:00 PM at The Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Blueberry pancakes smothered in fresh blueberries and drowned in blueberry syrup. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness — 3:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness and activity program for those with neurodevelopmental differences — group warm-up, Heritage Trail walk, stretching, and shoutouts. Registration and fee required. More info
• DIY Pet Rocks at Camas Public Library — 4:00 PM. Kids in 1st–5th grade decorate a pet rock with paint and accessories, then build it a cozy shelter. Registration required (opens May 25). Free. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM with the Vancouver Bicycling Club. Fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks led by Ride Leader Charla Burke. 5–10 miles, 10 mph pace, flat terrain. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, 14011 N.E. 20th Ave., Vancouver. Learn about fly tying and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) — 6:30 PM. Botanical drawing with colored pencils led by Crystal Shin, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons at Ashwood Taps and Trucks — 7:00 PM in Washougal. All ages and beginners welcome, led by Kat Nichols. $10. More info
• Kalama Harbor Lodge Shows FIFA World Cup — 7:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge Cove Bar. Catch the game on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. All ages. Free. More info
• K-POP Demon Hunters Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 7:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Celebrate the one-year anniversary with themed trivia — costumes encouraged, themed drinks available. More info
• Jerry Seinfeld Live — 7:00 PM at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. America's premier comedian performs his newest stand-up routine. Tickets from $86.55. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical captures the sweeping romance of the best-selling novel. $32. More info

Friday, June 26

• Big Smoke BBQ, Brew, and Music Festival — Haydu Park, Kalama. A three-day celebration (June 26–28) of BBQ, live music, and craft vendors. Friday's pre-smoke kick-off concert (21+) features The Fretliners and special guest Chris Couch. More info
• 2026 Cascadia Dirt Cup Mountain Bike Racing — 8:00 AM at Yacolt Burn. Round 3 of the Cascadia Dirt Cup MTB race series hits the underrated trails of southern Washington's Cascades. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM at the SWWA Victory Garden. Join Urban Abundance for a Friday morning garden shift — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe. Spot birds and wildlife along routes once traveled by Native American tribes and Lewis and Clark. More info
• Adult and Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully preserved historic home. More info
• Summer Craft and Play at Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins, art projects for little ones, plus a Maker Station for kids 5+. $18–$24. More info
• Marshall Park CHAMPS Playground Cleanup — 10:00 AM at Marshall Park, Vancouver. Help clean up the accessible and inclusive CHAMPS playground. Family-friendly, great for teens. Advance registration required. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative gathering every Friday. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Lunch at Vancouver Station — 1:00 PM at Vancouver Station Food Carts, 1817 S.E. 164th Ave. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, live music, bakers, and food vendors. Free. More info
• Teen DIY: Clay Diffuser Discs — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 create an essential oil diffuser using air-dry clay. All materials provided. Register at CamasPL.org/claydiscs. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mount St. Helens — 3:00 PM at Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, Toutle. Explore the volcanic landscape with scenic trails, art, and hands-on experiences for all ages. $275. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Creative, interactive drop-in projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM. Games, crafts, and chatting for ages 9–12 with snacks provided. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more — all included in admission. $5–$10. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert Series: Michael John — 5:30 PM on the lawn at the O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Yacht rock artist Michael John performs from 5:30–8:30 PM. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; food trucks and beer garden on-site. Free admission. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. at Metropolitan Performing Arts — 6:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. The Broadway Jr. class performs the beloved musical inspired by the Emmy Award-winning cartoon series. $10–$18 (also showing June 27 at 11 AM and 2 PM). More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle in Ridgefield — 7:00 PM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle north to the Columbia River with Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe, watch the sunset, and enjoy snacks on the beach. Three-hour guided tour, all skill levels. Reservations required. More info

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