Photo by Adam Sawyer
Before I moved to Portland I had the privilege of living across the river in Vancouver, Washington. While living there my family and I developed and continue to have an ongoing love affair with all the wonderful outdoor recreation options in the area. To this day I will extol the virtues of Lacamas Park to anybody that will stand still long enough. If you’re a Portland family that doesn’t cross the Columbia on occasion to get your fix of the outdoors, it’s high time you do so.
Yet another family friendly star in the Vancouver area parks & rec constellation is just a handful of miles north on I-5. The Salmon Creek Greenway is a 900-plus acre urban nature corridor. Forested canyon walls and a sprawling wetland escort Salmon Creek along its journey from the Klineline Pond to the Lake River. The greenway is a haven for tons of wildlife. A long list of the usual suspects can be spotted here, including deer and coyotes. In terms of wildlife viewing, however, the big draw here has to be birdwatching. The Salmon Creek Greenway is at least a temporary home to a long list of migratory birds.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
How does the family explore this urban oasis? Extending from the Salmon Creek Park/Klineline Pond area to NW 36th Avenue is the Salmon Creek Trail. The 3-mile long, paved, multi-use trail winds easily through the area. The trail takes you by habitat restoration areas, skirts ponds, and sometimes kisses the banks of Salmon Creek itself, while also providing well placed benches for snack breaks. The trail starts out rather unassuming as it passes by softball fields, but soon becomes much more wild and scenic. There are maps along the way letting you know exactly where you’re at and how much further you have to go. The full out and back is an easy 6 miles, but of course you can turn around anytime (especially if somebody needs a nap).
Want more? The park at the beginning of the trail could serve as a destination for the family all on its own. Salmon Creek Park has BBQ grills, covered and uncovered picnic areas, a playground, and Klineline pond. While the pond and beach are hugely popular in summer, it remains a frequented fishing spot year-round.
To reach the trailhead at Salmon Creek Park, Take I-5 north to exit 5. Head east on 99th street and make a left onto Highway 99. Then turn left onto 117th street and end at the parking area for Salmon Creek Park. Please note that there is a parking fee at Salmon Creek Park and dogs are not allowed in the pond area. Dogs are however welcome (on-leash) along the Salmon Creek Trail.
-Adam
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
