Springtime: A Great Time to Take an Urban Hike

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Now is a great time to get outside and explore nature. Spring is here with warmer temperatures and the ground is bursting with the first blooms and greenery of the season. You don’t have to go far for a true Northwest adventure. Clark County has miles of urban pathways that are fun, accessible, and best of all, free.

Burnt Bridge Creek Trail 7.7 miles

A hard surface asphalt/concrete trail passing through the grasslands and wooded areas of the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway. Leverich Park is a good access point for this trail.

Frenchman’s Bar Trail 3.9 miles

A paved asphalt trail nestled between Columbia River and Vancouver Lake looping around the southern half of Shillapoo Wildlife Recreation Area. Access trail from Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park or Vancouver Lake Park.

Salmon Creek Greenway Trail 3 miles

This paved asphalt treelined trail winds along the creek and through wetlands and ponds. Great for bird watching and other wildlife viewing. Salmon Creek Regional Park is a good access point for this trail.

Discovery Historic Loop Trail 2.3 miles

This paved asphalt trail is popular for walking, jogging, and biking.Sights along the way include Fort Vancouver, Pearson Air Museum, Providence Academy and Esther Short Park. Access trail on Evergreen Boulevard along Officer’s Row.

Columbia River Renaissance Trail 5 miles

This paved riverfront trail follows the Columbia River shoreline passing recreation sites, historical landmarks and popular eateries with gorgeous river and Mt Hood views along the way. Access trail from public parking areas along Columbia Way.

Places to Take Your Pooch

Who says humans should have all the fun on local parks and trails? Here are a few places where the doggos and puppers can roam off leash.

Dakota @ Pacific Community Park

1515 NE 164th Avenue, Vancouver
8 acres of flat, open fields and gravel walking trails

Ike @ Ross Substation

5167 NE 15th Ave, Vancouver
10 acres of open fields and tree-lined hills

Lucky Memorial Park

10100 NE 149th St, Brush Prairie
7.5 acres of flat, open fields with lots of space to run, jump, and fetch, with access to the Lauretta Noreen Forest Preserve (for dogs on leashes).

Kane @ Hockinson Meadows Park

10910 NE 172nd Ave, Vancouver
2 acres with open rustic terrain and forested areas

For information and park rules, go to dogpawoffleashparks.org.