Southwest Washington

Travel Guide

Vancouver showing street scenes and heritage architecture
Officers Row showing a house and heritage architecture
Southwest Washington
Vancouver showing 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 showing heritage architecture

Downtown Vancouver

Travelers come to Downtown Vancouver for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like 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 ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Westside Golf Range, a top place to visit in the area.

Salmon Creek
Nice little park in the middle of Vancouver, WA. The switchbacks up the hill, surrounded by tall trees will make you feel like you're a lot further from town. It was a nice, quiet place to stretch my dogs legs for a bit and eat my lunch from nearby Panera Bread.

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.

Hazel Dell
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Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove might not have many top sights, but Vancouver Mall and Orchards Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Walnut Grove
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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
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Minnehaha

When in Minnehaha, you can plan a visit to Vancouver Mall and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Minnehaha
Heathman Lodge
Heathman Lodge
3.5 out of 5
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA
The price is CA $161 per night from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18
CA $161
CA $205 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
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! (2,253 reviews)
"Best front d sk staff ever!"

Reviewed on Mar. 31, 2025

Heathman Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound
Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound
3.5 out of 5
20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Centralia, WA
The price is CA $312 per night from Apr. 30 to May 1
CA $312
CA $414 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Centralia. Enjoy 3 restaurants, a water park, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Fun at Great Wolf Lodge
"Very fun trip! Loved that you could just text things needed to the room and they were quick to respond. Room was comfortable. Food was good and not too expensive. The only real issue is the elevators. Sometimes you have to wait 15 minutes before you can get one, especially if you're on one of the ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound
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 CA $129 per night from Apr. 6 to Apr. 7
CA $129
CA $146 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The hotel was nice and the room clean and the bed very comfortable. Only issue was that someone was moving furniture in the room above until 11 pm and it was very distracting/annoying. Emma on the front desk was a jewel and very concerned that all was well with our room. Another issue in the room ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 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.
Postcard Cabins Mount Adams
Postcard Cabins Mount Adams
2 out of 5
24 Mt Adams Hwy, Glenwood, WA
Stay at this cabin in Glenwood. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control.
Postcard Cabins Mount Adams
Cozy Blueberry Cottage Studio Stevenson, king bed, kitchenette, pet friendly!
Cozy Blueberry Cottage Studio Stevenson, king bed, kitchenette, pet friendly!
Stevenson
Stay at this apartment in Stevenson. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions River House Art Gallery and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Amazing!
"Lin was the nicest host to have during my first visit to the Pacific Northwest. I plan on coming back to the area and hopefully staying at the cottage again."

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2024

Cozy Blueberry Cottage Studio Stevenson, king bed, kitchenette, pet friendly!
Breathtaking Views of Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge, Huge Deck, Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Trampoline
Breathtaking Views of Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge, Huge Deck, Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Trampoline
White Salmon
Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions White Salmon Glassworks and Slackwater Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Highly Recommend
"Beautiful house, incredible view and great location."

Reviewed on Jan. 7, 2025

Breathtaking Views of Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge, Huge Deck, Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Trampoline
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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Cities near Southwest Washington