tour

Bring the whole family for a safe and fun canoe trip on the slow-moving Columbia Slough!  We'll have some canoes set up in a "bimaran" configuration - this setup is safe for new paddlers, infants and grandparents alike. Families may also borrow regular canoes and kayaks (limited) during the 7:00 PM shift.  If you are interested in kayaks (7-8 PM), let us know in the comments section of your registration and we'll check on availability and get back to you.  We'll provide the canoe, lifejacket, paddle, - you provide the paddling muscle. 

Enjoy the water, plants, and wildlife from the best seat possible! $5-8/person $15-20/family suggested donation, advanced registration required. CLICK HERE now to register.

Where:  Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge: 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

When:  April 17, 2016

What: The Cathlapotle Plankhouse re-opens for the 2016 season on April 17th, 2016. The season will kick off with a special second Sunday event featuring the latest in Cathlapotle Village archaeology, artifacts excavated from the Cathlapotle site on display, and guided hikes highlighting spring and a family friendly hike focusing on Refuge Wildlife. The Plankhouse will be open for visitors from 12pm-4pm, and there will be kids' activities as well. 

**The Cathlapotle Plankhouse will now be open most weekends from 12pm-4pm. Every second Sunday of the month the Plankhouse will host a special event with speakers, guided hikes, and children's activities. For more information on the upcoming events, visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org.**

12pm: Naturalist Lead Family Hike

Join a Naturalist on the trail exploring the wildlife that live at the Refuge. This hour long walk will meet at the Plankhouse, and is geared towards families. Meet in front of the Plankhouse.

1pm: Presentation "What's new at Cathlapotle? Lots!"

Cathlapotle is one of the best preserved Chinookan Village sites along the Lower Columbia River, making it a tremendous window into the lives of Chinookan Peoples before contact with Euro-Americans in the early 1800s. Ken Ames, Professor Emeritus at Portland State University and one of the leading scholars in Lower Columbia River Archaeology will share the latest findings to come out of Cathlapotle, and connect these stories to the lands we all call home.

2pm: Spring Ethnobotany Hike

Join a Refuge Naturalist for a walk on the Oaks to Wetlands Trail discussing spring plants and their relationship with Chinookan culture. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on moderately uneven terrain. Meet at the Plankhouse.

12pm - 4pm: Plankhouse Tours and Children's Activities

Tour the Plankhouse on your own or guided by our experienced volunteers. Children's activities will be available as well.

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle

Contact: Sarah Hill, Plankhouse Coordinator; 360.887.4106/plankhouse@gmail.com

For wheelchair access to this event, please contact Sarah prior to the event date.

Join Hoyt Arboretum curator Martin Nicholson for this annual tour through our spectacular magnolia collection. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket, camera and water. Family-friendly event. Please meet at the Visitor Center; registration is not required.

Get involved at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse!

The Plankhouse is looking for new and enthusiastic volunteers interested in learning about and sharing local Native American Culture, NW History, and Archeology with public visitors inside the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. No experience necessary, just a desire to learn and share your knowledge with others.

In our Docent Training, you will learn about the Chinookan Peoples of the Lower Columbia, the roles of a Plankhouse docent, and interpretive techniques to share the Refuge and the Plankhouse with the public.

For more info, contact Plankhouse Coordinator Sarah Hill at (360) 887-4106 or by email at sarah_hill@fws.gov.

Join us for free urban nature adventures every third Wednesday, February through November (except April and July)! Each guided "hike" will consist of an easy walk or tour with a theme, appropriate for all ages. March theme: Powerful pollinators! Join us on a tour to see native plants beginning to bloom and learn how native pollinators, including bees, birds, and ants, help them spread their seeds! You'll also get to make native wildflower "seed bombs" and mason bee houses to take home!