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 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 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$374 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$374
20 July - 21 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Nice place. Would come back again"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Skamania Lodge
Heathman Lodge
Heathman Lodge
3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is NZ$418 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$418
11 July - 12 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! (2,342 reviews)
"Well maintained, quiet atmosphere."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$195 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$195
31 July - 1 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Liked location, cleanliness Didn't like noise"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 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.
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! (42 reviews)
Perfect cabin
"We loved our stay here! Perfect location for visiting Mt Rainier National Park. We loved the fully furnished kitchen to make meals. Also the ability to do laundry while on a long road trip was so helpful! Everything looked exactly like the photos!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 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! (155 reviews)
Washougal visit
"Property was clean and has everything you would have in your own kitchen. Bed is comfy as is the living room. Property is a great location for our needs. Ray is a stellar host there if you need him and not if you don't."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Private, Cozy Retreat Convenient To Portland And The Gorge
Perch - Cozy Pines: Nature's Escape! Cabin Retreat w/ Private Hot Tub
Perch - Cozy Pines: Nature's Escape! Cabin Retreat w/ Private Hot Tub
Ashford
Stay at this cabin in Mineral. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Allen Memorial Forest and Mount Rainier Gateway Protected ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Great getway
"Great place to take your family for a couple days"

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Perch - Cozy Pines: Nature's Escape! Cabin Retreat w/ Private Hot Tub
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