Mayfield Lake
Mayfield Lake is a reservoir established by the construction of Mayfield Dam. Prior to the construction of the dam, the Tilton River joined forces with the Cowlitz River within this landscape. The dam, designed to forge the energy of this river confluence into electricity, was originally proposed in 1948. After 15 years of legal struggles, which ended in a U.S. Supreme Court decision, it was constructed and became operational in 1963. In this same year, Washington State Parks began to manage recreation along its shorelines.
The dam is a 250-foot-high, 850-foot-long concrete arch and gravity dam located near Mossyrock. It can generate a maximum of 162 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply about 58,000 homes. You can get a great look at the damn if you take the backroads that lead to the supply route.
Ike Kinswa State Park
The last couple of years, Theresa and I have been busy exploring Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mt. St. Helen. After so much time on exploring the Pacific Northwest by sea kayak, it’s been a fun process finding inland wonders. We often drive over Mayfield Lake to get to the area and I’m always commenting on how picturesque it is.
Last month we decide to look for somewhere new to camp and I decided to see what were the options on this lake. That’s when we found Ike Kinswa State Park. I wasn’t sure what we were going to find but the reviews looked promising.
The park sits directly on the lake and although we were visiting in the offseason I’m sure it’s a popular destination during the summer season. There’s fishing, apparently you can catch tiger muskie, largemouth bass, kokanee, and rainbow trout. And the boat ramp provides for all the usual lake activities.
The original name of the park was Mayfield Lake State Park. However, in 1971 the name was changed to Ike Kinswa State Park in honor of Ike Kinswa, a well-respected Cowlitz Indian who lived along the shores of the rivers’ confluence. Over the years the park has grown in popularity as a camping and water recreation destination in central Lewis County.
We found the place quiet and most sites provide a good sense of privacy. We were lucky enough to find a site right on the lake and enjoyed the sunsets over the lake from our campfire.
Tilton River
For all the area has to offer what we enjoyed the most was hiking the Tilton River. The river originates in the Cascade Range and joins the lake near the north edge of the park. As we hiked upstream the surrounding hills closed in and we found ourselves briefly in a breathtaking canyon.
Go far enough and the terrain levels out again. We never found the end of the trail as the short days forced us to turn around but I’m sure we’ll be back soon to continue the exploration.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
james tilton
This is a little off topic but it’s such an interesting story I had to share it. The Tilton River is named for James Tilton who was the first Surveyor General of the Washington Territory and served as such from 1854 to 1861.
Tilton had brought a 12-year slave named Charles Mitchell. Although the majority of residents in the territory were anti-slavery lacking statehood they couldn’t vote a referendum against slavery.
However, in 1860 Charles was approached by members of the Crown Colony of Victoria and a plan was hatched to have him stow away on a ship bound for that port.
On September 24 of that year, with help, he sneaked aboard the Eliza Anderson and was hidden in the pantry. However, he was discovered by the Captain and forced to work for his passage until the Captain could return him to Tilton.
Mitchell was locked in the lamproom so as to prevent him from touching British soil where he could claim his freedom. The plan would have worked except for the community which met the Eliza Anderson once she docked. The Victora Sheriff took Mitchell into his custody and then quickly granted him his freedom.
Back in Washingon, Tilton filed a formal complaint and the ensuing international incident that follow makes for quite a read. It’s much too long for me to go into detail and Lorraine McConachy does a much better job of telling the story then I could. You can read the whole story here.
