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VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON INFO
The beautiful Pacific coast city of Vancouver,
Washington is a northwest jewel that is nestled amongst a wide variety
of natural attractions and west coast splendor. Vancouver is located
on the north bank of the Columbia River. Directly to the south of
Vancouver, WA - on the other side of the Columbia River, is Portland,
Oregon. Being that Vancouver has its own identity and unique Washington
character and yet is located only minutes from Portland (a major,
west coast metropolitan center) is one of the major drawing points
for the area.
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While Vancouver’s main waterway is the Columbia River, the
city is located only a short stretch from the Pacific Coast. Vancouver
is situated exactly 88 miles from the Oregon Coast and the spectacular
vistas offered up by North America’s westernmost ocean. Because
of the unusual geography of the west coast of the United States,
the land directly west and northwest of Vancouver actually belongs
to Oregon. Vancouver is actually the southernmost point of Washington
– in terms of urban centers.
The all-natural view to the east of Vancouver is just as spectacular
as what lies to the south and to the west. The Cascade Mountain
Range rises to fill the eastern horizon. Specifically the world
renowned volcanoes of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood,
provide stunning vistas to the east. Mount St. Helens is well known
for its explosive eruption of 1980. Today the area is a major tourist
destination that plays host to millions of Washington visitors every
year. The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument lets you learn
about the volcano’s history and gaze at the activity that
continues even to this day. In addition, the stunning Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area is located only 30 minutes directly to
the east of Vancouver, Washington.
People who call Vancouver, Washington home have much to say about
the wide variety of natural attractions offered by the area. The
outdoors is the real star of the show in the Pacific Northwest;
and that’s definitely true of the area in and around Vancouver.
Many water enthusiasts enjoy sailing along the Columbia River between
Vancouver and Portland. Others enjoy hiking in any one of the nearby
forests that surround the greater Vancouver, Washington area. Other
popular outdoor activities in southwest Washington include, mountain-biking,
and kayaking/canoeing.
The Vancouver area has a wide variety of its own parks for locals
and visitors alike to enjoy. The various areas of the city are divided
up into the following regions: Battleground, Camas/Washougal, La
Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver Central, Vancouver West and Yacolt/Amboy.
Some of the most popular Vancouver parks/recreational areas include:
the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Lewisville Park, the Washougal
River Greenway, the Lacamas Heritage Trail, Paradise Point State
Park, and the Bells Mountain Trail. The great variety of beautiful
natural landscapes is attested to by the fact that people who’ve
lived in Vancouver for years still find areas of tremendous natural
beauty that they’ve yet to explore.
Besides the great outdoors, the Vancouver, Washington downtown
area also has much to offer in terms of attractions. The Esther
Short Park is a popular central point in the city where people enjoy
walking, relaxing and playing on a year round basis. Throughout
the year numerous Vancouver festivals are hosted in Esther Short
Park- which, established in 1853, is actually the oldest designated
park in the entire state of Washington. Esther Short’s central
location makes it the true town square of Vancouver. Recently n
thriving and interaction Farmer’s market has opened up directly
next to the park grounds. Here you can purchase everything from
local artwork to fresh salmon and coffee.
It’s easy to understand why the thriving city of Vancouver,
Washington is so popular with locals and visitors alike. Vancouver
residents love the fact that they have easy access to Portland-
without the congestion and traffic of a major city to deal with
on a regular basis. In addition, Vancouver is less than 90 miles
from the Pacific Ocean, and only an hour or so away from volcanoes
like Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood. The temperate climate of the
Pacific Northwest makes the greater Vancouver area a “four
seasons playground” where people take pride both in the natural
beauty of the area and the city’s neighborly sense of community
spirit.
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