Craving a breath of fresh air or a peaceful walk under tall trees? The area around Vancouver is packed with trails that offer everything from wildflower meadows to shady forest loops, often just a few minutes from your doorstep.
Let’s get to it.
Cougar Creek Trail
Just outside Hazel Dell, Cougar Creek Trail offers a mellow half-mile link between NW 119th Street and the Salmon Creek Trail network. Its six-foot-wide crushed gravel path provides a smooth walk for casual hikers, strollers, or wheelchairs. Although brief entry slopes can feel steep, the trail levels out quickly.
Along the way, you’ll pass riparian woodlands, gentle ravines, and clusters of Douglas firs. Tiny cascades spill over rocks into Cougar Creek when water levels are right. A single picnic table sits near the midpoint. There are no restrooms or formal parking lots. Instead, on-street parking lines nearby roads. Locals walking dogs or taking daily walks keep traffic light even on weekends. The gravel holds up well after rain, though winter slopes can get slick. Late spring through early fall offers the driest conditions and the clearest footing. Quiet and uncrowded, this trail makes for an easy outdoor break close to town.
Columbia Springs
Occupying a 100-acre site inside Vancouver, Columbia Springs offers roughly two miles of flat trails through mixed habitats. Wide paved segments near the visitor center cater to strollers and wheelchairs. Boardwalks cross wetlands and dirt lanes wind through wooded areas without trapping your shoe in mud unless conditions are very wet. Path names like Heron Loop and Biddlewood Preserve hint at the bird species and woodland views ahead.
Wildlife-viewing platforms line the pond and stream edges, while interpretive signs and occasional art pieces add context to the surroundings. The on-site trout hatchery draws visitors to watch fish activity and feed the hatchlings. Benches and picnic spots dot the network, and free parking and seasonal restrooms are available near the main entrance. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Guided nature walks run on weekends and holidays, offering insights into local ecology. Weekday strolls tend to be quiet, while weekend mornings see more families stopping by. Columbia Springs combines easy walking with educational opportunity in a tidy, well-maintained setting.
Salmon Creek Greenway Trail
Spanning roughly 3.1 miles round trip, Salmon Creek Greenway Trail follows a mostly flat paved corridor through wetlands, meadows, and forest patches. The level surface welcomes strollers and wheelchairs, though occasional pavement bumps keep you alert.
Dogs on leash are welcome, but they must stay out of the main pond unless they serve as official assistance animals. Trailheads at Klineline Pond and NW 36th Avenue each provide parking, restrooms, water fountains, and benches for quick breaks. In summer, the east end at Klineline Pond becomes a hub for swimming, picnics, and guarded water play. Maps and signs mark key junctions for easy navigation.
Along the way, you might meet birdwatchers, joggers, or the occasional coyote or raccoon. County crews keep the path in good repair and the signage clear. Weekday visits tend to be quieter, while weekends attract more local families. This trail offers a straightforward outing for nature observation, casual exercise, or simply a paved escape from neighborhood streets.
Southcliff Park
Hidden in a quiet Vancouver neighborhood, Southcliff Park spans 2.7 acres of open lawn and mature trees. A paved loop trail of about one tenth of a mile circles the site in a level, easy stroll that suits strollers and wheelchairs without any effort.
Several benches and a small play structure for children appear near the center, while picnic tables dot the grass for snack breaks.
Leashed dogs are welcome, and waste stations stand near the main entrance. The broad lawns offer enough space for a casual game of catch or an attempt at flying a kite. Street parking is available around the perimeter, though parallel spots can fill up on busy afternoons.
No restrooms are on site, so plan short visits accordingly. Well-maintained turf and pathways make the park feel tidy and inviting. Southcliff Park may not draw large crowds, but its straightforward layout and peaceful atmosphere make it a pleasant local stop for simple outdoor time.
Cascade Park
Framed by neighborhood roads, Cascade Park covers about three and a half acres of flat, paved walkways. The paths are wide enough to handle strollers, wheelchairs, or a leisurely stroll. Benches and picnic tables appear throughout the park, making it easy to pause for a snack or people-watching.
The central playground offers slides, swings, and climbing features that keep children busy. Open lawns surround this area, ideal for tossing a frisbee or simply lying back to watch the clouds. Wildlife sightings include squirrels, the occasional rabbit, and rarely a deer at the park edge.
Leashed dogs can share the green space with their owners, and waste stations stand near the main access points. Note that restrooms are not available on site, so plan accordingly. Maintenance is reliable, and the park rarely feels crowded, even during spring and summer weekends. Cascade Park strikes a balance between quiet neighborhood charm and basic recreational amenities, making it a convenient spot for families and individuals alike.
Jorgenson Woods Neighborhood Park
In a quiet corner of town, Jorgenson Woods Neighborhood Park covers six acres of conifer forest with a quarter-mile paved loop and an unpaved figure-8 trail. Tall cedars and firs line the paths, and a small creek flows under a simple wooden footbridge.
The paved circuit remains flat and smooth for strollers or wheelchairs, while the dirt and gravel figure-8 adds about a quarter mile of natural surface. A handful of benches near the bridge and along the main loop let you stop and listen to birds or watch the creek. Dogs are welcome on leash, ensuring a safe stroll for all visitors.
Trail maintenance keeps branches trimmed and moss in check, so paths stay easy to navigate. There are no restrooms or water fountains on site. Parking is limited to street spaces. The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk. It’s a quiet neighborhood spot with just enough variety in surface and scenery for a relaxed walk.
Biddlewood Park
Tucked into a suburban neighborhood, Biddlewood Park spans about seven acres beneath mature evergreens and leafy trees. The main loop covers half a mile on smooth paved walkways, while an extended trail reaches roughly one and a half miles through woodsy dirt paths. A small playground with swings and a slide sits adjacent to the paved loop.
The paved sections are wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs, and benches by the playground offer rest stops. Picnic tables stand in open grassy areas, and on-street parking lines the perimeter. There are no restrooms on site, so plan breaks accordingly. After heavy rain, dirt sections may become uneven or muddy, but maintenance crews clear leaves and trim branches to keep trails passable.
Dog-friendly waste stations appear along the paths, and regular visitors note the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you opt for the shorter loop or the extended path, the mix of pavement and natural surface delivers variety without steep climbs or tricky footing. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Beaver Marsh
Just a short drive from Vancouver, Beaver Marsh offers a small forest retreat along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. The 0.65-mile loop winds under Douglas-fir trees, crosses two shallow creeks, and passes a single wooden footbridge. In April, white trilliums carpet the moist ground and ferns edge the trail bed.
Birdwatchers appreciate the riparian habitat for songbirds, and benches dot the loop to let you pause for spotting. The trail stays uniformly flat with a gently packed dirt surface. Moss and ferns line the edges for much of the year. The unpaved path can get slippery after rain, so waterproof shoes are a must.
Parking fits into a small paved lot and nearby street spaces. There are no restrooms or water fountains, so plan accordingly. Limited parking and minimal facilities keep crowds at bay. With a quiet setting and simple amenities, Beaver Marsh provides a peaceful escape without driving far.
David Douglas Park
At David Douglas Park, you’ll find 88 acres of sports fields, picnic shelters, paved paths, and wooded trails beneath towering evergreens. The main park loop is a one-mile fully paved circle, smooth enough for strollers and wheelchairs. Benches sit at regular intervals so you can pause and enjoy the view. Sports events draw a weekend crowd, but the grounds are large enough that quieter stretches are easy to locate.
For a more rustic experience or a longer dog walk, try the one-mile out-and-back dirt trail. Leash rules relax on sections of the natural trail, giving dogs room to roam under the canopy. Free parking and clearly marked restrooms make visits hassle-free. A sheltered picnic area keeps gatherings dry when it rains. The park opens early morning and stays accessible until late at night, year-round. Regular maintenance keeps the main loop clear, so even after heavy rain you can expect a passable surface. Whether you’re planning a game day or a peaceful stroll, this park offers something for everyone.
Orchards Community Park
Serving the local community, Orchards Community Park spans 33 acres under an urban forest canopy. The walking loop measures about 0.8 miles with just nine feet of elevation change. Paved segments make the loop accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and shaded sections keep it cool on sunny days.
Leashed dogs are welcome, and visitors often spot bunnies, owls, and songbirds. A rose garden sits near the center of the park, adding color to picnic areas. Amenities include 22 picnic tables, three grills, horseshoe pits, benches throughout, and a reservable shelter for larger gatherings.
Parking is ample, with standard and van-accessible spots. A drinking fountain stands near the entrance. The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round, though some areas can get muddy after Northwest rainstorms. Weekends bring more visitors, but weekday trips usually stay quiet. Whether you want a short stroll, a family picnic, or a game of horseshoes, this park keeps everything close at hand.
Behrens Woods
Hidden within the city, Behrens Woods offers a simple forest escape. The main attraction is a 0.2-mile loop… the trail measures under a quarter mile but connects to two short offshoots for extra exploration. The 7-foot elevation gain keeps the route nearly flat and welcoming for all skill levels. Visitors get a forest fix without a strenuous climb.
Paths are wide and covered in compact gravel that meets universal-access guidelines, allowing wheelchairs and strollers to roll smoothly. A shoe-brush station stands at the entrance. There are no restrooms or dedicated parking lots, but free street parking is available along SE Bella Vista Avenue and SE Bella Vista Road. Mature cedars and maples shade the trail, and plant identification signs offer self-guided learning. Local volunteers handle routine upkeep, keeping the area tidy year-round. Crowds remain light except on busy weekend mornings, and spring brings especially lush greenery. This small, accessible park delivers a quick dose of nature on a tight schedule.
Leverich Park
Spanning 33 acres in Vancouver, Washington, Leverich Park offers both wooded and open areas. A 0.7-mile loop uses smooth asphalt paths with gentle grades that suit walkers, wheelchair users, and strollers. Burnt Bridge Creek runs along sections of the trail, while tall Douglas firs and deciduous trees create shaded corridors next to open lawns.
Visitors find paved parking lots and public restrooms at the main entrance. A covered picnic shelter accommodates group meals, and benches line the walking paths. A playground features swings, slides, and climbing structures on a soft surface. A twelve-hole disc golf course winds through tree clusters; players carry cases of discs along the fairways. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. Maintenance crews keep trails clear and facilities clean all year long. The park opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., fitting early jogs and evening strolls. Even on weekends, crowds stay light, making this spot a dependable, low-key retreat near the city.
