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Columbia Springs

4.7 ★★★★★ 270 Google reviews · Running trail in Vancouver, Washington · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Columbia Springs' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceScenicWaterTrailhead parking

Historic site, featuring fish hatchery ponds and wooded trails, plus an outdoor environmental classroom.

What runners say about Columbia Springs

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (270 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 10 mentions

“The walking trails are very well maintained and marked with lots of plaques, signs and viewing area that explains the natural habitat of the local plants.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful, clean, and educational, this is a wonderful place to come for a walk to clear your mind in nature or to learn about fish and plants.”

I love finding spots like this! Columbia Springs is truly another Pacific Northwest gem! From the trout hatchery area to the beautiful hiking trails filled with towering trees and mature foliage, this park has plenty to see!

★★★★★ — Cynthia , Dec 2023

Columbia Springs is somewhat hidden, off the beaten track. There is free parking and wide open spaces, with well maintained paths for a short walk between smaller lakes. A variety of bird species can be seen. This is the site of the State trout hatchery.

★★★★☆ — Daniel , Feb 2021

What a hidden gem! Came out not expecting too much and now I want to come back and finish all the trails. Beautiful space. We came on a Saturday in June and very few other people, parking lot only had a few cars. Really didn't run into anyone while in the park.

★★★★★ — Megan , Jun 2023

In the nearly 40 years I've lived in Vancouver, I had never been here before today. Beautiful place, with many smaller (less then a mile) trails to explore. 2 little lakes to walk around, kiddos spotted some bunnies, ducks, fish, and a crane. Decent sized parking lot with a very small amount of people here.

★★★★★ — Joy , Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 270 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 9 mentions

“It seems that hiking trails extend every way from the parking lot, and we hope to explore more of them next time we visit.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Beautiful, clean, and educational, this is a wonderful place to come for a walk to clear your mind in nature or to learn about fish and plants.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Grounds were well maintained, and they had a water fountain and bathrooms which are definitely helpful when you have a potty-training toddler.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

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Plan your run at Columbia Springs

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • Websitecolumbiasprings.org
  • Phone+1 360-882-0936
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 am–8 pm
Tuesday 5 am–8 pm
Wednesday 5 am–8 pm
Thursday 5 am–8 pm
Friday 5 am–8 pm
Saturday 5 am–8 pm
Sunday 5 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Columbia Springs

12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683

Get directions

Running trails near Vancouver

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Biddlewood Park

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Behrens Woods

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Park featuring trails and trees that's suitable for kids.

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Starke Natural Area

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Wintler Community Park

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12.5-acre riverfront park providing beach access, benches, picnic tables & scenic mountain views.

2.9 miles away

David Douglas Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 604 reviews

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MixedDog-friendly

Family-friendly park offers plenty of paved walking & biking paths along with expansive green space.

3.1 miles away

Summer's Walk Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 18 reviews

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Dog-friendly

3.1 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.