Vancouver, WA

If you have an active dog in your household, you know how important the weekends are to get them out and about. We’re always looking for new places to take our pooch and this is one of our favorites in Vancouver.

I’m not sure of the official name, but it’s located just past Vancouver Lake and east of Frenchman’s Bar Park on Lower River Road.

Today we dodged the rain showers and timed it just right, although it was a bit chilly with a breeze. A few fishermen were along the shore, but otherwise, the beach was ours! Sweet.

Standard park rules apply, but this place is a great find. It’s enough off the beaten path, but not so official and no park fees! There is plenty of space to walk about, take a picnic lunch, or just chill along the river. Parking is also free and soon you are on the shores of the Columbia River among fishermen, walkers and people just enjoying the river (or on cooler days like today, it might be just you!).

The views are great – you’ll see where the Willamette feeds into the Columbia, boaters, and some beautiful homes on the Oregon side. Across the river you’ll also see Kelley Point Park, which we’re visiting tomorrow.

Not knowing the exact distance, our estimate is about a mile along the shore of the river, also dependent on the tide. The sand trail starts off a paved trail, so probably not so easy to navigate with a stroller. The paved trail runs along Lower River Road and spans to Frenchman’s Bar and Vancouver Lake towards town if you’re looking for a more solid surface for biking or walking.

Directions: From I-5 in either direction, take the 4th Plain exit and go west. Follow the signs to Vancouver Lake and follow the main road, Lower River Road. The road will curve to your left (south) and soon you’ll see a sign for Mile 6. Just after this sign you’ll see a parking lot on your left before the road curves to the right and heads west towards Frenchman’s Bar. You can park here before the road curves. Have fun, and shhh, don’t tell anyone about this place.