📰 What's Making News

Washougal's Levi Kitchen Wins SuperMotocross World Title

Levi Kitchen, the motocross star from Washougal, clinched the SuperMotocross World Championship in the 250 class with a 2-2 finish at Saturday's final in Ridgedale, Missouri. It's a massive achievement for the young rider who grew up tearing through the Pacific Northwest dirt — and a proud moment for the community that watched him rise through the ranks. If you've ever been to the Washougal MX Park and felt the ground shake, you know this region breeds world-class talent. Full story from The Columbian.

Savor & Steep Brings Loose-Leaf Tea to Downtown Washougal

Downtown Washougal has a cozy new reason to slow down: Savor & Steep, a dedicated tea shop, just opened its doors. The shop leans into the idea that tea isn't about rushing through your morning — it's about savoring it. Expect loose-leaf varieties, a warm atmosphere, and a welcome addition to Washougal's growing small-business scene. If you're looking for a weekend outing that feels like a mini escape, this one's worth the drive east. Read more at The Columbian.

Week Without Driving Asks Clark County: Could You Leave the Keys Home?

It's Week Without Driving, and organizer Jeananne Edwards is challenging Clark County residents to rethink their daily routines — even just for a few days. The campaign encourages people to try transit, biking, walking, or carpooling and notice how the experience differs from the usual solo commute. It's part awareness exercise, part empathy project: what does getting around look like when driving isn't an option? Whether you go car-free for a day or just start paying attention, the conversation is a good one. Details from The Columbian.

Thursday's Prep Slate: Volleyball, Football Across Clark County

It's a packed Thursday night for local high school sports. Volleyball highlights include Battle Ground at Union, Skyview at Camas, and Heritage at Evergreen — all tipping off at 7 p.m. Football kicks off earlier with Washington School for the Deaf visiting Evergreen Lutheran at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday's scoreboard covered boys tennis, cross country, golf, slowpitch softball, and swimming results across the region. Check the full scoreboard at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Burn Bans Lifted — Fire Pits Are Back in Play

Vancouver and Clark County fire marshals officially lifted recreational burn bans as of Thursday, so your backyard fire pit is good to go again. The lift covers both city limits and unincorporated Clark County. Full details from The Columbian.

Clark County Public Health: Fall Vaccine Season Starts Now

Local health officials are encouraging Clark County residents to get updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines ahead of respiratory season this fall. All three shots are currently available through local pharmacies and providers. More from The Columbian.

Bar None Teases Kings & Daughters on Tap This Weekend

The spot formerly known as Ben's Bottle Shop — now Bar None — reportedly expects a delivery of Kings & Daughters beer this weekend and just needs a tap line to free up. If you've been meaning to check out the revamped space, this might be your excuse. See the Reddit thread.

When to Catch Peak Fall Color Across Washington

Peak leaf-peeping season in Washington typically lands mid-to-late October, and this year is shaping up on schedule. Start planning your Gorge drive or neighborhood stroll now. The Columbian has the timing breakdown.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, October 1

• Bird Outing at Shillapoo Lake with Vancouver Audubon Society — 7:30 AM. Cindy McCormick leads a walk on the dike trail to spot migrating shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes, and other wetland species. Expect about 2 miles on gravel and grass across mostly flat terrain. More info
• PCTA Trail Work Project at Big Huckleberry Mountain — 8:00 AM. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for volunteer trail work in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, WA. Max 6 volunteers; registration required. Contact project leader Steven Jones for details. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. No pre-registration required. More info
• Go with the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free, 90-minute walking tour of the Marine Park facility — perfect for curious minds ages 8 and up who want to see what happens after you flush. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, and more. $14–$16 admission includes a pumpkin you can carry. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free tours of this stunning Queen Anne–style home at Fort Vancouver, named for General George C. Marshall. Period furnishings, stained glass, and military memorabilia on display. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Six-week class with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker covering opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, food carts, and more. $10–$12. More info
• Dine the Couve — 11:00 AM, locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year, this month-long dining event features restaurants, brewpubs, and tasting rooms with three-dish menus at $35 or $50. Grab the free Dine the Couve Pass and start earning points. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. Free admission to this 40-acre spread with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. U-pick field, activities, and free parking. More info
• Harvest Tours at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery — 12:00 PM in Ridgefield. Walk the vineyard during harvest time and enjoy a glass of wine. Ages 21+, $60 per person. More info
• The Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter #19 Meeting — 12:30 PM at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, Vancouver. Member Dina Saunders discusses her ancestors' journey to the Oregon Territory. Bring your own lunch for social time; meeting starts at 1 PM. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Free STEM fun with LEGO bricks, blocks, and more for ages 5–12. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 4:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Free creativity challenge for ages 5–12 — design, build, and problem-solve through a surprise challenge. More info
• Grand Opening: Proof Cocktails & Lounge — 4:00 PM at 801 Washington Street, downtown Vancouver. Celebrate the opening of this locally owned cocktail and whiskey lounge featuring craft cocktails, a seasonal menu from Executive Chef Carl Henderson, and more than 2,000 bottles of whiskey and spirits. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and good company for ages 13–19. Free, every Thursday. More info
• Puppets in the Park with Camas Public Library — 4:30 PM at Fallen Leaf Lake Park, Camas. Family storytime and puppet show with Mr. Elliot — rain or shine (there's a covered area). No registration needed. More info
• 2026 Friend Raiser — 5:00 PM at the Friends of the Children – SW Washington Clubhouse, Vancouver. An evening of food, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and inspiring stories from youth and mentors. $100. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis 37th Birthday Meeting — 5:30 PM at Leonardo's Pizzeria, Vancouver. The club celebrates and plans its upcoming Baby Food Drive benefiting the Clark County Food Bank. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Guest Speaker: Annie Cahill — 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. Free in-person talk about the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria — wildlife rehabilitation, disease monitoring, and environmental education. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6:00 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all ages welcome. Win fun prizes and a chance at an overnight stay in the blackout round. Bring your own dauber or use theirs. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM in Washougal. Dance with instructor Kat Nichols — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society Meeting — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, Vancouver. Rachel Burlington, curator at Portland's International Rose Test Garden, shares the history and mission of the world's oldest continuously operating rose garden. Free, visitors welcome. More info
• Built, Not Broken: A History of the Feed You Can't Leave — 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Kayla Anderson of Vancouver-based Riparian Media traces the history of the social media feed. Free; registration required. Doors at 6 PM. More info
• Water for Elephants — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The bestselling novel comes to life in this critically acclaimed Broadway musical — hailed as "stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative" by The New York Times. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. A 90-minute, laugh-out-loud comedy romp mashing Bram Stoker with Mel Brooks and Monty Python. Five actors, a dozen-plus roles, and all the bloodcurdling hilarity you can handle. $28–$30.20. More info

Friday, October 2

• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Memory Cafe at Prairie Tavern — 10:00 AM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. A welcoming space for people living with dementia and their caregivers to socialize and enjoy activities. Free; sign up at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for seniors age 60+ sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Signaling System Solutions Fire Safety Event — 12:00–4:00 PM in Camas. Free fire extinguisher inspections for businesses and residents in honor of Fire Safety Awareness Month. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department will be on hand. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at the NAMI Southwest Washington office, Vancouver. A free weekly art group — every Friday from 1–3 PM. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 4:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver. Free artists' reception featuring Carson Legree's vibrant mythological paintings and Abby Ketcham's expressive stuffies. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors — most participating locations are open from 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM. Ages 4+. Multiple difficulty levels for kids, teens, and parents — 1 hour 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience necessary; all equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• Pumpkin Pageant & Harry Potter First Friday in Downtown Camas — 5:00 PM. Vote for your favorite carved pumpkin at participating businesses, enter the costume contest at 7:30 PM, and enjoy Harry Potter-themed fun throughout downtown. Free. More info
• Between Page and Panel at Camas Public Library — 5:00 PM. Original artwork by 15 local children's book illustrators — paintings, drawings, and sketches that became picture books and graphic novels. Free. More info
• Open Studios Preview Exhibit & Artists Reception — 5:00 PM at Art at the Cave Gallery, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Preview work from Clark County Open Studios Tour artists before the November tour. Free. More info
• Luminescence Art Show — 5:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. Opening reception for a show inspired by light, featuring emerging and established Vancouver artists. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Art Alliance Show at A Hall Artworks and Studio — 5:00 PM at 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. First Friday reception with works by alliance members. Free. More info
• Open Hearts, Big Dreams at Vancouver Arts Hub — 5:00 PM at 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. See original artwork created for bilingual children's books set in Ethiopia, meet the authors and artists, and enjoy Ethiopian cuisine by Sara's Catering. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free paddling for ages 14+ — no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Live Music: Two Left Feet at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30 PM in Ridgefield. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. Wine for the grown-ups, vineyard views for everyone. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at the Salmon Creek Grange. Games, snacks, and laughter for the whole family. Free, first Friday of every month. Children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — 6:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the maze after dark every Friday and Saturday night through October 30. $7.50–$9.50. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Shape up to two pounds of clay into your own creation with guidance from a clay instructor. No experience needed. $50, includes firing and glazing. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead you through downtown's most haunted spots with tales of the strange and peculiar. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — 7:00 PM at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a 1.5–2 hour walking tour of the historic barracks — its history and its hauntings — covering about 1.5 miles. $17–$22. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 7:30 PM at the Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The classic musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City. $48.25. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class — 7:30 PM at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. New dancers welcome — no partner or special clothing needed. $8 at the door; first class free. More info
• Live Music at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. The Pour Voices — Sarah, Noah, Grace, Dolan, and Colin — kick off October with live music. More info

Saturday, October 3

• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day — 8:00 AM. Join the NW Trails Alliance for a fun-filled day on the trails with kids. More info
• WTA BIPOC Trail Work Party: Beacon Rock — 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. The Washington Trails Association hosts a trail work day for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Learn trail building and put it to use. More info
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Camas Grand Opening — 8:45 AM at 19542 SE Brady Rd, Suite 101, Camas. Ribbon cutting for OnPoint's ninth Southwest Washington location, plus a $5,000 donation to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Complimentary food and coffee. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship market since 1990 — fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes in the heart of downtown. More info
• BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival in Ridgefield — 9:00 AM. Guided hikes, birding, crafts, family activities, photo contests, and bluegrass performances lasting until 9 PM. Celebrate the return of Sandhill Cranes to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Free. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00 AM in Portland. Kids and families use their five senses to explore and wonder about Sasquatch while learning how we interact with our environment. More info
• Sons of the American Legion Squadron 168 – Amboy — 9:00 AM at Post 168, Amboy. Monthly meeting supporting veterans and their families in North Clark County. Welcome to sons and grandsons of veterans. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run — 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Regional Park. Free weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Native Plant Sale — 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. The Ridgefield Garden Club's fall sale during BirdFest weekend features native plants that support local birds and pollinators. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newcomers. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Free STEAM education through aviation — flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. All ages. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM in Yacolt. Tractor-pulled hayrides through pumpkin people scenes, pumpkin picking, photo ops, farm animals, and kids' games. $6–$8. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM in Camas. Corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin (any size!) included with $13 admission. Dogs welcome on leash. More info
• Whalen Oaks Farm Fall Fest — 10:00 AM–6:00 PM in Woodland. Food trucks, drinks, and local vendors at this free fall celebration. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Concepts — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Innovation Center. Help shape the design of a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Avenue and 20th Street. Light refreshments provided. Free, no registration needed. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Society's Young Birders at BirdFest — 10:00 AM at the Ridgefield NWR Visit Center. Young birders man spotting scopes — a great chance to learn about the program and what they do. More info
• Mt. Talbert Loop MAMAzamas — 10:00 AM in Portland. Join Mazamas for a gentle 2.4-mile family hike with 460 ft of elevation gain. Babies, big kids, and partners welcome. Bring a supportive carrier for little ones who can't hike yet. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them. Registration required. More info
• The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 – Amboy — 10:00 AM. Regular monthly meeting supporting veterans and communities in North Clark County. Free. More info
• Dozer Day 2026 — 11:00 AM at the Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Operate real construction equipment under expert supervision — dozers, excavators, and more. Machines for kids under 48 inches (with in-cab operators) and solo-operation machines for teens and adults. $15. More info
• Old Apple Tree Festival — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Old Apple Tree Park, Vancouver. Celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826. Fun, food, music, history, and free cuttings from the tree. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• La Center Historical Museum — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM. Free admission on the first and third Saturday of the month. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Fall Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24. More info
• La Ratoncita Presumida / The Vain Little Mouse Puppet Show — 12:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. A bilingual Spanish/English puppet show from Venezuela, presented by Melissa and Carlos Bertran. Free. More info
• River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey — 1:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free drop-in program for ages 5–12 — hands-on activities exploring the life cycles of salmon and lamprey. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Artist Talk at AQUA Gallery — 1:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver. Hear from artists Carson Legree and Abby Ketcham about their work in this free exhibit. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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