10 TOP Things to Do in Southwest Washington (2026 Activity Guide)

Vancouver showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Officers Row featuring a house and heritage architecture

Vancouver which includes heritage architecture

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What to do in Southwest Washington

Popular places to visit

Mount St. Helens

Hike the trails in the blast zone or camp out near the visitor centre for an incredible trip at this National Volcanic Monument north of Portland.

The power of water at the Cascade Locks dam in Oregon in summer

Bonneville Lock and Dam

You can find out about the history of Cascade Locks with a visit to Bonneville Lock and Dam. Wander the riverfront in this romantic area.

Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center

You can browse the exhibits at Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Castle Rock. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Bridge of the Gods

You can find out about the history of Cascade Locks when you stop by Bridge of the Gods. Wander the riverfront in this romantic area.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Stride around a 19th-century fort, watch live craft demonstrations and learn about Washington’s trading and military history.

Maryhill Stonehenge

You can find out about the history of Maryhill with a trip to Maryhill Stonehenge. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Panoramic sunrise landscape over Columbia River, Mt Hood, Portland Oregon, and Vancouver Washington, Pacific Northwest United States

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is just one of the places to see in Vancouver, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

ilani Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to ilani Casino during your visit to Ridgefield? Take in the theatre scene while you're in the area.

Vancouver Mall

4/5(1 review)

During your trip to Vancouver, you can do some window-shopping at Vancouver Mall. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the cycling trails.

Areas of Southwest Washington

Those of us who live in a certain neighborhood of the Lincoln district know that for one month every year we won't have to worry about turning on our porch lights. If the street lamps should fail, well, that's not really of any concern. Say the moon itself were to pop out of the sky and go flying into space. No big deal. Because for a glorious 30 days every winter, we're able to bask in the glow of a house lit bright enough to make artificial sunshine. A sight so startling, it causes commuters to back up traffic as they sit in their cars and gape.

It wasn't always that way. A few years back, the charming old couple who lives in the place started to put out a few lights to decorate their home. The next year they added a few more, and the year after that -- again -- some more. At some point, however, they seem to have developed a kind of high tolerance for luminescence. And when that happened, the floodgates were open. What you see in these photos is the early December version of what, by Christmas day, will be a kind of multi-colored solar flare emanating from the front yard of their home.

It can really be a beautiful thing to behold, as anyone who sees it for the first time can tell you. And those of us who live here have accepted with pride this red and gold meteor which appears in our midst during every gloomy Northwest December.

Can you blame us? We may be the only block on earth entirely visible from space.

#localgem

Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Columbia River and Clark County Historical Museum while you're in town.

Charming cabin just outside of Mt. Rainier National Park, with three bedrooms

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.

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.

Nisqually Park

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

Boardwalk in Silver Lake Castle Rock Wetland in Cowlitz County Boardwalk, Washington Mt St Helens Visitor Center

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 Officers Row.

Interstate Bridge Over Columbia River at Sunset

Five Corners

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

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