Southwest Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vancouver featuring street scenes and heritage architecture
Officers Row showing heritage architecture and a house
Southwest Washington
Vancouver showing 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 Rp2.945.624 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp2.945.624
Rp3.839.843 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Stevenson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Clean but a bit dated...staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Skamania 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 Rp1.643.625 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp1.643.625
Rp1.854.047 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Great stay! Traveled with our pups and accommodations worked out perfectly."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa

2.5 out of 5
1252 E Cascade Dr, North Bonneville, WA
The price is Rp2.163.467 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp2.163.467
Rp2.373.324 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in North Bonneville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Bonneville Lock and Dam and Beacon Rock ...
7.4/10 Good! (180 reviews)
"So glad they reopened. We had the most relaxing stay."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
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.
Grandview at Las Vegas

Grandview at Las Vegas

3 out of 5
9940 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Las Vegas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and 5 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,364 reviews)
Nice Facility
"Always like staying here, price is reasonable. Had some plumbing issues but overall great stay. Love the easy checkout."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Grandview at Las Vegas
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark

Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark

3 out of 5
Myrtle Beach, SC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,828 reviews)
Great amenities!
"The amenities alone making this spot totally worth it will definitely go back it was a lot of fun water park & pools are open until late which was great. the beach was gorgeous & offered water sports. The arcade is a nice touch but its tiny & almost half the games were out of service which was a ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
Vacation Village at Parkway

Vacation Village at Parkway

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 7 outdoor pools and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,649 reviews)
"Loved our stay can’t wait to go back"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
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