Just minutes away from Portland, on the other side of the Columbia River in Washington State, Vancouver is both scenic and rich in history. Vancouver is flanked by the immense Cascade mountains and has some of the strongest connections to the Pacific Northwest of any city in the region.
It was here Lewis and Clark camped along the storied river. Just a few years later, the first European trading post was set up in what is now known as Fort Vancouver. While there are plenty of things to do in Vancouver that are related to its history, travelers can also enjoy a welcoming modern culture, scenic parks, and epic mountains.
Covered in earth and indigenous plants, the Vancouver Land Bridge connects the Columbia River waterfront area with Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The bridge, which is also known as the Confluence Project, is both a feat of marvelous engineering and also a celebration of Native American and European cultures. The bridge also marks the spot where Lewis and Clark camped long before the fort was built.
On the Columbia River side of the bridge, you’ll find the Welcome Gate. It was designed by Lillian Pitt, a Native American artist. Pitt is renowned for her works that focus on Native American culture in the Pacific Northwest. The other side marks the location of the Hudson’s Bay trading post, the first of its kind in the region.
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Built in 1876, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill runs the same now as it has since the 19th century. The mill is the only one of its kind in Washington state that still features its original construction and without the influence of electricity.
The beautiful Cedar Creek feeds the historic mill, which in turn creates cider, flour, and cornmeal. Now a working museum, guests can join the resident guides on a tour to learn about the early days of what is now a National Historic Landmark.
At the end of the experience, grab a bag of freshly ground flour, perfect for making some baked treats back in Vancouver.
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For a multi-sport kind of day, head to Vancouver Lake Park. The sprawling outdoor space runs along the edge of the serene Vancouver Lake for over two miles. Within its boundaries, you can take part in a wide range of up-tempo and leisurely activities.
A consistent breeze sweeps along the lakeshore providing perfect conditions for windsurfing, while you can also venture out on a kayak. On dry land, you’ll find spacious green areas designed for family picnics and yard games. Visitors can also make use of the volleyball nets.
From your picnic spot, keep an eye out for mountain views, including Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood.
© Under an hour north of Vancouver, is an active stratovolcano. Mount Saint Helens is a part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and a section of the Pacific Ring of Fire. This may all sound a tad dramatic, but the mountain was responsible for the worst volcanic natural disaster in U.S. history.
So why should you visit? Well, Mount Saint Helens is an adventurer’s paradise. Unlike other peaks in the Cascade Mountains, such as the famed Mount Rainier, Saint Helens has a variety of mountaineering experiences that are great for beginners. A range of trails take you over epic ridgelines to the 8,363-foot summit and rewards you with mesmerizing panoramic views.
For something more casual, the mountain features some leisurely trails around its base. Rock climbing is also popular here, especially from late spring through to fall.
It was here Lewis and Clark camped along the storied river. Just a few years later, the first European trading post was set up in what is now known as Fort Vancouver. While there are plenty of things to do in Vancouver that are related to its history, travelers can also enjoy a welcoming modern culture, scenic parks, and epic mountains.
Vancouver Land Bridge
Covered in earth and indigenous plants, the Vancouver Land Bridge connects the Columbia River waterfront area with Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The bridge, which is also known as the Confluence Project, is both a feat of marvelous engineering and also a celebration of Native American and European cultures. The bridge also marks the spot where Lewis and Clark camped long before the fort was built.
On the Columbia River side of the bridge, you’ll find the Welcome Gate. It was designed by Lillian Pitt, a Native American artist. Pitt is renowned for her works that focus on Native American culture in the Pacific Northwest. The other side marks the location of the Hudson’s Bay trading post, the first of its kind in the region.
Cedar Creek Grist Mill
© Built in 1876, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill runs the same now as it has since the 19th century. The mill is the only one of its kind in Washington state that still features its original construction and without the influence of electricity.
The beautiful Cedar Creek feeds the historic mill, which in turn creates cider, flour, and cornmeal. Now a working museum, guests can join the resident guides on a tour to learn about the early days of what is now a National Historic Landmark.
At the end of the experience, grab a bag of freshly ground flour, perfect for making some baked treats back in Vancouver.
Vancouver Lake Park
© For a multi-sport kind of day, head to Vancouver Lake Park. The sprawling outdoor space runs along the edge of the serene Vancouver Lake for over two miles. Within its boundaries, you can take part in a wide range of up-tempo and leisurely activities.
A consistent breeze sweeps along the lakeshore providing perfect conditions for windsurfing, while you can also venture out on a kayak. On dry land, you’ll find spacious green areas designed for family picnics and yard games. Visitors can also make use of the volleyball nets.
From your picnic spot, keep an eye out for mountain views, including Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood.
Mount Saint Helens
© Under an hour north of Vancouver, is an active stratovolcano. Mount Saint Helens is a part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and a section of the Pacific Ring of Fire. This may all sound a tad dramatic, but the mountain was responsible for the worst volcanic natural disaster in U.S. history.So why should you visit? Well, Mount Saint Helens is an adventurer’s paradise. Unlike other peaks in the Cascade Mountains, such as the famed Mount Rainier, Saint Helens has a variety of mountaineering experiences that are great for beginners. A range of trails take you over epic ridgelines to the 8,363-foot summit and rewards you with mesmerizing panoramic views.
For something more casual, the mountain features some leisurely trails around its base. Rock climbing is also popular here, especially from late spring through to fall.