Clark County Public Works has announced the opening of a new ADA-compliant fishing platform at Haapa Boat Launch along the North Fork Lewis River. The 50-foot by 11-foot platform includes features for wheelchair users, such as lower handrails, making fishing more accessible to the community.
According to the Clark County Public Works announcement, Evelyn Ives, Parks Capital Project Manager, said, "Lewis River fishers have been patiently waiting for the accessible platform to be completed and are excited to test out this new amenity at Haapa Boat Launch. The fishing platform is unique for this area – it offers public access to the river and is only a few hundred feet from a parking lot. It will be a great asset for the community at large."
Funded entirely by PacifiCorp, Will Shallenberger, vice president of renewable resources, emphasized the broader impact: “The completion of the ADA-accessible fishing platform not only enhances accessibility for individuals with disabilities, but also strengthens our community’s connection to nature, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors,” he said in a statement shared by Clark County Public Works.
The Haapa Boat Launch is open from 7 a.m. to dusk daily. While the new platform offers inclusive outdoor activity, safety remains a priority. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets and take precautions during high, fast, and cold winter flows.
