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Vancouver Lake Regional Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,114 Google reviews · Running trail in Vancouver, Washington · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Vancouver Lake Regional Park's 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.

MixedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Regional park with a sandy lakefront beach, BBQ grills, picnic tables & volleyball courts.

What runners say about Vancouver Lake Regional Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,114 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“The park features well-maintained trails, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 13 mentions

“This area is gorgeous in late spring and all summer long, to hang out, have a picnic or take your boat out for a paddle.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“The place was peaceful, clean, and perfect for a relaxing family day.”

The Vancouver Lake is a beautiful spot in the Port of Vancouver area. This lake is compromised of the Columbia River near the southwest shoreline and of Burnt Bridge Creek on the eastern shoreline. Each season definitely holds its own beauty, so if you get a chance, check it out all four seasons for sure.

★★★★★ — Cynthia , Feb 2024

Love this park but honestly on the weekend there is always so many people here. However if you keep walking the trail and you take little turns and go on a mini side quest, somehow you will end up at a bridge over a little river/stream.

★★★★☆ — Ava , May 2025

$3 for parking is well worth it for this park. Lots of tables, charcoal disposal, paved trails. Had a lovely morning walking my dog on leash through the park to tire her out. There is a parking app, but if you’re sick of downloading those, it’s easy to pay at the entrance.

★★★★★ — Marilyn , Sep 2021

This park offers a serene escape just outside the city. The picturesque lake, surrounded by lush greenery, provides a perfect setting for a relaxing day outdoors. The park features well-maintained trails, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride.

★★★★★ — Taras , Nov 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,114 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“This area is gorgeous in late spring and all summer long, to hang out, have a picnic or take your boat out for a paddle.”

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🚻 Restrooms 9 mentions

“Helens, great location, nice trails through the woods, nice beach, restrooms, Grills locations, very nice park to rest and have fun with family and friends.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“There are picnic tables, picnic shelters, BBQ grills, benches, and other seating throughout, restrooms, 2 sand volleyball areas, and plentiful parking.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“The place was peaceful, clean, and perfect for a relaxing family day.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Vancouver lake park has plenty of space to play, have a party, jog, and walk your dog.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“Lots of tables, charcoal disposal, paved trails.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Vancouver Lake Regional Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteclark.wa.gov
  • Phone+1 564-397-2285
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–7 pm
Tuesday 7 am–7 pm
Wednesday 7 am–7 pm
Thursday 7 am–7 pm
Friday 7 am–7 pm
Saturday 7 am–7 pm
Sunday 7 am–7 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 Vancouver Lake Regional Park

6801 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660

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.

Kelley Point Park

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Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway - Stewart Glen to Leverich Park

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Cougar Creek Trail

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Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

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Paved route featuring creeks and ponds that are home to wildlife, including beaver dams and turtles.

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All running trails in Vancouver, WA →

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.