With summer in the rear-view mirror, the Clark County landscape is becoming blanketed by orange, red, and yellow leaves that prove Fall has arrived. However, shorter days and cooler temperatures are no reason to stay inside for the next six months.
So, enjoy the outdoors this month with this list of events and activities. Don’t worry – there are a quite a few indoor things to do, too.
Haunted Walking Tours
Presented by the Clark County Historical Museum, the Haunted Walking Tours began in 2011 and take place every Friday and Saturday in October. Blending local myths, oral histories, and research, these tours focus on the odd, eerie, and sometimes unseemly past of Clark County.
The tours are for those 13 years and older and everyone is encouraged to bring a flashlight. You don’t want to accidentally bump into something that goes “bump” in the night.
Info: www.cchmuseum.org
Cinema of Horrors Drive-in
A live-action, drive-in horror movie experience where monsters from the screen come to life. With 16 different horror thrillers, guests are guaranteed to scream this Halloween! This unique drive-in experience lasts approximately two hours and features high-quality sound and lighting, in-car audio, Hollywood quality makeup, monsters, and terrifying twists.
Info: https://www.ridgefield.cinemaofhorrors.com/
Vancouver Mall Booville Trunk or Treat Halloween
For the younger set, the Vancouver Mall becomes the ultimate (and indoor) trick-or-treating venue. Children 12 and under are encouraged to put on their best costumes and roam the mall from 5-7 p.m. After the bags are full, Halloween themed games and crafts will be held on the mall’s lower level.
Info: shopvancouvermall.com/events/
photo source: shopvancouvermall.com
Vancouver Farmers Market
Winding up after seven months, The Vancouver Farmers Market ends on the last weekend of October. It’s a great time to pick up any crafty accessories or ideas to decorate your home for the holidays, as well as produce, baked goods, food, and gardening needs.
Info: vancouverfarmersmarket.com
Clark County ScareGround’s Haunted House Scream Park
Open during the last few weekends in October, the Scream Park features haunted houses, a “Scream Parlor”, a midway, exhibits, and “ghouls galore”. There is something for everyone at the event, held at the Clark County Fairgrounds.
Info: visitvancouverusa.com/events/seasonal-events/fall/
Spirit Tales of The Vancouver Barracks
The Vancouver Barracks was founded in 1849 and members of the United States military were stationed there until 2011. That’s over 150 years of history – and a lot of stories of “loneliness, fear, and tragedy”. The tour, which can last up to two hours, is held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the middle of September to the end of October rain or shine.
Info: ghostsandcritters.com
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad
With several events spread out over the fall, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad tour starts in Yacolt and heads south to Moulton Falls before returning to the station. The 10-mile round trip features a 330-foot tunnel carved from solid rock and glimpses of the Lewis River.
The Steam Fall Leaves tour is in the middle of October, with changing leaves on full display. In late October, the Headless Horseman tour invites riders to dress up in costume and be prepared for a spook or two in the tunnel. The Christmas Tree Train starts in late November and runs every weekend until mid-December. Santa will be handing out gifts to the children and warm drinks will be available. You can even pick up a Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, or Noble Christmas tree.
Info: tickets.bycx.org
photo source: www.facebook.com/ChelatchiePrairieRailroad/
Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm
Every full weekend in October, Pomeroy Farms opens up Pumpkin Lane, a mile-long hayride around the farm featuring over 100 “pumpkin people”. There is also a hay bale maze for younger kids, a historic log house, farm animals, and other activities. Be sure to pick out a pumpkin or two for your Halloween Jack-o-lantern.
Info: pomeroyfarm.org
