American Society of Legislative Clerks & Secretaries
Professional Development Seminar - September 16-20, 2009

 

Southwest Washington

Southwest Washington - It's the place to be

Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark trail signIn 2003-2006 the nation commemorated the bicentennial of an event that changed the country's history. Envisioned by President Thomas Jefferson, and led by captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery explored uncharted territory from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean.

 

Photo: Mt. St. Helens 1980 eruptionMount Saint Helens

  • Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Mount St. Helens erupted at 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within moments. In 1982 the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. Inside the Monument, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance.

Johnston Ridge  |  Windy Ridge  |    Ape Caves    |  Lava Canyon    |   Mt St. Helens map
2.5 hrs-140 miles   |3.7 hrs-142 miles |3.9 hrs-183 miles |  4 hrs-190 miles   |
 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

  • The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting through the volcanic rock of the Cascade Mountain Range. Join some of the world's best windsurfers who flock to this natural wonder. For scenery, you can't beat a drive along the historic Highway 14. You can also bike this highway from North Bonneville east. Or hike one of the waterfall trails, then relax in the comforts of one of the many bed and breakfasts, inns or luxurious lodges in the area.
    2.5 hours — 170 miles

Long Beach

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

  • The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of the oldest National Forests in the United States. Included as part of the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve in 1897, this area was set aside as the Columbia National Forest in 1908 and renamed the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 1949. It contains 1,312,000 acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982.
    2 hours — 121 miles

Grays River Covered Wood Bridge

Other Resources
Free state map | Washington travel planner

 
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