Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Clark County is the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and is less than a ten-minute drive to Portland, Oregon.  The rich landscape provides visitors with an abundance of sightseeing opportunities and unparalleled outdoor recreational activities from hiking, biking and camping, to boating, windsurfing and fishing, there is something for everyone.

The area also enjoys a year-round walkable climate and a trail system that promotes access to environmental education, historic interpretation and public art amid Southwest Washington’s glorious landscape.  Whatever the preference, there is something here for everybody.

Fishing – The rivers and lakes in Southwest Washington offer some of the best fishing.  This region offers many fine steelhead streams and one of the only wild Fall Chinook salmon runs in the state. The Columbia River also offers some of the best sturgeon fishing.  Fishing regulations fluctuate based on how many fish are forecast and how many actually arrive but some fishing is always available.  Battle Ground Lake, Klineline Pond, and Lacamas Lake are stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and other varieties of warmwater fish.  Vancouver Lake offers channel catfish, bass, yellow perch, and carp. 

Windsurfing – It’s not a secret that the Columbia River Gorge has become known as one of the premier locations, world wide, for windsurfing; some even call it the windsurfing capital of the world.  The winds from the Columbia River Gorge, best during the middle of the day, create ideal conditions for riding the waves. That combined with opposing currents can create swells that climb up to 8 feet.  There are approximately 50 approved windsurfing sites along the east and west sides of the Gorge.  You might want to just go and watch the amazing water acrobatics of these world-class athletes. 

Hiking – For the serious mountaineer, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to the east is a paradise.  Trails range from easy nature trails to rugged terrain at varying difficulty offering recreation opportunities for everyone.

To the north is Mount St. Helens.  One of the most notable climbs is the Monitor Ridge hike to the summit.  While not easy, this non-technical climb is accomplished by over 15,000 people annually.  Although people climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season.  Permits are required to climb above the 4,800 foot elevation and recent volcanic activity has closed some of the trails.

Walking – For those who love to walk, few places in America offer so many historic and scenic attractions in such close proximity along Vancouver’s walking trails.  In fact, with over 40 miles of urban walking trails, it’s no wonder Clark County received the Walkable Community Award from Walking Magazine. 

Check out the Discovery Loop Trail.  The 2.3-mile loop begins on East Evergreen and winds through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Officer's Row, and downtown Vancouver, joining the Waterfront Renaissance Trail at Vancouver Landing. Sights along the way include Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum, Providence Academy and Esther Short Park. 

You also don’t want to miss the Waterfront Renaissance Trail.  This 4-mile long, 14-foot-wide, shared use trail connects downtown to the retail shops and restaurants along the Columbia River waterfront.  The trail passes the plaza dedicated to Ilchee, a Native Indian chief’s daughter.  There are many parks and picnic areas along to the way to stop and enjoy the view.  From downtown, head south on Columbia Avenue to pick up the trail at the waterfront.

Take the Tour through Time walking tour of downtown Vancouver and explore the historic properties that are the cornerstones of Clark County heritage and culture.  The community’s preservation efforts of these buildings are not only a source of pride, they also recently earned Vancouver the designation of a Preserve America Community by the White House.

Skiing & Snowboarding – Mt. Hood in Oregon, about an hour’s drive away, is a virtual winter playground for both kids and adults offering everything from the best powder skiing and snowboarding, to tubing, sleigh rides and dog sled rides.  Mt Hood Skibowl also offers America’s largest night ski area. 

Golf – Golf is also a much-appreciated sport in Southwest Washington.  Clark County alone offers more than a dozen diverse courses.  From the novice to the pro, golf enthusiasts will enjoy views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, natural wetlands, the Lewis River and giant cedars. If golfing isn’t your style, try hiking a few courses for the beautiful scenery golf course architects embrace.

Camping – The area offers two state parks with tent and RV sites, as well as a number of well-kept RV Campgrounds.