Community Information

Granite Highlands - A Portal to History

Through the windows of homes located along the hills of Granite Highlands in Washougal, residents will have a balcony view of the Columbia River, foothills of the Cascades, and a grand view of Mt. Hood. But the view is much more than that of a noble river and its erosive forces penetrating basalt rock and sloping foothills. For these windows are also portals from which today’s residents can look back in time. The river has long served as a water trail for many travelers, from Chinook canoes that plied its current nearly 5,000 years ago, to dug-out pirogues used by Lewis & Clark in 1805-1806, to steam-powered paddle boats in the late 1800’s that delivered goods to farmers and produce to markets. Washougal is a community rich in history and proud of its heritage.

Many new explorers are beginning to “rediscover” Washougal. Victor Espinoza, a nationally acclaimed jockey who road War Emblem to victory in the 2002 Kentucky Derby, recently bought a home on the Washougal River and he also purchased the Parkerhouse Restaurant which he is currently renovating and plans to re-open in the spring of 2005. Actor, director and producer Mel Gibson, has been seen in Washougal on numerous occasions following his 1994 filming of Maverick, which was shot on location in the Columbia River Gorge. And, many professionals and entrepreneurs have purchased homes in scenic settings on Mt. Norway, Mt. Pleasant and Granite Highlands.

Several people have described Washougal as the new “West Linn,” referring to the historic community in Oregon on the Willamette River. But people from Washougal will shrug off such accolades because they believe their roots are deeper in northwest history and more unique to the region. After all, the first incorporated “American” community was established at Parkersville in 1853 (near present port of Camas/Washougal). Some people even go as far to assert that Washougal could very well become one of the most livable communities in southwest Washington within the next decade.

By Roger Daniels 

What has reinvigorated this community and what attributes and achievements have enhanced its self-identify?

• The arrival of the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition has brought a great deal of attention to Washougal. The Corps of Discovery spent six-days camped at Cottonwood Beach on their return to the east and this represented the second longest campsite in present day Washington State. In commemoration of their encampment in Washougal, a new county park is being constructed at Cottonwood Beach. “Captain William Clark Park” has already received $3 million in federal and state funding and direct descendants of William Clark will be present for its dedication on August 7, 2005.
  
  
• In 1999, patrons of Washougal Public Schools passed a $36 million bond to remodel their existing buildings and construct a new middle school. The district also qualified for $14 million in state matching funds. Subsequently, Washougal schools have some of the most modern buildings in southwest Washington. A centerpiece of the remodel was “Washburn Auditorium,” which has been highly praised by professional artists for its unique design.
  
  
• The marina at the Port of Camas/Washougal provides the best access to the Columbia River of any port in Clark County. There are 350 moorage slips, two yacht clubs, a floating restaurant (Puffins), and a marina park where jazz and contemporary music are performed in the summer.
   
  
•  In 2002, citizens of Washougal overwhelmingly supported passage of a building bond to construct a new municipal police station.
  
  
• The downtown neighborhood association, working in collaboration with JD White Company, have developed a revitalization plan to establish a new historical/commercial district. Current conceptual designs have city planners beaming.
  
  
• The City of Washougal, local business leaders and the Washougal School District, have signed an inner-local agreement to construct new softball, little league and soccer playing fields. Many of these fields are scheduled for completion in the summer of 2005.
  
  
• The National Steigerwald Lake Refuge has recently received federal funding to improve habitat and construct a trail for bird watchers through its boundaries. Migratory birds from Canada to Mexico use this refuge during their seasonal flights. Ducks, geese, cranes and even an occasional bald eagle can be seen at this refuge. And, the dyke path and bird watching trails have become popular with exercise and bird enthusiasts.
  
  
• Salmon and steelhead fishing are popular on the Washougal River. Sturgeon fishing is also a prized fishery on the Columbia. Water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting are also favorite water sports in the area.
  
  
• Washougal is within close driving distance to Vancouver, the Portland International Airport, and fairly close to downtown Portland. Further, driving to Mount Hood and the Oregon and Washington Beaches can be accomplished in a couple of hours.