Vancouver, WA

What a great day for a run, and the Vancouver Waterfront is the perfect place! It was calm day after a period of rain showers, only a few more people had the same idea as I today. If you’ve never taken a run or walk along Vancouver’s waterfront, it’s definitely worth the trip! It’s one of my favorite spots to run in Vancouver. While I’m not sure of the exact distance both ways, it’s about a 30 minute run for me (an average speed runner). I started up near Esther Short Park so it was a bit longer.

The path along the Columbia River starts just west of Joe’s Crab Shack near the I-5 bridge and ends up just east of Beaches Restaurant. (However, the pier is currently closed near the bridge so you can start on the sidewalk). Or, as I mentioned you can also start near Esther Short Park downtown. There are also some detours you can take if you’d like a longer jaunt. Near the I-5 bridge you can take a trail and check out the new pedestrian bridge.

The trail also takes you to the Old Apple Tree Park near the Fort. About midway through the trail near the condos, you can access the beach. I used to take my old lab down to the beach when the water is low enough. Leashes and Scoop Law are required for pets on the trail.

At the end of the trail you can also extend your route among the commercial park, heading further east. This trail has lots of temptations, those being both restaurants and detours to the river. So if you’re feeling lazy or want refreshments and a bite to eat, you can pick among the four restaurants along the waterfront or take a blanket and sit along the beach.

How to get there? For a little longer route you can start at Esther Short Park on Columbia Street/5th. From I-5 North take Mill Plain Blvd exit, go west on Mill Plain and south on Columbia Street. If you want to start closer to the trail Columbia Street curves under the I-5 bridge and you’ll end up near Joe’s Crabshack, Who Songs, and a couple of free parking areas. If you’re starting from the East side of the trail you can park around Beaches or McMenamins, located off Exit 1 on Hwy 14 before intersecting I-5.