The US city of Vancouver is located on the northern bank of the Columbia River in southwest Washington, directly north of the frontier with Oregon. In the east rises the Cascade mountain range and the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Vancouver combines the thrill of a chief metropolitan region with small-town charm and plentiful recreational opportunities.
Built in 1825, the historic Fort Vancouver is one of the city’s highlights and a great place to stop and look at the old buildings and displays, or to just have a picnic. It sits right outside downtown Vancouver, beside the Pearson Air Field and Museum, which houses the country’s oldest wooden hanger, built in 1918. A lively gathering place is the charming Vancouver Farmers Market, which presents a great variety of naturally grown vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Just 35 miles east of Vancouver lies Beacon Rock State Park, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a number of daytrips. It’s an hour’s drive through the scenic Columbia Gorge before you arrive at the base, from where a short but rather vertical trail leads to the globe’s second-largest free-standing monolith, offering fantastic views of the gorge and river. Less than an hour to the north of Vancouver is Mount St Helens and the Ape Caves - cool, dark and damp lava tunnels which can be explored.
Highlights
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: a number of buildings have been reconstructed, complete with period furnishings, to pay tribute to this early 19th century trading post.
Pearson Air Museum: located at Pearson Field, this small museum displays vintage aircraft such as WW I planes and presents short films on aviation history.
Clark County Historical Museum: history buffs will be delighted by this downtown museum’s comprehensive collection of historical documents, maps and photographs as well as its Native American and pioneer artifact displays.
Firehall Arts Center: constructed in 1906, the Firehall building is presently operated by the Firehall Theater Society and is one of Vancouver’s busiest arts venues.
Beacon Rock: a mile-long walking trail leads to the peak of this exceptional 800-foot high geological structure that was formed from an ancient volcano, rewarding you with a stunning view of the River Gorge.