Vancouver, WA

When I need to escape the “Hurry Up” mentality of my 9-5 job, I flee to the WSU Vancouver campus. The geek in me loves the quiet library and the academic feel of the corridors in the classroom buildings. On a sunny day, however, even a geek like me cannot resist traversing the miles of trails on the 351 acre campus.

I visited Cottonwood Beach for the first time on a balmy Sunday evening in April, with my dog Mischief in tow. The area was lively but not crowded – a pair of young boys ran through the edge of the water tracing ripples with their long sticks, several generations of a family had built a fire and were enjoying a picnic, young sweethearts cuddled against driftwood to enjoy the sunset, and friends met to enjoy a hike along the edge of the river. The park feels remote, but is less than a mile from State Highway 14 and the town of Washougal, and about 18 miles east of downtown Vancouver. The water’s edge is shallow and calm, belying the powerful river that flows just offshore.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is an ideal spot for taking the family, going for an early morning walk, or even walking your dog (allowed if on a leash.) I also have to say that while I was holding my little girl’s hand, I thought it would be a very romantic spot to be holding my husband’s hand if we can actually plan a little date sans children some sunny day. Either way, be sure to bring your camera; you’ll regret it if you don’t.

As Spring rose from its static slumber under clouds of gray, my Mother and Grandmother bolted for the outdoors. They are politely termed, “walking enthusiasts”; each logs about 25 miles a week on their cross-trainers. So on the first day of fair weather they had an adventure planned and invited me to join the fun. Like a brainless badger I agreed. The Salmon Creek Trail was the destination. The trail runs roughly east to west along Salmon Creek, Klineline Pond and the Vancouver Girls Softball fields.

I found this place while riding the bus home from work. The bus is often a strange, chaotic place, filled to the brim with elderly, drugged-out, socially inept, and mentally deranged individuals, not to mention a few polite businessmen in nice suits. I think it proved a pleasant distraction when I glanced out the window and saw the little Eden at 23rd and Bybee.

Kelley Point Park off Marine Drive in Oregon Offers Great Walking Trails

A great beach stroll along the Columbia River near Vancouver Lake.

I love the bright colors of Spring emerging from the bareness of winter. Spring fever motivates me to explore the outdoors. A recent visit to my doctors office provided a colorful brochure about walking trails in Vancouver. I have been encouraged to get more active. I planned to start with an easy walk then to gradually increase to more challenging paths. Walking is a simple exercise, requiring no equipment purchase, that eventually becomes a clothes rack. After reading the entire brochure, I

Another beautiful walk in Old Town Vancouver! I’ve known about Clark College for a long time, but the walking paths were a new discovery for me.
You can follow this map of the paths both on campus and across the street, where you can walk around the tennis courts and the baseball and soccer fields. The map even tells you how long your walk will be.

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.