Southwest Washington

Travel Guide

Vancouver showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Officers\' Row showing heritage architecture and a house
Southwest Washington
Vancouver which includes heritage architecture
Vancouver which includes heritage architecture

Discover a scenic region with towering volcanoes, wild national parks and historical attractions in this beautiful part of Washington state.

Southwest Washington offers undeveloped wilderness and scenic views across valleys. One of the areas encountered by early 19th-century explorers Lewis and Clark on their journey west, Southwest Washington retains its pioneering spirit to this day and its residents also display a desire to live harmoniously with the land. Hike up an active volcano, kayak on a lake that’s a state park and explore charming small towns.

One of the main draws of Southwest Washington is the city of Vancouver where history, art and nature all mingle. Discover the flourishing music scene by attending a classical concert put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and enjoy an outdoor concert series at Sunlight Supply Amphitheater. Spend time at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a reconstructed fort with gardens and a village.

Not far from Vancouver is a treasure trove of natural sites. Swim or kayak through Battle Ground Lake State Park, a stunning lake created by ancient volcanic activity and surrounded by forests at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Ride on horseback through Bells Mountain Trail in Yacolt and take a guided tour through the rocky terrain on Cape Horn. Hike through Dog Mountain in the spring to see endless fields of wildflowers and gather a few friends to play disc golf in Leverich Park.

There is nowhere better to observe the power of nature than Mount St. Helens, an active volcano closely monitored by expert geologists. Take a helicopter tour of the area for a bird’s-eye view or keep your distance and view the volcano from the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

North of Mount St. Helen’s is the town Centralia, where charming downtown streets are dotted with boutique shops. Head south to reach Camas and the Lacamas Lake Park to take a boat out on the water or relax on the shore.

Take the scenic Amtrak Cascades train service to Vancouver or Kelso. The closest airports are Portland International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Drivers can enter the region via several interstate highways.

Whether you come to relax or for wilderness adventure, Southwest Washington is a dream vacation destination.

Where to stay in Southwest Washington

Vancouver which includes heritage architecture

Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Vancouver Farmers Market and Interstate Bridge while you're in town.

Downtown Vancouver
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Salmon Creek

Salmon Creek is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Westside Golf Range, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Salmon Creek
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Hazel Dell

Hazel Dell is well liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Vancouver Mall and Ulysses S. Grant House.

Hazel Dell
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Paradise Estates

Though Paradise Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area and Anderson Lake.

Paradise Estates
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Nisqually Park

While visiting Nisqually Park, you might make a stop by sights like Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area.

Nisqually Park
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Five Corners

While visiting Five Corners, you might make a stop by sights like Orchard Point and Orchards Plaza.

Five Corners
Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center

2.5 out of 5
401 E 13th Street, Vancouver, WA
The price is €95 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€95
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"While staff was helpful and polite the cleaning was not. We have short grey hair yet there was black long curly hair in both sink and bath. This was still there after the room was cleaned between our staying days"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Heathman Lodge

Heathman Lodge

3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,408 reviews)
"We visit Vancouver once or twice a year. This is one of our two go-to places to stay."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Heathman Lodge
Skamania Lodge

Skamania Lodge

3.5 out of 5
1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA
The price is €223 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€223
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Stevenson. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Property was amazing and beds were comfortable."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Skamania Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fully Updated! (Pics coming 5/25) Hot Tub, River, Gorge, Mt Hood Views, Quiet White Salmon

Fully Updated! (Pics coming 5/25) Hot Tub, River, Gorge, Mt Hood Views, Quiet White Salmon

White Salmon
Stay at this vacation home in White Salmon. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions White Salmon Glassworks and Koberg Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Nice place, needs just a litte more lighting..1st time we have stayed at a vrbo and not cooked"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Fully Updated! (Pics coming 5/25) Hot Tub, River, Gorge, Mt Hood Views, Quiet White Salmon
Private, Cozy Retreat Convenient To Portland And The Gorge

Private, Cozy Retreat Convenient To Portland And The Gorge

Washougal
Stay at this cottage in Washougal. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Two Rivers Heritage Museum and Washougal River are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
Always a great stay
"I think this is our fourth stay! We really enjoy the ability to settle in with our fur babies and be able to cook in the well outfitted kitchen. The location, for us, is perfect as we are between Battle Ground and Portland to visit family and friends. Love being able to do laundry because when we’re ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Private, Cozy Retreat Convenient To Portland And The Gorge
Dark Sky Cabin Retreat

Dark Sky Cabin Retreat

Goldendale
Stay at this cabin in Goldendale. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Exceeded expectations. Charming decor and well appointed with convenient items and comfy beds. Beautiful views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. We enjoyed watching the meteor shower and our city dog enjoyed the freedom of farm dog lifestyle for a night."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Dark Sky Cabin Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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