1. Catch them if you can
Getting robbed has never been this fun. At the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Independence Day Weekend Train Robbery, ride behind the 1929 steam engine and try to stop “robbers” from boarding the train and making off with valuable coins and jewelry. The train makes a stop at Moulton Station to view Yacolt Falls and allow riders to visit and have their photo taken with the robbers. The rides take place at noon and 2:30 p.m. June 30 and July 1; $20, $19 for seniors, $15 for ages 5 to 12, $14 for ages 2 to 4, free for ages 2 and younger. The station is at 207 N. Railroad Ave. in Yacolt. 360-686-3559 or www.bycx.com
2. Monster fun
How fast can a monster truck go? 50 mph? No, faster. 60 mph? No, faster. 70? No, getting warmer, but still not quite there. The fastest recorded speed ever for a monster truck actually tops out at 99.10 mph. The Raminator holds that Guiness World Record distinction, and starting at 11 a.m. July 1, the monster truck will make a pit stop at Dick Hannah Truck Center, 7110 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, for a free view. The Raminator snagged its world record in December 2014, and has been named Monster Truck Racing Association’s Truck of the Year a record seven times. 360-944-3277 or www.dickhannahram.com
3. Know your history
Learn your area’s history, so you can better appreciate it in the present. History Walking Tours offer a mix of memories, research, and architectural details, with guides leading up to 25 people for about a mile, making frequent stops to view buildings, tell stories and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended. Each walk focuses on different parts of the county, so locations vary. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Anyone more than the age of 6 needs a ticket. Tours happen rain or shine. There will be tours at noon June 29 and 9 a.m. June 30 focusing on middle Main Street in Vancouver; $12. www.cchmuseum.org
4. Barnyard Bash
Parties are great, but they’re so much better at a barn. Join the annual celebration of the historic Heisen Barn from noon to 6 p.m. June 30 at Heisen House Vineyards, 28005 N.E. 172nd Ave., Battle Ground; $5 suggested donation, $3 for ages 5 to 18. The barn is listed on the state and national historic registers, along with continuing restoration work. Built sometime between 1866 and 1890 by pioneers Alexander and Mary Heisen, the barn is one of the oldest still standing in Clark County. The celebration will be farm-themed with historic displays, tours, games, music and work for sale by local artisans. Guests 21 and older can sample and purchase unique handcrafted wines and hard cider made on-site by Heisen House Vineyards. 360-713-2359 or www.heisenhousevineyards.com
