The Long Beach Peninsula

Jutting northward from the mouth of the Columbia River, the Long Beach Peninsula defines Washington's southwestern coastal geography. The picturesque blend of beach and forest along the river, Willapa Bay, and the Pacific Ocean was home to the Chinook Indians who first settled this region. European and American trade came to this area in the 18th century, opening the way for Lewis and Clark to explore and establish a land route to the Pacific. The region prospered because of its diverse natural resources and thriving fur trade. Today, a vibrant tourist industry fuels the Peninsula's continuing development.

Geographic isolation, abundant natural resources, and the challenging climate of Washington's Long Beach Peninsula have shaped the strong character, individuality, and creativity of those who live there--from the First Peoples of the Chinook Nation to the eclectic, ever-growing population of the 21st century. Along the Columbia River, the salmon industry has spawned leaders such as P.J. McGowan, John Kola, and Jessie Marchand. On Willapa Bay, oyster workers and cranberry growers like Meinert Wachsmuth, Ira Murakami, Charles Nelson, Jim Crowley, and Malcolm McPhail have struggled to understand and protect their fragile environment. Entrepreneurs like John Morehead, Mary Lou Mandel, Keleigh Schwartz; legislator Sid Snyder; surf rescuer Doug Knutzen; and artist Eric Wiegardt have each played a role in shaping this unique area. Legendary Locals of the Long Beach Peninsula chronicles the generations of inhabitants who have celebrated the distinctiveness of their communities even as they have endeavored to cooperate in sculpting their future.

For centuries, the Long Beach Peninsula has been known for the treacherous waters off its western shore, prompting seafarers and fishermen to call it the "Graveyard of the Pacific." But it's not just the ghosts of shipwrecked mariners that residents whisper about on stormy winter nights. As "Ghost Stories of the Long Beach Peninsula" proves, the truly chilling tales are more often about earthbound spirits and specters that linger in the weathered communities along the Peninsula. Early settlers of the region, long-ago neighbors and family members sometimes refuse to leave the area, even after death. Join author and historian Sydney Stevens as she explores unanswered questions about the ghostly phantoms that cling tenaciously to this isolated region.

The towns and scenic byways of the Long Beach Peninsula attract more than just tourists, and from Oysterville to Ilwaco, ghostly tales abound. In Seaview, the Lamplighter hosts a multitude of spirits, including Lily, a murdered barmaid, while at the nearby Shelburne Inn, many guests have reported a ghostly presence that has yet to be identified. Mysterious footsteps can be heard on the stairs of the George Johnson house in Ocean Park, and a man holding a baby is rumored to appear at the Old Ilwaco Hospital. Join author and historian Sydney Stevens as she uncovers the spooky side of these beloved seaside towns.

Hit the Road with Moon Travel Guides! 1,700 miles of vibrant cities, coastal towns, and glittering ocean views: Embark on your epic PCH journey with Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. Inside you'll find: Maps and Driving Tools: 48 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, detailed directions for the entire route, and full-color photos throughout Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: Coast by fields of golden California poppies or stop at a seaside grill in Santa Barbara for the best chicharrón and fish tacos you've ever tasted. Marvel at the mystical evergreen giants of the Pacific Northwest, or dance down rainbow-colored streets in San Francisco's Castro district. You'll know exactly what you'll want to do at each stop with lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more Itineraries for Every Traveler: Drive the entire two-week route or follow suggestions for spending time in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego Local Expertise: Born-and-bred Californian Ian Anderson shares his love of the open road with you Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for LGBTQ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with kids With Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip's practical tips, detailed itineraries, and insider's view, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Looking to explore more of America on wheels? Try Moon California Road Trip or Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip! Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon California, Moon Oregon, or Moon Washington.

For nearly 40 years, the quirky little narrow-gauge railroad, begun in 1889 by the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company, ran along the North Beach Peninsula in southwestern Washington. The train provided the primary transportation link from Ilwaco in the south to Nahcotta in the north, making peninsula communities accessible to one another and supplying a reliable route to outside markets for the area's major industries--oystering, logging, and cranberry farming. A tide table, not a timetable, governed the railroad's schedule, allowing coordination with the steamers that met the train at either end of its daily journeys. Old-timers of the area still speak affectionately of the train's unorthodox schedule and its informal and accommodating service. And they remember with fondness that the IR &N was widely known as the "Irregular, Ramblin' and Never-get-there Railroad."

Washington State has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and among that spectacular scenery are seven very special places. Freelance photographer and Washington State native Howard Frisk has put together a simple guidebook that focuses on just those seven places. Each one is presented with beautiful full color photographs, and a description of what makes it amazing along with interesting and useful tidbits of information. The Seven Wonders of Washington State are meant to be experienced first hand, and his guide can show you where, when and how to experience them yourself.The Seven Wonders of Washington are: Mt Rainier Mt St Helens The Columbia River Gorge Palouse The Hoh Rain Forest Long Beach The Channeled Scablands