VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON INFO

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.