Dubbed “America’s Vancouver” by former Mayor Royce Pollard, Vancouver, Washington is a thriving community just north of Portland Oregon, easily accessible by flights to the Portland International Airport. As the oldest permanent settlement of non-natives in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is filled with history and beauty as well as an excellent starting place for day trips around the Pacific Northwest.
History found in Vancouver Washington
Visitors seeking history in Vancouver should start with the Fort Vancouver Historical Site. Fort Vancouver began in 1824 as an outpost by the Hudson Bay Company to protect the commercial trade of furs in the Pacific Northwest. Things to do at the fort include candlelight tours, bridge encampments and archeology digs, as well as the Pearson Airport right next door.
Going north out of Vancouver and heading toward the small town of Yacolt, visitors can explore the Pomeroy Living History Farm and discover farming as it was done in the 1920s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Property, the Pomeroy Farm uses volunteers in costumes to recreate the realities of farm life. Adventurous visitors can also encounter train robbers on a ride through scenic North County in the summer on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.
Hiking in and Around Vancouver
Hiking and biking trails abound over 44 miles in this mid-size city. For starters, visitors can begin on The Waterfront Renaissance Trail, a 4-mile, 14 foot wide concrete trail that follows the Columbia River, passing several shops and restaurants that make a great stop for a refresher. The Discovery Historic Trail is a 2.3 mile walk that runs throughout the city and provides a look at several historical sights
Heading East out of Vancouver visitors will find the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge ready for exploration. The first stop is the Lewis and Clark Park in Washougal, Washington, with its hiking trail along the dike separating the city from the Columbia River. Washougal, billed as “the Gateway to the Gorge” is also the beginning of the scenic driving tour.
The first stop from Washougal is the Beacon Rock State Park. Beacon Rock is a monolith that stands on the banks of the Columbia River, and its 1.8 mile trail to the top beckons the adventurous hiker, as the 47 switchbacks are not for the faint of heart. Several other trails are found in the 4482 acres of the Beacon Rock State Park across from the monolith, including the 2,445 trail to the spectacular view from the summit of Hamilton Mountain.
For those who may not want a challenging hike, but would still like a walk in the great outdoors, head to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge just north of Vancouver. With a two mile self-guided hiking tour through 5150 acres of marshes and grasslands, the refuge is a birdwatchers paradise. For those who want the woods without the walk, an audio tour is available on the Auto Tour Route.
Day Trips From Vancouver
Being on the banks of the mighty Columbia River, the visitor is sure to find a variety of water related activities such as the windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing found at Vancouver Lake Park. And, of course, no trip would be complete without a ride on the Portland Spirit or the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge.
Mount St. Helens is an easy day trip from Vancouver, and the only opportunity to visit a live volcano in the continental United States. There are several visitor’s centers on the way, providing interpretive data and videos. Helicopter tours, hiking and skiing are all ways to discover the aftermath of the 1980 eruption.
The Pacific Ocean is only two hours from Vancouver and can be a great way to spend a day or a weekend. Filled with beach towns that range from sleepy Long Beach to dynamic Astoria, visitors can find everything from clam digging to art galleries. For seafood lovers, it is hard to beat the fresh seafood brought in by the fishing boats in Illwaco, Washington or Newport, Oregon.
Visitors to this Vancouver will find a thriving city with tremendous opportunities to explore an area where history meets the great outdoors, all within a days drive, without the need for a passport.
Kelly Sharp - Kelly Sharp holds a Master's degree in Education and a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and has been involved in training in a variety ...
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