Table of Contents:
There are few places in the United States with the rich history of Vancouver, Washington. Combine this heritage with Vancouver’s abundant natural wonders and you get a city unlike any other in the Pacific Northwest. Nature and history truly intertwine here, making Vancouver a unique, attractive, and exciting place.
Planning to visit Vancouver or make a move to this sublime city along the Columbia River? If yes, the data and details below are just what you need to get started. Read on to discover why Vancouver begs to be explored, brought to you by the self-storage experts at Northwest Self Storage.
Historic Places and Landmarks in Vancouver
As mentioned earlier, Vancouver is loaded with history. The city was founded as Fort Vancouver way back in 1825. That makes it the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Pacific Northwest!
The reason why the area was settled so early is simple; the mighty Columbia River! This strategic location gave Vancouver a direct line to the West Coast, and was pivotal for regional commerce like fur trading. By the way, the city was named after famous British explorer George Vancouver, who in 1792 charted the northwest coast.
Some of the more notable historic place in Vancouver include the following:
- Pearson Air Museum- An amazing museum that chronicles the history of aviation in the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include vintage aircraft and other articles from the earliest days of flight in the United States!
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site- The original headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the biggest fur trading operation in the Pacific Northwest. If insights into 18-century colonial life are what you seek, this is the place to find them.
- Officers Row- Originally built for army officers stationed in Vancouver, these 21 Victorian era homes are simply gorgeous.
- Vancouver Land Bridge- Connecting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to the Columbia River waterfront, this pedestrian bridge offers fresh air and amazing views.
- Clark County Historical Museum- You’ll find compelling exhibits that showcase Native American culture and the evolution of local industry at this fantastic museum.
- The Slocum House- One of the last remaining examples of Italianate architecture, Slocum House was constructed in 1867.
Natural Attractions Abound in Vancouver, Washington
Celebrated nationwide for its remarkable natural beauty, Vancouver offers several different, but equally breathtaking, landscapes. This unique blend comes from being situated between the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River.
The benefit of this distinctive location is that you get easy access to amazing natural environments and landmarks. Below is a list of some of the best, showcasing Vancouver’s diverse natural beauty.
- Columbia River Gorge– Known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic views, the best word for Columbia River Gorge is “breathtaking”.
- Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge- This amazing refuge, which spans more than 5,300 acres, is home to meadows, forests, and wetlands. That makes it a fantastic location for bird watching as well as simply enjoying Vancouver’s abundant nature.
- Mount St. Helens- About an hour away, Mount Saint Helens is well known for having erupted years ago. Today this active stratovolcano offers amazing hiking and stunning vistas. There are also many educational exhibits along the trails to quench your thirst for knowledge.
Vancouver, Washington Offers Many Opportunities for Adventure and Outdoor Activities
One of the best things about living in Vancouver is the abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. Not only that but the city offers more than a few beautiful green spaces and parks. Below we’ve listed some of the best but, rest assured, there are many more to discover and explore!
- Vancouver Lake Park- If you enjoy watersports, including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, this is the park for you.
- Esther Short Park- Many community events are held here but, even when they aren’t, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.
- Waterfront Renaissance Trail- Five miles of scenic walking, biking, and jogging path along the Columbia river with picturesque views of the city? Yes, please!
- Salmon Creek Greenway Trail- Do you enjoy nature watching in beautiful forests and wetlands? If yes, Salmon Creek Greenway Trail will be one of your favorite places in Vancouver.
- Vancouver’s Trail Network- Vancouver maintains an incredible 20-mile network of trails in and around the city. They’re perfect for hiking and biking no matter your level of experience.
- The Columbia River- We’ve mentioned the Columbia River several times and for good reason; it’s phenomenal! From fishing and kayaking to every other type of water sport, you’ll find it here! Plus, there are also several lakes around the city to enjoy.
The Views Around Vancouver are Spectacular
Along with everything else we’ve mentioned you’ll find views around the city that are, in a word, spectacular. The first are views of Mount Hood which, on most days, is dramatically snowcapped. You can see them from several points as they provide a magnificent backdrop to the city.
In fall, the autumn foliage in Vancouver is particularly beautiful. Diverse tree species in the area provide the burst of color, which enhances the allure of this unique American city.
Self Storage in Vancouver, Washington
We think you’ll agree that Vancouver is quite a place! With a combination of culture, history, and abundant natural spaces, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re visiting or moving to Vancouver, we think you’ll find that it’s a great place to enjoy yourself.
If you’ve decided to stay and call Vancouver home, Northwest Self Storage can help. We’re the city’s self storage leader, with clean, safe, and secure storage units in Vancouver. You can easily reserve a storage unit in Vancouver, Washington, online so that it’s ready when you and your family arrive.
Until next time, we hope the information provided today has given you much to think about. Vancouver is an amazing place, no doubt. If you’ve decided to call it home, welcome!