📰 What's Making News

Vanport Flood Retold: When the Columbia Hit 31 Feet

On Memorial Day 1948, pilot Ralph Service circled his airplane over Vanport as the Columbia River surged to 31 feet — nearly double flood stage and the highest level ever recorded at the time. For context, the river was running at about 6 feet at Vancouver earlier this month. The Columbian's latest Clark County history feature revisits that catastrophic day and what it meant for communities on both sides of the river. It's a vivid reminder of the landscape we live on and how dramatically it's been shaped by water. Read the full account here.

Still Haven't Planted? Allen Wilson Says You're Not Too Late

If your garden beds are still looking a little bare, take a breath — longtime Columbian garden columnist Allen says there's still time to get things in the ground. His latest column walks through the most important tasks for right now, from watering strategies to what you can still plant this deep into June. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just trying to keep your tomatoes alive, it's a quick, practical read. Get his advice here.

Clark County Business Moves Worth Knowing

The Columbian's latest Business Briefing spotlights people making moves across Clark County's business community. It's the kind of roundup that helps you keep tabs on promotions, new hires, and professional milestones happening right here — not in Portland, not in Seattle. If you like knowing who's doing what locally, this is your cheat sheet. See who made the list.

This Week in Local History: June 20 Edition

What happened in Clark County on this week's date in years past? The Columbian's recurring history feature digs into the local archive to surface moments big and small that shaped this corner of Southwest Washington. It's a fun, bite-sized way to connect with the place you call home. Explore this week's highlights.

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⚡ Quick Bites

100 Northwest Authors Descend on Clark College June 27

The Northwest Book Fair and Media Fest brings roughly 100 local and regional authors plus a dozen media content producers to Clark College next Friday, June 27. The event grew out of the "Northwest Book Talk" podcast, which has been quietly putting Clark County on the literary map. Full story here.

Mystery of the Idle Chevron at Ward Road, 162nd

Neighbors have been scratching their heads over the new Chevron station at Ward Road and 162nd Avenue, which appears fully built yet has sat unopened since its "Coming Soon" sign started flashing back in February. No official word yet on what's causing the delay. Join the discussion on Reddit.

Washington Restaurants Shut Out at James Beard Awards — Again

The 2026 James Beard Awards were handed out Monday in Chicago, and Washington state chefs and restaurants came home empty-handed for the sixth consecutive year. The streak stings for a region that prides itself on its food scene. Read the breakdown.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, June 21

• Clark County Parks & Nature – Fee Free Day: Summer Solstice – 7:00 AM. Celebrate the longest day of the year with free access to Clark County regional parks. A perfect excuse to explore somewhere new. More info
• Woodland Planters Days – 8:00 AM–3:00 PM at Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland. The final day of Woodland's beloved community celebration features a car show and market. Free. More info
• Planters Days Cruise-In Car Show – 9:00 AM in Downtown Woodland. Now in its 104th year, this two-day car celebration benefits Northwest Battle Buddies, providing service dogs to veterans. Free. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps – 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Meet at the studio, then head to scenic outdoor locations for a full-body workout. All fitness levels welcome. Fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before attending. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Eruption Hike with MSHI – 9:00 AM. Join Mt. St. Helens Institute guides to explore the hummocks created by the 1980 eruption and witness the landscape's incredible recovery. More info
• Father's Day Potter's Wheel Class at Kilnfolk Clay Studio – 9:30–11:00 AM at 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Kids and parents get step-by-step guidance throwing a vessel on the potter's wheel. Staff will trim, fire, and glaze your piece for pickup in a few weeks. $35–$75. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Your flagship Sunday farmers market with local vendors galore. More info
• Couve Auto Show: The Clark County Father's Day Car Show – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Mall. Classic, custom, and modern vehicles plus live music, food vendors, and family fun. Hosted by Vancouver Mall and Orchards Cars & Coffee. Bring nonperishable food for the Clark County Food Bank. Free. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event – 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park, Washougal. Motocross racing action all day. Sunday-only admission $20. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Attend Car Show – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Mall. The seniors group gathers for the Father's Day car show. Contact 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Forest Floor Ecology Hike with MSHI – 10:00 AM. Uncover the world of snails, slugs, and salamanders at Mt. St. Helens with an MSHI wildlife biologist. You might even spot rare Van Dyke's Salamanders and Malone Jumping Slugs. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides – 11:00 AM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. Arrive 20 minutes early. $16–$24. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical – 1:00 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The beloved film is now a Tony- and Olivier Award-winning Broadway musical. Tickets from $58. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 1:00 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown summer collegiate team. More info
• Solstice Potluck at Plas Newydd Farm – 1:00 PM at 33415 N.W. Lancaster Rd., Ridgefield. Kick things off with a costumed bike ride at 1 PM, then settle in for a community potluck and barbecue at 2 PM. Bring a dish to share. Free (donations accepted). More info
• Flora & Fauna Solstice Celebration at Plas Newydd Farm – 1:00 PM in Ridgefield. A costumed bike ride featuring creature and plant costumes, followed by a community barbecue potluck with cider for all. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County – 2:00 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel — a sweeping romance about the roads we travel. $32. More info
• Donuts and Dunks with Dad – 2:00 PM at Goldfish Swim School, Vancouver. Father's Day swim fun in two time slots (2:00–2:45 PM and 3:00–3:45 PM) plus donuts. Currently enrolled swimmers and families free; non-members $10/swimmer or $30/family max. More info
• Takohachi Duo – 2:00–2:45 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Experience the vibrant Japanese street theater tradition of kamishibai — folktales brought to life in a dynamic, interactive performance for all ages. Free. More info

Monday, June 22

• Summer Camp at Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 11611 N.E. 152nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Kids ages 5+ spend the week learning horse safety, grooming, and care on a 40-acre property — ending with a ride. Art projects and team challenges, too. $200/session. More info
• Audiobook Walking Club – 9:30 AM at Camas Public Library. Bring your own audiobook and meet for a 60-minute walk at a different outdoor location each month, followed by optional social time. Free. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on activities and early literacy tips for ages 0–5. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – 10:00 AM. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes all summer long (June 15–August 14). More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30–11:00 AM at Forest Home Park (640 NW Logan St.), Camas. The Camas Public Library visits a different park each week for family storytime. Bring a blanket! Free. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime and Ice Cream in Ridgefield – 11:00 AM. Enjoy a story at Copperbell Bookstore, then head to Eight Cow Creamery where every scoop purchase earns a free kid scoop. For pre-K littles. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Lace up any shoe you can find 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. Free screening upstairs in the Community Rooms. Registration required at CamasPL.org/movies. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• K-POP Demon Hunters Bingo at Firehouse Axes – 6:30–9:00 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Celebrate the one-year release of K-POP Demon Hunters with themed bingo. More info
• Reel Science: Ghosts of the Abyss at OMSI – 6:30–8:30 PM at OMSI, Portland. Watch the documentary Ghosts of the Abyss followed by a talk with Titanic historian Don Lynch. $11–$15. More info
• Northwest Harmony Guest Night – 6:30 PM at Vancouver United Church of Christ. Come sing with the Northwest Harmony Chorus — experienced singers and shower singers alike are welcome for a fun, music-filled evening. More info
• Monday Night Trivia at Pour Choices Pub – 6:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Gather your smartest friends and compete for the trophy. More info
• George Vancouver Day at Kiggins Theater – 7:30 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Local historian Kevin Spaeth presents on the legacy of our city's namesake — the captain who completed one of the greatest voyages of the Age of Sail. $15–$20. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Solstice Picnic – 8:00 PM in Yacolt Burn State Forest. Bring a lawn chair and watch Common Nighthawks swooping and diving in the twilight. Songbirds, flycatchers, and maybe owls as darkness sets in. Email Randy Hill to register. More info

Tuesday, June 23

• Road Trip – Talapus & Olallie Lakes Adventure (Women Only) – 9:00 AM from North Bend, WA. Women Who Explore heads into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for a scenic hike to two beautiful mountain lakes. Eventbrite registration required. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project – Volunteer – 10:00 AM near Camas/Washougal. Help the East County Citizens Alliance maintain 8,000 square feet of native wildflowers along the Gateway to the Gorge. More info
• Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library – 10:30–11:30 AM. Interactive storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and smaller group sizes for children with sound sensitivity. Ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Travel Tic-Tac-Toe Kids Camp Make & Take – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Kids create a portable tic-tac-toe game with hand-painted rocks and a drawstring bag. $5, register in advance. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at McGrath's Fish House – 1:00 PM at 12501 S.E. 2nd Cir., Vancouver. The group meets for lunch. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff – 2:00–3:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Comedian Angel Ocasio combines silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation for a fun and wacky show. Free. More info
• Preschool Doodle and Play – 3:00–3:45 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–6 and their adults play with art supplies. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character, join a team, and play Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Writers of all levels gather for introductions, dedicated writing time, and a wrap-up. No readings or critiques — just writing. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A welcoming group for beginning Spanish speakers. Free, no registration required. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 6:00 PM at 1919 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Free guided tours of the 79-acre historic farm with docents sharing its nearly 150-year history. More info
• Beginner Punch Needle Workshop – 6:00–8:30 PM at Craft Collective, 21506 N.E. 83rd St., 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 – 7:00–9:00 PM at 3205 N.E. 52nd St., Vancouver. Crystal Hicks from the Washington State Library presents "Bureaucracy to the Rescue: Unlocking Family Mysteries with State Records." Open to the public. More info

Wednesday, June 24

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+ to build strength and stay active. 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. Schedule via Zoom or in person. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic house featuring period furnishings and General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. More info
• Reading in the Wild – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 pairing stories with nature activities in the native plant garden. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Makoto Japanese Buffet – 11:30 AM at 1119 S.E. 163rd Pl., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• "Little Yellow Journal" Tour Stops in Portland – 11:30 AM. Nature Sacred brings its touring exhibition of handwritten reflections from journals placed in sacred outdoor spaces for 30 years. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party – 12:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official FIFA World Cup 26 Fan Zone — catch the action on massive screens with stadium energy. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge" – 1:30–3:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities to explore nature and see 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 (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local produce, food, and artisan vendors every Wednesday. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab – 4:00–5:00 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+. Runs through October 3. More info
• Women's Advanced MTB Training Sessions – 5:30 PM at Rocky Point. NW Trails Sisters clinics on riding steep trails — braking, body position, and confidence building. Led by Brave Endeavors. More info
• Poetry Street PNW – 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library (Totem Pole Room). An open mic where every voice is heard. 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 109 W. Ninth St., 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
• Youth Nature Photography Awards with Vancouver Audubon Society – 6:00 PM at 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Award ceremony for the 2026 Youth Nature Photo Contest, now in its 11th year and open to urban and wild nature photography. More info

Thursday, June 25

• PCTA Trail Work Project at Mt. Adams – William's Mine – 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. Max 12 volunteers; registration required. More info
• On the Road Tour: Plants and Community, Best Friends Forever – 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners take you on a guided tour of 78th Street Heritage Farm, Mabry Corrections Center Garden, Clark Public Utilities native gardens, and local nurseries. Lunch at Fiesta Bonita (separate cost). $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 with farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park – 10:00 AM, Vancouver. Help remove ivy and non-native plants and spread mulch. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly and great for teens. Advance registration required. Free. More info
• Vancouver Lake Community Paddle Trip in the Big Canoes – 10:00 AM. Free family-friendly canoe paddle in 29-foot, 14-passenger Big Canoes with the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. Spot shore birds, look for beaver activity, and learn about the Columbia River ecosystem. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club – 11:00 AM (and 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. Bring a current project and get inspired by new fabrics, notions, and patterns. All skill levels. 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
• Sovereign Ribbon-Cutting at ilani Casino Resort – 12:00–1:00 PM at 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe celebrates the opening of Sovereign, their new steak, chops, and seafood restaurant 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 historic mill in Woodland. Blueberry pancakes smothered in fresh blueberries and drowned in blueberry syrup. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness – 3:30–4:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness program for those with neurodevelopmental differences featuring a group warm-up and walk along the Heritage Trail. Registration and fee required. More info
• DIY Pet Rocks at Camas Public Library – 4:00–5:15 PM. Kids in 1st–5th grade decorate rocks with paint, accessories, and personality to create one-of-a-kind companions. Registration required (opens May 25). Free. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM with the Vancouver Bicycling Club. Ride Leader Charla Burke leads fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. Bring a bike in good working order. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting – 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, 14011 N.E. 20th Ave., Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) – 6:30 PM. Crystal Shin leads a colored pencil botanical drawing session hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society. Work from photos to capture summer wildflowers. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons at Ashwood Taps and Trucks – 7:00–9:00 PM in Washougal. Kat Nichols teaches line dancing — beginners welcome, all ages. $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 – 7:00–9:00 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 Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. America's premier comedian performs his newest stand-up routine. Tickets from $86.55. More info

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