Cossatot River area info

[Renee H]

I just called the state park because I was curious about a couple things since the river might start running more often and there might be more traffic. If you are down to paddle and/or camp, bring your dinner. The White House is closed for good. The new owners are selling it. The only place to go eat is a burger joint called the Light House and I believe they close early.

My other curiosity was related to the hiking trail. Last time I got on it, it seemed like it was unkept, but they have made a lot of improvements to it, including bridges on the section from Brushy Creek to Ed Banks that runs along river right. They are currently working on the trail this week. And this trail lends to a great overnight hike as they have some campsites with tent pads and picnic tables along the trail. There is a really nice site upstream of Ed Banks on river right. The trail crosses over to river left at Ed Banks. They also said there has been much improvement on the section of the trail between Ed Banks and the Sheeps Den Campground. This is the only section I have hiked and it's pretty rugged. I am anxious to go check it out again.

Finally, I asked about the cabins on Baker Creek that used to be for sale. I thought maybe the park would acquire them and rent them out, but she said they are still private property that are just sitting there rotting. She wasn't sure if they were still for sale or not, but I thought I would let people know in case there is any interest.

[okieboater]

Renee, many thanks for the up date.

Loss of the White House for after Cossatot run meals makes me really sad.

To me, meeting up at the White House to eat and discuss our runs was a high light of the trip over there. Never had a bad meal there. The Country fried Steak was about as good as it gets. Pies were to die for. Many a times I took my pie back to camp to enjoy. That Light House place has been a favorite to hit if we got off early and wanted to eat a good hamburger and shake in the car.

Now, the big question. Is DeQueen closer than Mena and is there good food to be had there. Have passed thru DeQueen some time ago but do not remember the food situation.

[Lifejacket]

Looks to me like dierks is closest.

[okieboater]

Any good eating spots in Dierks?

[Renee H]

In Dierks - I think it's called Kenya's. It's pretty good. Dierks is about 15 miles from Umpire, so if you went out from the Falls area , it's not a bad drive. Mena seems a little far. I know people have left and gone to Dequeen for hotel rooms instead of camping out. There's a lot of stuff in Dequeen.