Recommended locations to view the Christmas Ship Parade

Clark County residents will get first and last looks at Christmas ships this year thanks to pumped-up finale

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/dec/03/sailing-into-the-holidays/

Parks with views

Marina Park and the Port of Camas-Washougal

Where: 24 S. A St., Washougal.

Viewing date: Dec. 4.

Tips: The park includes restrooms and picnic tables for those opting to get out of their cars for a better view of the ships. Show up early to find a parking spot. “The whole shoreline is lined with people,” said Jess Heitman, president of the Christmas Ship board of directors. Those wanting to stay warm can head inside the Port of Camas-Washougal building, which will begin serving refreshments at 6 p.m.

Steamboat Landing Park

Where: State Highway 14 and 15th Street, Washougal.

Viewing date: Dec. 4.

Tips: If the weather holds up, visitors can catch views from the park’s trail along Cottonwood Beach. But keep in mind that navigating the trail is difficult in the dark. For a closer look, head down to the park’s floating walkway and viewpoint. It’s also important to consider weather and river conditions before deciding it’s safe to head down to the walkway.

Waterfront Park

Where: 115 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: There are a limited number of parking spots with unobstructed river views available at the park. Those wanting a better view can bundle up and get views along the mostly flat, paved Waterfront Renaissance Trail.

Vancouver Landing at Terminal One

Where: Just west of the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: Viewers don’t get great views of the ships for very long — about 30-45 minutes as they pass the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay and turn back toward the Interstate 5 Bridge. But there are no trees or bushes to obstruct the view.

Wintler Beach Community Park

Where: 6400 Beach Drive, Vancouver.

Viewing dates: Dec. 14, 16 and 20.

Tips: The best views in the park can be had by walking along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail.

Marine Park

Where: Southeast Marine Park Way and Southeast Columbia Way, Vancouver.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9-10, 13-17 and 20-21.

Tips: Viewers should get out of the car and walk along one of the park’s trails to the waterfront. One of the best views can be had by walking up the 54-steps to the Kaiser Viewing Tower. The tower offers views of the river, as well as an education about the Kaiser Shipyard’s role in World War II. The best views can be had on Dec. 16 and 20.

Restaurants with views

The Puffin Cafe

Where: 14 S. A St., Washougal, 360-335-1522.

Viewing date: Dec. 4.

Tips: Washougal’s Puffin Cafe will stay open as long as diners want to watch the parade, said owner Robert Goetter. The Puffin Cafe isn’t accepting reservations. Goetter suggests that diners show up by dusk — about 5 p.m. — to grab a seat. Once inside, diners can stay warm by sitting next to the restaurant’s fireplace, Goetter said.

McMenamins on the Columbia

Where: 1801 S.E. Columbia River Drive, Vancouver, 360-699-1521.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: McMenamins on the Columbia isn’t accepting reservations, said assistant manager Mandy Gray. Some diners show up as early as 5 p.m. for the best seats, but most show up by 6:30 p.m., she said. Those who show up at 6:30 p.m. or so usually stand on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, which will be open and outfitted with hanging heaters to keep diners warm, she said.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Where: 101 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver, 360-693-9211.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: Joe’s Crab Shack is accepting reservations for groups of 10 or more, said general manager Brian Smith. The rest of the restaurant will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. That includes seating in the lounge, which has a fireplace. Booths and tables are on three levels, so diners who don’t have window seats will still have river views, Smith said. The restaurant will turn down its lights as the ships pass by each night, he said. Those wanting a better look can step out to the partially-covered patio, where heaters will be turned on.

Beaches Restaurant & Bar

Where: 1919 S.E. Columbia River Drive, Vancouver, 360-699-1592.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: Those wanting reservations are out of luck — Beaches is already fully booked, said manager Jason Elstead. But diners are welcome to call the day of the parade to see if any diners have canceled their reservations, he said. In addition, the lounge is open on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s hard to recommend a time to show up for the parade, because some diners show up as early as 4 p.m. for the restaurant’s happy hour specials and stay through the parade, Elstead said. As part of each evening’s entertainment, students from Vancouver Public Schools will sing carols, and Santa Claus will pay a visit. While most restaurants dim the lights during the parade, Beaches will turn the lights up so that diners can give the captains a standing ovation.

Who Song & Larry’s

Where: 111 E. Columbia Way, Vancouver, 360-695-1198.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: At least one performer will likely walk around the restaurant before and during the parade, performing Christmas carols in Spanish, said general manager Mike Tarumi. Who Song & Larry’s is accepting reservations, but Tarumi said five to 10 tables will be left unclaimed so that diners without reservations can see the parade. He advises diners hoping to snag a seat to come by 5:30 or 6 p.m. If the restaurant has filled up, the cantina is open on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Quay Restaurant and Bar

Where: 100 Columbia St., Vancouver, 360-694-8341.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9, 13, 15-16 and 20-21.

Tips: Many diners make it an annual tradition to see the ships at the Quay Restaurant and Bar, said food service director Steve Gallagher, so reservations can be tough to come by. The lounge area will be open on a first-come, first-served basis, and Gallagher recommends that people show up 30 minutes to an hour before the parade. Those wanting a better view can leave their seats and watch the parade from the restaurant’s outdoor deck.

Salty’s

Where: 3839 N.E. Marine Drive, Portland, 503-288-4444.

Viewing dates: Dec. 9-10, 13-17 and 20-21.

Tips: The ships depart from a boat ramp near Salty’s each night — except for Dec. 4, when the ships sail near Camas and Washougal. General manager Linda Addy recommends making reservations, but says that those without reservations should begin showing up at 6 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating. If would-be diners are waiting for a table when the ships set sail, they can head upstairs to the restaurant’s outdoor deck. The partially-covered deck will be heated, and diners can sip cocoa and coffee while snuggling up in the fleece blankets that will be available.