Nearby Attractions

There are some wonderful attractions close to Anderson Lodge! Summer, fall, spring or winter, our beautiful Yale Valley and the surrounding areas offer many activities and sites of interest.

Below are some links to websites for popular points of interest in the area. PLEASE NOTE: It is best to contact the business office to learn the hours of operation, restrictions regarding the number of guests allowed and other safety measures.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill rests on a steep and rocky slope at the bottom of a narrow gorge. It is the only grain grinding mill in Washington that has maintained its original structural integrity, grinds with stones and is water-powered. Take a “Working Tour” of how this mill still works today. The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is open all year, Saturdays 1:00 to 4:00 and Sundays 2:00 to 4:00.  This landmark is just 20 miles from the lodge. The Grist Mill is temporarily closed at this time. We are happy to announce that the Grist Mill will be opening for visitors starting on the weekend of July 10–11, 2021.

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad 
The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad into a functioning historical railroad. In the logging boom days, this railroad line transported logs to Columbia River ports. Pulled by an 1841 diesel locomotive, the train transports passengers through scenic northern Clark County from Yacolt to Moulton Falls and Chelatchie Prairie and back. Open on weekends during the summer, with special events throughout the year that include Christmas tree runs, murder mysteries, staged hold-ups, and more.

The Ape Caves
The caves are a must-see for guests that are looking for an outing for people of all ages. The cave is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States.  There are two routes once you enter the cave. The lower route is the easiest and might take an hour or so to complete.  The upper route is more difficult and can take as much as 3 hours.  Take warm coats and lanterns and flashlights. Let the fun begin!
Reservation System: Timed reservations are required to visit Ape Cave during the open season: May 18 Cave through October 31. Choose a two-hour time slot for your desired day on recreation.gov ($2 admin fee). You must reserve a time to view the caves. Ust this link to get an Ape Cave Interpretive Site Ticket.

Mt. St. Helens Guided Climb
Make Mt. St. Helens your first volcano summit and do it under a professional guide to learn the skills to summit with confidence. From the top you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams on a sunny day, and even see down into the crater below you!

Mt St. Helens Mountain Biking
The bike ride on Mount St. Helens was one ride i will never forget! Much of the initial climb is in lush forest with periodic views of the surrounding Northwest Volcanoes. Give it a try!

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
Step back in time to discover the 1880’s Victorian farmhouse and country garden that comprises the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, a national historic site located 30 minutes from the lodge in Woodland, WA. The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are really an arboretum with many flowers, shrubs, and exotic trees in addition to the lilacs, so there is much to see during any time of year.

Lelooska Foundation and Cultural Center
Wonderful presentations in the authentic longhouse. Storytelling, dances, art, museum and gallery. These programs are suitable for adults and children. (Due to the size and nature of the masks, some very small children may not be comfortable.) Call for availability and dates of operation. Daytime and Saturday night programs. Museum and gallery are open at various times throughout the year and often open for special requests.

MOULTON FALLS WINERY
Moulton Falls Winery produces quality wine using grapes grown in Benton, Klickitat and Yakima counties of Eastern Washington. Come visit the winery and enjoy wine, cider, and some delicious pizza in the warmth and comfort of their tasting room. They operate Friday,  Saturday and Sunday.  Reservations are not necessary. Call 360-686-4070f for more information or check out their website.

Lewis River Golf Course
This 18 hole golf course is located just west of Anderson Lodge. You pass the golf course when driving to Anderson Lodge on the south side of the road. The tree-lined fairways require accuracy to score well, and the greens, with challenging contours, are some of the finest you’ll putt on in the northwest.  Many of our clients schedule a golf day for their guests.  This is a quality course and just down the road!

Mount St. Helens
Imagine that you’re living near Mt. St. Helens, a sleeping volcano and suddenly one morning while you are making waffles…it wakes up! Well, that is what happened to Arvid Anderson, the owner and builder of Anderson Lodge! Explore this site to read exciting stories from those who were there. There is also a page devoted to the famous Ape Caves just a short drive from the Lodge.

Washington Trails Association
A great site that gives details about hiking trails on the South Cascades at Mt. St. Helens.  Explore what the site has to offer or search for trails on Ape Canyon and Lava Canyon.  The ONLY Climbing Route for Mt. St. Helens is from the south side past Anderson Lodge on Hwy 503.  During the off-season ( November thru March ) climbing permits are free and can be picked up at the Lone Fir Motel in Cougar, WA with no limit. Many people have stayed at Anderson Lodge and included a hike as a part of their adventure.  A super way to enjoy our beautiful natural setting in the area.

BEST WATERFALL TRAILS 
Explore the most popular waterfall trails nearby. Lower Falls Recreation Area Campground is a 0.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cougar, Washington that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from January until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Learn a little about the forest surrounding Anderson Lodge. This is a very extensive site with information about hiking, wildlife, points of interest, Mt. St. Helens and so much more. Don’t miss the live video cam of Mt. St. Helens!

Gone Catchin’ Fishing Guide Services
Southwest Washington features some of the most scenic and fish-filled waters in all of Washington including the Columbia River. Here at Gone Catchin’ Fishing Guide Service, we strive to create the best fishing experiences. This means everything from the equipment and bait we use, to the boat we run, to the hired help aiding in putting fish in the box. We’ve learned over the years that most people aren’t just out there to reel in the big one, they want to spend time with family and friends, entertain clients, or enjoy visiting new rivers. We provide an expert fishing opportunity for those special times. Regardless of your angling experience, you will enjoy a fully guided and equipped fishing trip.

Speelyai Fish Hatchery and Recreation Area
Ready for a fun outing that is just 2 miles west of Anderson Lodge? Here you will find a scenic lake with a 2-lane boat launch, picnic area, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities. There is also a roped-off swimming area that is great for summer fun. This is a day-use-only park with limited access. Once the parking lot is full, the entrance will close for the lot. (you may park on the road and hike in when this happens) This is a favorite spot for our reunions and the locals too.

Hammond’s Fishing Adventures
Attention Anderson Lodge guests. Hammond’s Fishing Adventures run fishing trips year-round. They are now starting off the Kokanee Salmon season. This is a high-action fishery with lots of bites! These are bright healthy fish and are excellent table fare. All gear is provided and fish cleaning is included. Trips are 3-person minimum and 6-person max. 150 / person. It’s an experience everyone has thoroughly enjoyed!  The fishing excursions are 8-hour trips from leaving the dock to the return – unless limits are reached sooner. Contact them today if you want to enhance your experience at the Lodge. Your attendees will have the time of their lives!

Merwin Lake Park
Merwin Lake is the largest recreation area on the Lewis River. Here you will find 135 picnic tables, two covered picnic shelters, swimming, and outdoor games opportunities, a playground, water and restrooms. This park is quite large and can accommodate up to 1,500 people! This a lovely and picturesque park even suitable for bank fishing. The park is west of Anderson Lodge just off Hwy 503.

Cresap Bay Park
Cresap Bay Park is a beautiful park for camping and day use. From the Lodge drive east to the intersection where Hwy 503 turns south. Turn right and follow the highway to the Cresap Bay entrance on the right. This park is great for swimming, has a two-lane boat ramp, 56 overnight campsites .group campsites, a covered shelter with a fireplace, sink and electricity, a separate 23-slip marina, water, restrooms and showers. There are no RV hookups but there is a dump station. Open Friday before Memorial Day through September 30. Cresap Bay is a terrific area and so close to the Lodge.