A Few of Our Favorite Parks
Each week in July and August 2022, we posted a “Park of the Week” on our social media. From Vancouver to Ridgefield to Washougal, we explored parks all over Clark County and shared the fun with our followers. In case you missed those posts, below is an adaptation of those same Parks of the Week, just in time for you and your family to get out and explore them for yourself!
Nikkei Park, East Vancouver
Pronounced NEE-kay, but nicknamed the “Dinosaur Park,” Nikkei Park is all dino-themed, from track prints in the cement to palm tree replicas to climbable dino figures keeping watch over the playground. A paved walking trail circles the 5-acre park that includes a covered pavilion, a basketball hoop, sand pit, outdoor fitness structure, picnic tables, benches and bathrooms. Parking is scarce and the park is typically quite crowded on sunny days. Overflow parking is available during non-school hours a block away at the new Image Elementary School. (Photo courtesy City of Vancouver, Washington.)
Columbia Tech Center Park, East Vancouver
This unique park was a hit from the day it opened. Situated between Mill Plain Blvd and Columbia Valley Elementary School, the park was designed to mimic play in nature and complement the surrounding natural environment. The playground features large logs and boulders to climb, musical instruments, a tepee-style log structure and a sand pit, plus bike racks and a basketball court. A nature trail leads through a small wetland and on to an amphitheater. This park is very popular, so expect crowds. Parking is available at nearby businesses along east Mill Plain.
Lewisville Park, Battle Ground
Worth the drive from anywhere in Clark County, Lewisville Park is the ideal spot to spend a summer day. The 150-acre park on the East Fork Lewis River has it all: playgrounds, picnic shelters, tennis and basketball court, baseball field, picnic tables and grills, acres of open fields, 3 miles of walking trails, and, perhaps most popularly, multiple river beaches. The most popular water access point sits next to the Knotty Pine pavilion. Life vests are available to borrow and restrooms are nearby. While the beach itself is not large, the grassy area leading up to it has plenty of room for families to spread out. Pavilions of various sizes are available to reserve for $50-$150 per day, depending on the size. Parking at Lewisville Park is $3 per day for a regular vehicle or $30 for an annual pass that is also good at the other 3 Clark County regional parks (Frenchman’s Bar, Klineline Pond and Vancouver Lake).
Holley Park, La Center
This small town park is one of La Center’s many gems. During the summer, a splash pad keeps little ones cool from 11 am-8 pm, and in the fall, the park’s baseball fields host La Center Little League (there are even batting cages on site for extra practice). The well-cared-for park also features a playground, basketball court, tennis court, pavilion, paved and gravel walking trails, grassy fields and lots of picnic tables and benches throughout–all bordered by lovely mature trees. A small but smartly designed skate park is also a fun feature at the park.
Vancouver Lake Park, West Vancouver
On the far western edge of Clark County, and indeed on the edge of the state of Washington, Vancouver Lake sits close to nearby Frenchman’s Bar. Both are fantastic waterplay spots, but Vancouver Lake is usually considerably less crowded, and much better for kayaking and paddle boarding, with no river current to contend with. And it’s not uncommon to see Vancouver Lake Dragon Boating Team practicing on the water! Also similar to Frenchman’s Bar, Vancouver Lake features volleyball nets, a sandy beach, picnic tables and a playground. Paved paths wind through the 190 acres that provide plenty of space to spread out in large grassy fields or as a group in one of the covered pavilions. Clear days reveal beautiful views of Mount Hood across the lake. If you’re up for a bike ride, a great 9-mile roundtrip ride covers the paths in Vancouver Lake, connecting to Frenchman’s Bar a few miles away, through the Frenchman’s Bar paths, and back again to Vancouver Lake. Parking at Vancouver Lake Regional Park is $3 per day for a regular vehicle or $30 for an annual pass that is also good at the other 3 Clark County regional parks (Frenchman’s Bar, Klineline Pond and Vancouver Lake).
Note: Clark County Public Health monitors area water quality and advisories at Vancouver Lake may be in place. Find updates here: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches
Fisher Basin Park, East Vancouver
Right next to Shahala Middle School on 192nd Ave in East Vancouver, Fisher Basin Park is a fantastic find. A paved path winds through 12 acres of large, open, green fields with a great playground and a few picnic tables for seating. A pavilion (first come/first served) with restrooms provides space for groups to gather, and basketball courts and tennis courts invite organized and casual play. Added bonus: Lots of shops and restaurants are right across the street, so it’s an easy stop between or after errands.
Hathaway Park, Washougal
Looking for a new waterplay spot this summer? Hathaway Park in Washougal sits right on the Washougal River’s calm, shallow waters, perfect for little ones and floaties. The upper section of the park, across the street from Hathaway Elementary School, features two different covered picnic shelters, a large playground with slides galore, paved paths with benches, a Little Free Library, rock sculptures and room to run. The lower section of the park, where the water access is located, includes another playground, a baseball field, bathrooms and picnic tables. Note: dogs are not allowed on the river beach.
Fairgrounds Park, Ridgefield
Beautiful views and a serene countryside environment are the hallmarks of Fairgrounds Park in Ridgefield, named for its proximity to the Clark County Fairgrounds. A fun playground, two basketball hoops and two disc golf goals make it a great place to play; two reservable picnic shelters, plus restrooms with changing stations make it a great place to gather. The paved paths throughout the park are perfect for walking with kiddos, friends or pets.
For an added family adventure, find the slightly hidden connector trail from Fairgrounds Park to the neighboring Whipple Creek trail system. Details here: https://vancouverfamilymagazine.com/family-friendly-hikes/
Lacamas Park, Camas
A favorite kayaking and paddleboarding spot, and surrounded by lush trees, Lacamas Park on Round Lake is a beautiful location for playing in the lake, with lots of water access points along the shore. But even on days when it’s too chilly to get wet, or water quality isn’t safe for swimming (see advisory info below), there’s plenty to do throughout the 300-acre park. Miles of trails meander through the forest, across a small dam and along Lacamas Creek’s “pothole” rock formations. A good sized play structure is fun for little ones, and shaded picnic tables and grills are perfect for a cookout. Parking is scarce, but additional parking and play spots can be found at Heritage Park just up the street.
Note: Clark County Public Health monitors area water quality and advisories at Lacamas Lake and Round Lake may be in place. Find updates here: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches
