River Center bridge home to summer fun, fundrasiers

Published 5:17 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Sequim Gazette staff

The trestle carrying the Olympic Discovery Trail across the Dungeness River may be broken, but the bridge at Railroad Bridge Park is holding steady. In fact it’s home to a pair of community-oriented events in coming weeks.

Calling all campers

The Dungeness River Audubon Center (2151 W. Hendrickson Road) hosts a “Campout on the Bridge,” a fundraiser set for Saturday, June 27.

The $75 fee per campsite includes an evening program and s’mores in the River Stage amphitheater and a “Bagels on the Bridge” breakfast.

Ten campsites will be available from 6 p.m. Saturday until 9 a.m. Sunday, for one night only; participants are to bring their own tent and bedding.

Reservations are required (maximum four people per site; no pets, no one under 18 without adult). Call 681-4076 to reserve a space.

Unique dining

The River Center also hosts a unique fundraiser on Friday, July 10, with “Dine on the Dungeness.” The public is invited to enjoy dining on the historical Railroad Bridge starting at 6 p.m., with catering by Kokopelli Grill offering Washington wines and beer.

Cost is $95 per person or $570 for table of six.

“We’ve wanted to hold a special dinner on the bridge for a long time and the temporary closure of the flood-damaged trestle gives us that opportunity while it is closed to through traffic,” River Center board member Tuttie Peet said.

“Diners may never again have such a memorable way to experience and enjoy the natural serenity of Railroad Bridge Park,” Peet said.

Space is limited; make reservations no later than June 30. Buy tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1691873, call 681-4076 or see www.DungenessRiverCenter.org. Only 100 seats will be available.

Centennial celebrations

The campout and dinner are part

of the 100-year celebration of Railroad Bridge, where trains were once used to transport logs and passengers across the North Olympic Peninsula.

The last train rolled through in 1985 and the tracks and bridge have since been turned into a popular walking, bike riding and jogging trail. Damage to the trestle in February temporarily stopped those activities.

Proceeds from the campout and dinner will help support the non-profit center’s educational programs and park maintenance.

Anniversary festivities also will take place on Sept. 26 during this year’s Dungeness River Festival.

A plaque will be unveiled commemorating the bridge’s 100 years and honoring that it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

See www.DungenessRiverCenter.org.