Sea Kayaker on the Columbia River / Photo by Sam Drevo, eNRGKayaking.com

Local Visionaries: Dreamers Realizing Their Dreams

Dreamers have long been drawn to the Pacific Northwest by open lands and open minds. Many stay, inspired by the scenery and the region’s receptiveness to new ideas.

“Seattle businessman Samuel Hill first purchased 240 acres of land overlooking the Columbia River more than 100 years ago to create a Quaker farming community in what he described as ‘the most beautiful country I have ever seen.’ Today Hill’s land is home to his ultimate dream: the Maryhill Museum of Art.”

—Colleen Schafroth, Executive Director, Maryhill Museum of Art, Goldendale, WA

Examples of Local Visionaries

  1. Yelm Historical Museum

    The Yelm Historical Museum is filled with history with close ties to Mount Rainier National Park due to Yelm’s historical gateway to the mountain before modern roads made accessing the park much easier. James Longmire, one of the founders of Yelm had blazed a trail…

    Location: 3rd Street, Yelm WA 98597, City of Yelm, Thurston County, WA 98597
  2. Goldendale Observatory

    The Goldendale Observatory Interpretive Center is located on a hilltop North of Goldendale. Gaze at planets, nebulae, and galaxies through the lens of one of the nation’s largest public telescopes available in the evenings for public viewing sessions. The facility is run by the Washington State…

    Location: 1602 Observatory Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620
  3. Maryhill Museum of Art

    Come explore Maryhill Museum’s world-class collection of art ranging from early 20th century European works to an extensive Native American collection. Set in a castle-like chateau on a stunning 6,000-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum is one of the Pacific Northwest’s…

    Location: 35 Maryhill Drive, WA 98620
  4. Brewers Union Local 180

    The Brewers Union Local 180 is Oregon’s only real ale pub and brewery.  They offer up to six cask-conditioned ales that are brewed on-site, as well as numerous regional microbrews, wines and hard ciders.  Food is top-notch and is prepared to order.  House specialties include…

    Location: 48329 East 1st St, Oakridge, OR 97463
  5. Old Mill District

    The story of the Old Mill District began almost 100 years ago when two sawmills opened on the Deschutes River.  Today, with the lumber business long gone, the same site is a full-scale mixed-use complex that boasts a carefully restored riverbank and preserved mill buildings…

    Location: Powerhouse Drive, Bend, OR 97701
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