Beaches in Vancouver, WA

Location:

Vancouver, WA — tucked right along the Columbia River and still smack in the heart of the city.

Why We Love It:

This little riverside gem is like Vancouver’s secret shoreline — no long drive, no big crowds, just peace, breeze, and beauty. Whether you're sprawled out on the sandy banks or wandering the grassy edges with a coffee in hand, it feels like a mini coastal escape without leaving the city limits.

Who Should Go:

Beach lovers short on time. Urban dwellers craving a splash of nature. Parents looking for a low-key play spot. Anyone who wants to feel the river wind without crossing a bridge.

What We Can't Get Enough Of:

The wide-open views across the Columbia — Mt. Hood sometimes photobombs the skyline. Stretching out on soft sand while barges glide past. That peaceful hush that hits you just steps from the parking lot. It’s an exhale wrapped in sunlight.

• Roam: Stroll the loop trail for a fresh perspective of the water, the city skyline, and the gentle sway of tree-lined paths.
• Dive Into the Past: Wintler’s quiet charm reflects Vancouver’s long relationship with the Columbia — a historic trade route turned local haven.
• Go Beyond: Keep the vibe going with a walk or bike ride east on the Waterfront Renaissance Trail — it winds along the river and links up with even more great views and bites.

Distance from Downtown Vancouver:

Just a 10-minute drive or a breezy bike ride. Zero effort, all the reward.

Getting There:

Drive and park in the nearby lot (go early on warm days), or roll in by bike. Either way, ditch your schedule — this is where time slows down.

Location:

Southwest Washington — where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in dramatic, misty style.

Why We Love It:

The name says “disappointment,” but trust us — this place totally delivers. Wild coastline, towering cliffs, moody skies, and a history that’s as deep as the tide. It’s part rugged adventure, part coastal soul-search, with a lighthouse or two thrown in for good measure.

Who Should Go:

Beachcombers who love a little mystery. History buffs chasing explorer tales. Hikers, bikers, campers, and anyone who wants their PNW escape with a side of epic scenery.

What We Can't Get Enough Of:

Waves crashing against basalt headlands. Fog rolling in like a movie set. Quiet trails that lead to sweeping views. And the unbeatable combo of dense forest and salty sea air — it's Washington magic through and through.

• Start Bold: Begin at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. You'll get the backstory on John Meares’ “disappointment” and the epic journeys that shaped this wild coast.
• Roam: Walk the Discovery Trail — it winds through dunes, cliffs, and forest with plenty of stops for jaw-dropping views and photo ops.
• Get Curious: Hike to North Head Lighthouse and feel like you’re on the edge of the world. The wind, the view, the romance of it all — you won’t forget it.

Distance from Vancouver, WA:

About 2.5 hours by car — just enough time to cue up your PNW playlist and settle into road trip mode.

Getting There:

Take I-5 north to Longview, then west through scenic towns until you hit the coast. Once you see the lighthouse, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special.

Review:★★★★★ "Cape Disappointment was anything but disappointing. Just the views were amazing, even if you go in the winter! The mix of forest, cliffs, and beach made it feel super wild and dramatic. The lighthouse was really cool to hike to. Pack a rain jacket just in case."

Romantic Beaches in Vancouver, WA:

Location:

Plymouth, WA — tucked along the Columbia River, a scenic 2–3 hour drive from Vancouver, WA.

Why We Love It:

Sometimes, the best beaches are the ones that make you earn them. Plymouth Park is one of those hidden stunners — a perfect mix of sandy shores, wooded shade, and big sky views. It’s peaceful, it’s spacious, and it feels like a true escape from the buzz of the everyday.

Who Should Go:

Weekend warriors. Families with tents or RVs in tow. Sun-chasers and swimmers who want clean water, soft sand, and space to breathe.

What We Can't Get Enough Of:

The calm curve of beach that’s just right for lounging. Sunsets that melt into the Columbia. Early morning walks with birdsong and the scent of pine in the air. Oh — and that campground? Prime real estate for roasting s’mores with a river view.

• Start Bold: Roll in early and claim your picnic spot by the water. With BBQ grills and shaded tables, this place is built for slow, delicious afternoons.
• Get Curious: Bring binoculars — birdwatching here is legit. Eagles, herons, and river dwellers of all kinds make regular appearances.
• Go Beyond: Stay overnight at the Plymouth Park Campground. You’ll wake up steps from the water, coffee in hand, ready for another perfect beach day.

Distance from Vancouver, WA:

Roughly 2.5 hours by car. Bring snacks, your best playlist, and prepare for wide-open Eastern Washington views along the way.

Getting There:

Follow I-84 East into Oregon, cross the Columbia at Umatilla, and head north into Plymouth. Easy drive, huge reward.

Location:

Columbia River Gorge, WA — just a scenic hour’s drive from Vancouver, WA, and totally worth every bend in the road.

Why We Love It:

Beacon Rock isn’t just a state park — it’s a towering icon of the Gorge. This place has everything: river beaches, lush forest trails, jaw-dropping geology, and a whole lot of fresh mountain air. Whether you’re snapping photos from the trail or chilling near the water, it’s peak Pacific Northwest magic.

Who Should Go:

Hikers with a love for elevation. Families looking for a blend of beach and woods. Nature nerds, geology fans, and anyone who wants a big view without a massive drive.

What We Can't Get Enough Of:

The view from the top of Beacon Rock — it’s a stair-stepping masterpiece with Columbia River panoramas. Strolling forest paths that suddenly open to sandy spots along the water. And those peaceful riverside moments that make you feel like you’ve hit pause on life.

• Start Bold: Hike the Beacon Rock Trail. It’s steep, switchback-filled, and absolutely epic — one of the best payoff-for-effort hikes in the region.
• Get Curious: Book an eco tour or fishing charter. It’s a great way to learn more about the area's ecology — or just catch something fresh for the grill.
• Dive Into the Past: Beacon Rock is the core of an ancient volcano and a historic landmark on the Lewis and Clark trail. The stories here are layered like the Gorge’s rock walls.
• Go Beyond: Set up at the campground and stay the night. Wake up to birdsong and that crisp Gorge air — it's the kind of quiet that resets your soul.

Distance from Vancouver, WA:

About 1 hour by car — perfect for a spontaneous day trip or a laid-back weekend getaway.

Getting There:

Take WA-14 East along the Columbia River for a drive that’s basically its own scenic tour. Look for the massive monolith — you literally can’t miss it.

Unique Beaches in Vancouver, WA:

Location:

Southwest Washington — just near the mouth of the Columbia River and steps from history-rich coastal trails.

Why We Love It:

It’s got beaches, bunkers, and breathtaking views — Fort Columbia State Park is like time travel meets nature walk. With nearly 600 acres of wild coastline and historic military buildings, it’s the kind of place that stirs both your imagination and your sense of adventure.

Who Should Go:

History buffs, picnic pros, wildlife watchers, and anyone who loves a coastal escape with a twist of the past. It’s also a total win for families looking for fresh air and room to roam.

What We Can't Get Enough Of:

Walking forest trails and suddenly spotting old artillery sites. Spreading out a picnic with ocean views and the sound of gulls overhead. And feeling like you're part of a story that began over a hundred years ago — but still feels alive today.

• Start Bold: Begin with a self-guided tour of the historic military buildings. These coastal fortifications once protected the Columbia — now they’re photo-ready ruins of another era.
• Get Curious: Visit nearby Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The whole region is layered in exploration history and scenic surprises.
• Go Beyond: Pack lunch, grab the kids (or your hiking buddy), and spend the day uncovering coastal wildlife and lookout points along the rugged shoreline.

Distance from Vancouver, WA:

Roughly 2.5 hours by car — just far enough to feel like a true getaway, but still doable for a day trip.

Getting There:

Take I-5 North, then head west toward the coast via WA-4. As the forest thickens and the ocean breeze rolls in, you’ll know you’re almost there.

Location:

Washougal, WA — nestled in Captain William Clark Park along the Columbia River, just a quick trip from Vancouver.

Why We Love It:

History meets riverfront bliss at Cottonwood Beach. Once a campsite for Lewis and Clark in 1806, it’s now a scenic stretch of sand and trail where you can picnic, hike, and reflect on centuries of adventure. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and rooted in the very origins of exploration in the Pacific Northwest.

Who Should Go:

History lovers, nature walkers, local families, and anyone who wants a riverside retreat that’s as meaningful as it is relaxing. Bring your dog, your lunch, or your curiosity — this beach checks every box.

What We Can't Get Enough Of:

That timeless feeling of standing where Lewis and Clark once camped. Shady cottonwoods, wide river views, and trails that make every step feel like part of a story. Plus, there’s plenty of space to stretch out, snack, and soak it all in.

• Start Bold: Begin with a stroll along the 4-mile dirt and gravel trail or take the easy half-mile asphalt path for a relaxed riverside ramble.
• Roam: Explore 93 acres of riverside terrain — from beachy hangouts to open fields perfect for frisbee, lounging, or daydreaming.
• Dive Into the Past: The site's connection to American history is tangible. The views may be timeless, but the context makes it unforgettable.

Distance from Vancouver, WA:

About 30 minutes by car — ideal for a spontaneous afternoon escape or a peaceful weekend hangout.

Getting There:

Drive east along WA-14 and take in the Columbia River views. It’s a straight shot to Washougal, and the beach is easy to find just off South Index Street.