Vancouver, WA

Well it’s Sunday and the sun is shining! No better day than to get up early and wear out the dogs early! We were turned on to this place by friends and have been going ever since. It’s great because there are paved trails, sandy beaches and big fields for the dogs – and people to play.

Officially, it’s a city park so has the normal park rules so use your best judgment – i.e. it’s not “officially off-leash!” Please be responsible pet owners when taking your pets here. They do patrol the grounds. We like this park because it takes so little time to travel here, and there is so much ground to cover dependent on our time. We can get there and back within 2 hours if we so desire. There is also the Smith-Bybee Trail close by that is paved and has a few viewing areas for wildlife.

It’s funny, it can be raining all around town and for some reason there is a weather pocket on either side of the park. The park borders the Columbia River on one side and the Willamette on the other. One side is often sheltered from it, unless it’s a major downpour and then … just bring your rain gear!

There are fishermen on the bank and in boats on the river, views of the Washington side, some industrial shipyards and occasional barges and lots of people enjoying this park.

Directions: It’s only about 15-20 minutes from the I-5 Bridge on the weekends. Just take I-5 South and the Marine Drive West Exit (following signs to the Expo Center). Head West on Marine Drive and watch for the Kelley Point Park, (before the road curves into Lombard). There are two large parking lots on either side of the park, no charges apply for parking or usage.