Posts about Parks

Best Places To Look At Fall Leaves in Vancouver, WA

Autumn is inching closer which means a change of scenery from green trees to bright yellow and orange foliage is around the corner. One of the best things about living in the Pacific Northwest is experiencing all the different seasons. If you’re wondering where the best places to go take pictures without having to venture too far from home keep reading further! We’ll start with places closest to home at Acero Haagen Park. Fallen Leaf Lake Park Just a short 15 minute drive near Camas, Fallen Leaf Lake Park is a small yet beautiful place to check out autumn foliage. It features small trails going through forest trees, wetlands, and a lake. If you have some time left to explore we recommend hitting downtown Camas for some lunch! Salmon Creek Trail and Greenway Just a 19 minute drive north, Salmon Creek trail offers a 2.5 mile loop of tree-lined scenery. Here you’ll be able to hike along a small creek while taking in the colorful landscape. You’ll be happy to know that the park is dog friendly as long as your furry pal is on a leash. Vancouver Lake Regional Park At Vancouver Lake Regional Park not only will you experience the changing landscape but you’ll be able to take in against the backdrop of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. The park also features a paved road for you to explore beyond the shores of the lake. Additionally, It’s only a 30 minute drive west! Battle Ground Lake State Park Battle Ground State Park is a small park dense with trees surrounding the shores of a lake right in the middle. Here you can go fishing or simply boating while taking in the new season. You can also pack some lunch, a book , and spend half the day here, as days are getting a little shorter. Hoyt Arboretum Hoyt Arboretum is actually not in Washington but in Portland, Oregon. However, given that it is still within a 30 minute driving radius from Clark County, we thought it would be a great place to visit. Hoyt Arboretum hosts 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from 6 different continents. They are dispersed through 12 miles of hiking trails which meet with each other giving you the option to go look at other flora. In a way, it is similar to a zoo of trees and plants. You’ll want to take a bottle of water and snacks as the trails are long but not difficult. Make sure you don’t miss out on this time of the year since the colorful trees tend to move fast. Pack your water, a light jacket, and get ready to explore the Pacific Northwest. Send us any picture you take and we’ll try to feature them on our social pages!

Fourth of July Celebration in Vancouver, WA

Clark County just announced a ban on fireworks this year amid the recent heatwave in the Pacific Northwest. Although unfortunate news for those looking forward to the Fourth of July firework celebrations, it is better to take precautions for the safety of everyone. This does not mean that we cannot still celebrate, however. There’s still a myriad of things to do this Sunday. Here are some of our favorite ways you can celebrate Independence Day in Vancouver, WA. Cookout With Friends There isn’t a better way to spend your Fourth of July than with friends and family. A good way to get everyone together is to throw a cookout. Whether you want to go to a nearby park and grill some burgers or have everyone bring a dish to your apartment, food can really connect people. If you’re looking for anice nearby park to have a picnic, Vancouver Lake Regional Park has over 60 picnic tables and 24 barbecue grills. On a sunny day, you can even catch glimpses of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helen. Make sure to bring a cooler with some drinks to stay hydrated and refreshed. Fun in the Water One of the biggest perks of living in the Pacific Northwest is the easy access to all the nearby lakes, rivers, and water activities. Another good way to celebrate the holiday is to make your way to a lake where you can go swimming, boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, or paddleboarding. The options are truly endless. For those of you looking to rent a kayak or paddleboard equipment, make sure to check out Alder Creek . They have locations in the Vancouver area and Portland as well where you can rent and take lessons if needed. Looking to hang out on a boat with friends instead? Visit Xtreme Sports for information on renting boats for the day. Restaurants and Bars Go out and have a drink with friends in Downtown Vancouver. One great place you might want to check out is Underbar . From noon to 4 pm, they’ll be serving bottomless mimosas for just under 20 dollars! Once you’re ready for more, explore the rest of Esther Short area as it is filled with countless options of pubs and restaurants. You’ll also get to see gorgeous views of the Columbia River if you keep walking south to the Vancouver Waterfront where you’ll find other great dining options including WildFin American Grill . Although fireworks won’t be allowed, we can still appreciate being able to hang out with our loved ones. Grab your grill and go to a park, put on your swimming gear and head to a lake, or gather with friends for a night of drinks, it’s time to celebrate the Fourth of July! We wish you a happy Independence Day full of laughter and joy!

Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver, WA

The biting cold of winter is passing and the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom! Before you know it, they will reach their peak, so pack a picnic and find a spot to admire these delicate blossoms. There are tons of cherry blossom trees in Vancouver, but a few concentrated areas are especially beautiful and deserve their own viewing. Read on for where to find cherry blossoms in Vancouver, WA. Fisher’s Landing You’ll find cherry blossom trees planted all over Fisher’s Landing and East Vancouver in general. They are especially gorgeous on the streets running between 164th and 192nd south of Mill Plain. You can take a drive around the area and pass tons of little neighborhood parks and streets covered in flowers. It’s really a sight to see! Clark College Clark College near Downtown Vancouver has a Sakura Festival every year, that began in 2006. Over 25 years ago the City of Vancouver was given 100 Shirofugen cherry trees by our sister city in Joyo, Japan. They are a gift of friendship and planted at Clark College as a reminder of the enduring bonds between our region and Japan. The festivals that have been held since then are stunning and there’s always fantastic speakers and presentations. This year they are holding that festival virtually, but you can still visit the flowers in person and take a picnic to enjoy with you. Fort Vancouver Take a stroll through Fort Vancouver and you’ll find beautiful cherry blossom trees all around. There are some gorgeous clusters around the East Barracks. If you head out to enjoy these beautiful blooms, share your photos on social media with us! We’d love to see them! Visit us again next week for more spring fun in Vancouver, WA.

Romantic Stroll: Parks in Vancouver, WA

Life is full of simple pleasures! Sometimes a refreshing walk in the park is all you need for a wonderful date. Breathe the fresh, crisp winter air, and lock arms to stay warm and cozy. The best parks in Vancouver are a lot closer than you think, read on for a list of our top 3! Leroy Haagen Memorial Park Maybe we’re biased, but we really love this park. It’s right next to us, the grass is lush, the paths are clean, the trees are tall and beautiful! There are also tons of picnic tables, and a covered area to escape the wet weather. It’s the perfect place for a refreshing walk and a cute little picnic with your Valentine, Galentine, or paw-lentines! Fort Vancouver and Officers Row The fort itself is absolutely stunning, but walking along Officers Row is probably our favorite part of this giant park near downtown Vancouver. The gorgeous architecture speaks to another time, with widows walks, wrap-around porches, and lovely gardens. The trees lining the paths are beautiful any time of year, but especially during the fall and winter when it snows! Check it out on Instagram here. Esther Short Park Right in the heart of downtown Vancouver is Esther Short Park. This popular gathering place is wonderful for a romantic stroll, with a gorgeous salmon run clock tower, fountains to splash in during the summer, a covered bandstand for the occasional live entertainment, and benches dotted along the paths to just sit and enjoy the moment. There are also tons of fantastic restaurants and coffee shops surrounding the park to visit before or after! Learn more here.