Clark: Waterfalls, Lakes, and Historic Discoveries

Clark combines impressive waterscapes, diverse hiking destinations, and historic sites into a travel destination offering many different experiences. When choosing a vacation rental or holiday home, you can therefore tailor your itinerary to your personal interests: waterfalls and lakes, wildlife viewing, culture, or a drive through the landscapes of Clark County.

Waterfalls, Lakes, and Hiking Trails

A notable natural area is Moulton Falls Regional Park. The park covers 387 acres and is located at the confluence of the East Fork of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek. Two waterfalls and an arched bridge more than three stories high define the landscape. The excursion train of the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad also travels through the park. For a longer hike, Moulton Falls Regional Park provides access to the 7.5-mile Bells Mountain Trail. Swimming is permitted, although there are no lifeguards.

Lucia Falls Regional Park is a 24-acre park on the north bank of the East Fork of the Lewis River. At Round Lake in the 312-acre Lacamas Regional Park, fishing and hiking are the main activities. There are also areas for birdwatching. The higher-elevation forests are home to deer, raccoons, beavers, coyotes, ospreys, and bald eagles, among other species. A network of scenic hiking trails connects at the southern shore of Lacamas Lake with the Lacamas Heritage Trail.

Water Activities and Relaxed Outing Ideas

Vancouver Lake is suitable for beginner windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing. Vancouver Lake Regional Park also serves as a habitat for wildlife and migratory waterfowl. This allows you to combine time by the water with nature observation without every day of your trip having to follow the same pattern. Frenchman's Bar Regional Park has eight sand volleyball courts. Visitors entering the park on foot or by bicycle do not pay an entrance fee.

History, Culture, and Special Places

The Clark County Historical Museum presents exhibitions, lectures, and events about local stories from all areas of Clark County's history. At Pomeroy Farm, a living-history farm illustrates life before electrification. The historic Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers nostalgic train rides through the landscapes of Clark County, while the Cathlapotle Plankhouse serves as an educational and interpretive center and is used for cultural events throughout the year.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site also places a focus on history. It was established in 1825 and covers 191 acres. The 1-mile Vancouver Land Bridge Trail connects Fort Vancouver with Vancouver's waterfront area. Pearson Field is one of the oldest continuously operated airfields in the United States. The Washougal Mill also offers insight into regional manufacturing: Pendleton has produced woolen fabrics for its products there since 1912.

Wildlife Viewing and Scenic Drives

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 5,200 acres of wetlands, lakes, and grassland. The River ‘S’ Unit Auto Tour is a 4.2-mile one-way drive on a gravel road. In the wetlands, 180 bird species pass through, including Canada geese, sandhill cranes, Great Blue Herons, swans, turkey vultures, and various shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. Coyotes, bald eagles, Columbian white-tailed deer, weasels, and turtles are also found there. The Kiwa Trail is open to walkers and users of mobility aids; jogging, bicycles, and pets are not permitted there.

For a more comprehensive exploration, there is a 70-mile loop through parks, historic sites, and other attractions in Clark County. A drive along State Route 12 also passes through Clark County. The section mentioned includes Captain William Clark Park in Washougal, Frenchman's Bar Park and Marine Park in Vancouver, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on your preferred pace of travel, accommodation in Clark can serve as a base for nature-focused, cultural, or road-trip excursions, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of experience.

More Places for Your Search

For further orientation within Clark, you can also view Battle Ground, Vancouver, Washougal, Camas, Ridgefield, Salmon Creek, and La Center. Pacific County offers another regional point of reference.

When choosing your vacation rental in Clark, it is worthwhile to first determine your preferred focus: water activities, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, history, or a mix of several topics.

For the overarching travel overview: Washington.