The Bounty of Clark County
 North Clark County Scenic Drive dishes up a grand ride
Scenic Loops and Scenic Highways are a great way to enjoy a day
of riding. But try Googling “King County Scenic Drive,” “Pierce
County Scenic Loop,” “Multnomah County Scenic Drive” or “Ada County
Scenic Loop.” You won’t find much. They don’t exist.
Now think about driving on Interstate 5 between Portland and the
Puget Sound. As you near the Vancouver area, your mind ponders what
might lie beyond the slab. A few farm houses? A river? You’ll never
know until you make the effort to find out. We did and were
pleasantly surprised.
Established in 2007, The North Clark County Scenic Drive is a 70 mile
loop through the northern, less populated areas of Clark County. The
area is rich in large homesteads, history and intriguing geography.
The loop provides good lessons in all these aspects, plus some
outstanding riding as you wind your way over the rivers and through
the woods.
 The county describes the trip like this – “The tour loops through
Battle Ground, Yacolt, La Center and Ridgefield. Several parks are
located along the route including Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls,
Whipple Creek and Daybreak parks. Historic sites include the Henry Heisson House, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill
(shown at left), Allen House and the Cathlapotle Plankhouse(shown
below).”
All worthy of the trip alone.
But beyond that, it’s interesting to note that Clark County was
built on a major wetland. Surrounded by the Columbia River on the
south and west, building roads in this marshy region presented many
challenges over the years. As a result, it’s hard to find a straight
line that lasts very long here. Tight corners? You’ll love the west
section. Endless lateral whoops? There’s plenty to be found along
the southern portion. Wide sweepers? Welcome to the northeast corner
of the ride. Tough planning for road builders, good riding for
motorcyclists!
 Along the west side of the route lies the Ridgefield National
Wildlife Refuge. The area hosts hundreds of species of migratory
waterfowl and it’s not uncommon to see a blue heron, mallard duck or
bald eagle during a ride.
While the loop is only 70 miles long, it’s best to plan an entire
morning or afternoon around taking a ride here so you have time to
stop and visit the historical sights, explore side roads and take in
a meal or two along the way.
The way the county designed it, you’re supposed to run the route
counter-clockwise. There are no route signs in the clockwise
direction. For your navigational pleasure, we have created a GPS file
that includes the route and several side roads worthy of a cruise.
A favorite way to run the route when coming at it from the north
is to exit I-5 at Woodland and ride the remnants of old Highway 99
into La Center. Here you’ll find an excellent food spot known as the
Purple Bee Café. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and
feature wholesome foods built on fresh ingredients, most obtained
locally. Enjoy a good meal and go ride, or save it as a meal stop
when you finish.
If you’re coming at the route from the south, start in Battle
Ground on Main Street. There are lots of fast food and a few greasy
spoon places here. Our favorite however is going to the local Burgerville
right on Main Street. What?! You have not been to a Burgerville? It’s fast
food that’s SLO (Sustainable, Local, and sometimes Organic) and it puts other fast
food chains to shame. Chow down a locally grown burger, chomp on a
few Walla Walla onion rings, slurp down your huckleberry shake (menu
changes seasonally) and
hit the road.
 Other places to eat along the way can be found in Amboy and Ridgefield.
The ride can be enjoyed anytime, but it makes a great first
spring ride or late fall ride when the colors are out. Because it’s
almost at sea level, the area's milder temps make it an available
ride when higher elevations may be experiencing snow.
The route also lends itself well to a fun run or poker run route.
With ample fuel and food places along the way, anyone can lay out a
unique run whose checkpoints can change each year, despite utilizing
the same loop.
Quit wondering what’s on either side of I-5 near Vancouver. The
Northern Clark County Scenic Drive has plenty to reveal. And with
any luck, other Northwest counties might latch on and create a few
of their own.
A few links
PT/Summer 2009 |
