Southwest Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vancouver featuring heritage architecture and street scenes
Officers Row featuring a house and heritage architecture
Southwest Washington
Vancouver featuring heritage architecture
Vancouver featuring 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 featuring 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 Pothole 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 Orchards Plaza and Orchard Point.

Five Corners
Skamania Lodge
Skamania Lodge
3.5 out of 5
1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA
The price is NZ$371 per night from 2 July to 3 July
NZ$371
2 July - 3 July
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"The restaurant needs to heat the serving plates so the"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Skamania Lodge
Heathman Lodge
Heathman Lodge
3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is NZ$522 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$522
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,354 reviews)
"It was a nice hotel, the bed was comfortable. The front desk people were very nice. The downsides were, it was really hard to find the front door. We walked the entire building before realizing you basically have to go through the restaurant to get to the front desk. We had to ask for our VIP bottle ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Heathman Lodge
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 NZ$188 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$188
13 July - 14 July
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and location but a noisey crowd of sports kids meant less sleep"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
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.
New townhouse, Class 2 EV charger, private back patio,  muscle car garage
New townhouse, Class 2 EV charger, private back patio, muscle car garage
Goldendale
Stay at this vacation home in Goldendale. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Celilo Pool and Presby Mansion are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Nice and new duplex
"We really appreciated having a car charger available in Goldendale. Yes, there are two Chargepoint chargers in town, but having it at the duplex was a lifesaver! The accommodations were great. This was new, clean and nice amenities for our visit. Nothing was left to question!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

New townhouse, Class 2 EV charger, private back patio, muscle car garage
Cozy cabin retreat w/hot tub less than 5 mi to Mt Rainier NP
Cozy cabin retreat w/hot tub less than 5 mi to Mt Rainier NP
Ashford
Stay at this cabin in Mineral. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Allen Memorial Forest and Ashford Natural Resource Conservation ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
A peaceful retreat in the forest!
"We had a short & wonderful stay! The hot tub was so relaxing after a long day! I found a view of Mt Rainier from a window in the house! Lovely!!!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Cozy cabin retreat w/hot tub less than 5 mi to Mt Rainier NP
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
Excellent place, friendly and helpful hosts
"We came for a few days to hike in the area. The place was very cozy and nice, clean, and had everything we needed. The hosts are very nice, friendly people who really wanted us to feel welcome and comfortable - and we did."

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

Private, Cozy Retreat Convenient To Portland And The Gorge
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Southwest Washington