Handicapped access for smelt

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I smelt dip the Cowlitz each year below the bridge in Kelso. We have a friend who is in a wheel chair who would love to go and just watch, however I don't think we could push the chair up onto the dike.

Can anyone tell us where we might be able to get easy access to a wheelchair or walker and still find smelt?

Thanks

[brshooter]

Go right across the street from Carnival Market. There is a turn out and pretty easy access to the river.

[Fshklr]

head north about a mlie or so from the kelso bridge green steel one (For those who don't know there is a newly constructed Concrete 1 just below it).

Look for carnival market on west side and park at the rivers edge below on east side of hwy..flat landing above the river(pull out) with large mud puddles but I believe you can put a wheelchair for watching pretty safely there while you dip.
Saturday and sunday will be hectic, and dippers every 5ft so parking will be very very crowded!!
Remember the cowlitz is open 7 days a week for dippers from the hrs of 6a.m. to 10p.m.

[Spotted Owl]

Not sure of the name but there is a park just west of I-5 off the longview exit. Hit the first turn to the right just past the bridge and you can't miss the entrance. There is a boat ramp here and we have seen wheelchairs,walkers, crutches even the litttle scooters some of our older folks use. Looking at the river from the ramp just to the left of the concrete there is a fairly deep hole, most of the time this is a really good spot.

Maybe another Ifisher can help withe the name of the park or even better directions. One of those thing were you can get there any time but explaining how is hard to do. Give this place a try and have fun. Pic's aree always good to. Give it your best try not many handicapped folks get into the outdoors very often. Most I have been with love it if you do good not. They just like to get out and do something they have never done, or haven't been able to do for who knows how long. My hats off to you for being willing to help even if it is a family member or friend. Seems that the closest to you are often the first and most forgoten(sp).

[ 02-06-2004, 08:10 AM: Message edited by: sled19 ]

[Spotted Owl]

ttt.

[HntnFsh]

The park, Sled is talking about is Gearheart Gardens.He's right.it would be an excellent spot to take your buddy.If people are curteous enough,he might even be able to dip a few right off the launch.Wouldnt that be great.

Another good spot is Camelot.Follow the west side of the river about 10-15 miles north.There will be a trailer park on the right side.Go into the trailer park stay to the left on the pavement.Just past the end of the pavement veer to the right.Start watching the bank.You will find several spots that it is a real flat even bank.Mostly sandy that has excellent access.They launch boats here for salmon and stelies.Pretty easy to find.Probably the best bank access on the river.If you need more info let me know.I'll do the best I can to help you out.

[ 02-07-2004, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: HntnFsh ]

[Sore Back]

Thanks to all of you I-fishers. We will check out all locations.

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