The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

To The Eagle:

My name is George Cameron and I have visited County Line Park for several years with my wife and family. I am an avid salmon fisherman and have a 28’ motorhome. County Line Park is very unique in the fact that one can park and relax in the sun literally feet from where you want to fish.

Recently I’ve heard disturbing rumors about the park being sold to a private organization and that the wonderful park hosts, Bob and Arloa McLean, are being evicted with little notice. I have had the profound pleasure of knowing and dealing with these park hosts for many years and they have always gone out of their ways to welcome you and making you feel at home while visiting.

Most of the campers are long time returning members and it has almost become a family affair to go to County Line Park when the salmon are running as well as visiting in the winter just to watch the ships go by. Many years we have observed people who have brought their disabled family members and disabled vets in wheelchairs to be able to have a chance to land a salmon! Bob and Arloa always go out of their way to make sure they are comfortable and post their pictures on the community bulletin board with their fish.

I think it would be a colossal mistake to replace them and the county would have to look long and hard to find hosts that are as committed to making your visit as enjoyable as they do. Every year they put on potluck dinners for the guests and invite folks over for cake and coffee and share memories and fish stories from the past years. They both go far and above their duties, walking around and visiting their guests and making sure everyone is having a good time. My family can’t wait each year to return to the good times and consider them truly nice people who care about what they do for everyone. It would be a truly sad day if the county thinks that replacing them would be a “much needed improvement or change.” I am retired and travel around Washington state parks a lot and this is the only park where you get to know the hosts as friends and go there as much to see and visit them as well as the fishing.

As far as rejuvenating the park, I think the county needs to upgrade the restrooms and possibly put in a coin-operated shower for the guests. There are some potential hazardous asphalt repairs that need addressed and the county could offset some costs by making the usage fees increase to $20 or even $25 per night. Also a lot of traveling campers use the dump site free of charge which should be charged $5 per vehicle.

In closing please reconsider any thoughts of replacing Bob and Arloa as you already have the “best of the best.”

George Cameron, Issaquah

(Editor’s Note: Port District No. 2 of Wahkiakum County, not a private organization, is taking over operation of the park. Port 2 also operates Skamokawa Vista Park and Svensen Park on Puget Island.)