Parks and Trails
Maps
Additional maps
Our Paths, Our Passion
Parks, trails and natural areas are a critical part of what shapes quality of life for everyone in the City of Vancouver.
Vancouver Parks and Recreation is dedicated to creating a variety of recreation opportunities for our residents and visitors, while preserving and enhancing the rich heritage and natural beauty of this area.
Whatever your age and whatever the season, you’ll find many ways to be active and enjoy the great outdoors. There’s so much to explore!
For more information on trails, recreational and nature-based opportunities across the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area visit The Intertwine.
Your Park System
The City of Vancouver encompasses approximately 1,600 acres of park land, including 90 parks and 20 natural areas. We also have a 20-mile network of trails for walkers, runners, bikers and others to enjoy.
Parks range in size from the tiny 0.4-acre MyPark Neighborhood Park to all 88 acres of David Douglas Community Park, home to some of our adult softball and youth baseball leagues.
Bicycle Safety and Laws
When ridden on any roadway, a bicycle rider has all of the rights and responsibilities of any vehicle. (RCW 46.61.755). Unless bicycles are specifically excluded, all traffic laws apply to bicycles. All violations are subject to issuance of an infraction.
Search our Interactive Parks and Trails Map and Directory
You can search for Community Parks, Neighborhood Parks or Trails within your own Neighborhood or city-wide. Most of our parks have benches, picnic tables, walking paths and playground equipment. You can search by Amenities using the Directory as well.
Bicycle Maps
- Vancouver/Clark County Bike Map
- Vancouver Parks and Recreation Trail Map
- I-5 Bridge Map
- City of Portland Bike Maps
- Metro Bike There! Map
Barbequing in Parks
A small gas or charcoal barbeque may br brought to any park except Esther Short Park; however, please be aware of where you place a barbeque so that it does not damage park property. Large barbeques (towed on trailers) are allowed on a case-by-case basis and require a Park Use Permit.
Boating, Fishing and Hunting in Parks
Vancouver Parks and Recreation does not issue boating, fishing, or hunting licenses. These are issued through the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Boating is allowed at Marine Park and Fishing is allowed at Marine and Wintler Community Park. Bows, arrows and sling shots are prohibited in city parks. In addition, it is unlawful to shoot or fire a gun (including BB guns).
Swimming in Parks
There are no lifeguards on duty at any of our outdoor swimming areas. Please exercise caution when visiting parks along our local rivers and creeks. Only Wintler Community Park along the Columbia has recognized public swimming access.
Visiting a Park with Your Pet
None of the parks located within the City of Vancouver include an off-leash area for dogs. You’re welcome to bring your furry companion to our parks but we ask that you keep them on leash at all times. In addition, owners are required by law to pick up and dispose of pet waste. You’ll find dog waste stations around our parks and trails to help you do this. There are designated off leash-parks for dogs located outside the City of Vancouver in Clark County, check out one of the links below to learn more.
- DogPaw (Dog Owners Group for Park Access in Washington)
- Clark County Public Works – Dog Parks in Clark County
Special Park Features
Most of our parks have benches, picnic tables, walking paths and playground equipment. Certain parks feature additional elements like a community garden, skate spot or sports field. To find a list of specific amenities a park may have, refer to the interactive Parks and Trails Map and Directory. To learn more about specific amenities, chose one of the links below.
- Community Gardens in the City of Vancouver
- Disc Golf in Leverich Community Park
- Nature Play areas in City of Vancouver Parks
- Places for Skateboarding
- Sports Fields maintained by Parks and Recreation
Read Through our Park Rules and Policies
Find Park hours, prohibited activities, information on accessibility, fees and policies for Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services programs and much more.
The City of Vancouver encompasses approximately 1,600 acres of park land, including over 90 parks and 20 natural areas. Parks range in size from the tiny 0.4-acre MyPark Neighborhood Park to all 88 acres of David Douglas Community Park, home to many sports leagues.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks provide access to basic recreation opportunities for nearby residents, enhance neighborhood identity, and preserve neighborhood open space. These parks are designed primarily for non-organized recreation. Located within walking and bicycling distance of most users, these parks are generally three to five acres in size and primarily serve residents within a half-mile radius.
Neighborhood parks often include amenities such as playgrounds, turf areas, pathways and trails, picnic tables, sports courts, and benches. Elementary school sites have been included under the neighborhood parkland classification, since they often have neighborhood park elements and serve some of the neighborhood park needs. At the present time, Vancouver Parks and Recreation only provides neighborhood parks within the City of Vancouver.
Examples of Neighborhood Parks
Community Parks
Community parks provide a focal point and gathering place for broad groups of users. Usually 20 to 100 acres in size, community parks are used by all segments of the population and generally serve residents from a one- to three-mile service area.
Community parks often include recreation facilities for organized activities, such as sports fields, skate parks, and play courts. Community parks may also incorporate passive recreation space and community facilities, such as community or senior centers. Because of their large service area, community parks require more support facilities, such as parking and restrooms.
Some middle and high school sites are included in the community parkland inventory, since these facilities can serve some of the community park needs.
Examples of Community Parks
After land has been acquired for future park space, it may begin the process of development. Some park space, however, is left undeveloped. All City-owned land is secured, unsightliness is reduced, existing natural resources are reserved, and pedestrian access may be permitted.
Improvements are dependent on the site inventory and generally include fencing, signage, hazard removal, rough grading, and invasive plant removal. Master planning of the site may be completed to guide future improvements.
Undeveloped Community Parks
- Fenton — 44.78 acres – Corner of NE Fourth Plain Blvd. and NE 166th Ave.
- Raymond E. Shaffer — 10.08 acres – Corner of N.E. 58th St. and N.E. 76th Ave.
Undeveloped Neighborhood Parks
- Behrens Woods — 2.1 acres: Approximate location at 3005 Bella Vista Pl.
- Burton Ridge — .6 acres: South of Burton Rd. and just west of I-205
- East Image — 2.4 acres: Corner of N.E. 36th St. and N.E. 135th Ave.
- Evergreen School Park — 10.5 acres: Northwestern edge of Evergreen High School property (next to N.E. 149th Ct.) at 14300 NE 18th St.
- George and Hazel Stein — .8 acres: Approximate location at 9800 NE 6th Cir.
- Hambleton — 4.4 acres: Corner of S.E. 39th St. and S.E. 171st St.
- Hanna Acres — 3 acres: Corner of S.E. 192nd Ave. and S.E. 11th Way
- Kelley Meadows — 7.3 acres: Southwest corner of 69th St. and Par Ln.
- Landover-Sharmel — 4 acres: N.E. 18th St. between N.E. 129th Ave. and N.E. Village Green Dr.
- Lauren — 2.2 acres: N.E. 124th Ave. between N.E. 35th St. and N.E. 33rd St.
- Lincoln — 9.5 acres: Approximate location at 5206 Franklin St.
- North Image — 5.6 acres: Northeast corner of 137th Ave. and N.E. 49th St.
- Rosemere — .2 acres: Corner of Z St. and E. 30th St.
- Rose Village — .5 acres: Corner of T St. and E. 35th St.
- Sam Brown — 2.5 acres: Northwest loop of Montana Ln.
- Wyckoff — .5 acres: Corner of 162nd Ave. and N.E. 39th St.
Undeveloped Natural Areas
- Burton Ridge North — Off NE Cranbrook Dr. and NE 21st St. (Private Road)
- Ellsworth Springs East — Corner of SE French Rd. and SE 95th Ave.
- Ellsworth Springs West — Entrances off SE 12th St. and SE 102nd Ave.
- Fisher’s Landing — End of SE 164th Ave, past SE Rivershore Dr.
- Heathergate Ridge — Off Fruit Valley Rd., just south of Bernie Dr.
- Lieser Point — SE Lieser Point Rd. (Private Road)
- Meadowbrook North — On the north side of Burton Rd. from Meadowbrook Marsh, along the Burnt Bridge Creek until NE Royal Oaks Dr.
- Mimsi Marsh — SE Evergreen Hwy just west of SE Bella Vista Pl.
- Robert K. Starke Natural Area — At the end of NE Park Plaza Dr.