Vancouver Vacation Rentals
Long underestimated as the younger sibling of Portland (which sits directly across the Columbia River) Vancouver, Washington is quickly becoming recognized as an exciting destination of its own! As a popular spot for business travelers, families sightseeing in Portland, and adventure seekers who want to experience the best of the Columbia River Gorge, Vancouver is a perfect home base for nature lovers, brew aficionados, and foodies alike, and a stay in one of our vacation rentals gives you all of the amenities you're looking for at an affordable price.
Things to Do in Vancouver, WA
Named by Money Magazine as one of the best places in America to live, Vancouver is quieter and less expensive than Portland, while still being just a short drive from the city and Portland International Airport. The city is also quickly developing its own distinct style of brewing and dining culture and is a smart choice for any outdoor enthusiast wanting to avoid Portland traffic on their way to Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument.
The larger cities of the Pacific Northwest are synonymous with great dining, coffee, and beer, but smaller towns oftentimes contain hidden gems only enjoyed by locals and a few lucky outsiders. Enjoy the local taste of fresh Cascade hops at Heathen Brewing or Loowit Brewing Company, home to locally brewed IPAs, craft ales, and more.
At any given moment, another beer festival is on the horizon in Vancouver, where you can enjoy some of the best beer the Pacific Northwest has to offer with lines a fraction as long as Portland's. Stepping out of the Northwest rain and relaxing with a cup of coffee at River Maiden Coffee is an experience that parallels the finest metropolitan boutique roasteries, and something flavorful is always in season at the Vancouver Farmers Market.
Outdoor Activities Near Vancouver, WA
Perched on the Columbia River, Vancouver is surrounded by epic hikes, beautiful kayak routes, and wonderful parks to help you experience all the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Follow the path less traveled and head east, taking in the majestic beauty of the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge—without fighting for a parking spot. Enjoy plenty of dog-friendly hikes, covering a wide spectrum of experience levels, with breathtaking overlooks of the gorge.
Just a few miles north on Interstate 5, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge serves as a prime spot for birdwatchers and hikers. A protective sanctuary for wintering migratory birds, covering over 5,000 acres of woodlands, marshes, and grasslands, the refuge places you in untouched wild beauty less than 20 miles from the doorstep of your Vancouver vacation rental.
For an eagle's eye view of the surrounding area, head to Silver Star Mountain, northeast of Battle Ground. The drive to the trailhead is a long and bumpy one, but during summer, the subsequent hike through wildflower-covered meadows to the top of Silver Star will reward you with jaw-dropping views of snow-topped peaks in every direction.
Day Trips from Vancouver, WA
In addition to Portland being in Vancouver’s backyard, the southern reaches of the Puget Sound are a day's ride away. You can enjoy what the cities have to offer, or go off the grid and explore Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Saint Helens National Monument, or Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Seaside activities are also within easy reach in Astoria, Oregon, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and even more fantastic beer at Buoy Brewing.
Whether you're seeking untouched wilderness, exciting nightlife, or a meal you’ll never forget, a stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals is easy, convenient, and perfect for seeing the sights. Check out our Vancouver vacation homes today before planning your next trip to the Pacific Northwest!
Photo Credit: Jay Soriano via Flickr