Southwest Washington

Travel Guide

Vancouver featuring heritage architecture and street scenes
Officers Row showing heritage architecture and a house
Vancouver which includes heritage architecture
Vancouver featuring heritage architecture
Vancouver showing heritage architecture

Discover a scenic region with towering volcanoes, wild national parks and historical attractions in this beautiful part of Washington state.

Southwest Washington offers undeveloped wilderness and scenic views across valleys. One of the areas encountered by early 19th-century explorers Lewis and Clark on their journey west, Southwest Washington retains its pioneering spirit to this day and its residents also display a desire to live harmoniously with the land. Hike up an active volcano, kayak on a lake that’s a state park and explore charming small towns.

One of the main draws of Southwest Washington is the city of Vancouver where history, art and nature all mingle. Discover the flourishing music scene by attending a classical concert put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and enjoy an outdoor concert series at Sunlight Supply Amphitheater. Spend time at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a reconstructed fort with gardens and a village.

Not far from Vancouver is a treasure trove of natural sites. Swim or kayak through Battle Ground Lake State Park, a stunning lake created by ancient volcanic activity and surrounded by forests at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Ride on horseback through Bells Mountain Trail in Yacolt and take a guided tour through the rocky terrain on Cape Horn. Hike through Dog Mountain in the spring to see endless fields of wildflowers and gather a few friends to play disc golf in Leverich Park.

There is nowhere better to observe the power of nature than Mount St. Helens, an active volcano closely monitored by expert geologists. Take a helicopter tour of the area for a bird’s-eye view or keep your distance and view the volcano from the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

North of Mount St. Helen’s is the town Centralia, where charming downtown streets are dotted with boutique shops. Head south to reach Camas and the Lacamas Lake Park to take a boat out on the water or relax on the shore.

Take the scenic Amtrak Cascades train service to Vancouver or Kelso. The closest airports are Portland International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Drivers can enter the region via several interstate highways.

Whether you come to relax or for wilderness adventure, Southwest Washington is a dream vacation destination.

Where to stay in Southwest Washington

Vancouver showing heritage architecture

Downtown Vancouver

Travelers come to Downtown Vancouver for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Vancouver Farmers Market and Interstate Bridge while you're in town.

Downtown Vancouver
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Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Westside Golf Range, a top place to visit in the area.

Salmon Creek
Nice little park in the middle of Vancouver, WA. The switchbacks up the hill, surrounded by tall trees will make you feel like you're a lot further from town. It was a nice, quiet place to stretch my dogs legs for a bit and eat my lunch from nearby Panera Bread.

Hazel Dell

Hazel Dell is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Vancouver Mall and Ulysses S. Grant House.

Hazel Dell
Charming cabin just outside of Mt. Rainier National Park, with three bedrooms

Paradise Estates

5/5(1 area review)

Paradise Estates might not have many top sights, but Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area and Anderson Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Paradise Estates
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Nisqually Park

If you're spending some time in Nisqually Park, Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area are top sights worth seeing.

Nisqually Park
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Five Corners

While visiting Five Corners, you might make a stop by sights like Orchards Plaza and Orchard Point.

Five Corners

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Southwest Washington