On this multi-day tour, experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the region’s only National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge, and visit historic places such as the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. In addition, explore the awesome landscapes of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and tour the famous Pendleton Woolen Mill while making Vancouver USA your hub for the week!

Southwest WA Hub & Spoke Tour
DAY – 1

One of the first permanent settlements west of the Rockies, Fort Vancouver is a 191-acre area situated on the north bank of the Columbia River and is home to three sites with their own stories: a frontier fur trading post at the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver, a powerful military legacy at the US Army’s Vancouver Barracks, and the magic of flight at the Pearson Field.

Relive the wonderment of the first non-stop transpolar flight, and discover the unique role Vancouver USA played in aviation history.

Exuding Old World elegance and lush romance, Officers Row is guaranteed to woo visitors to its idyllic promenade.
DAY – 2

A haven for migrating birds and indigenous animals, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a gem of untouched natural beauty.

This Living Plankhouse, based on the Chinookan village of Cathlapotle, as well as the objects inside of it, offer a tangible link to these aboriginal land stewards and provides a unique site for the interpretation of our region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Ready for a night out of gaming, dining, and dancing? The Cowlitz Tribe’s new casino—located just 20-minutes north of Vancouver off of Interstate 5—offers entertainment options guaranteed to impress everyone from dining denizens and gaming pros to concert-goers and craft drink enthusiasts.
DAY – 3

Visitors to the Washougal Mill store are invited to take a free tour of the mill. Here you can see the process firsthand from the state-of-the-art dye house, through spinning and weaving, to the finishing of Pendleton's distinctive blankets. When you're finished you can visit the Mill Store where you can select from Pendleton's array of menswear, womenswear, blankets and fabrics.

Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,650-acre year-round camping park with historic significance dating back hundreds of years and 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. For the adventuresome, lace up your hiking boots to scale the 1.6-mile trail to experience unparalleled panoramic views of the Gorge. The hike scales the core of an extinct volcano now known as Beacon Rock.

Climb the canyons, chase waterfalls, or just soak in the beauty: Welcome to the Columbia River Gorge!
DAY – 4

Since its infamous eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens has bounced back with a resurgence of natural beauty and new activities to enjoy.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory, located at the end of State Highway 504, provides information about the historic 1980 eruption and is open from mid-May through October. It is one of the closest viewing areas on the North side of the volcano and rangers are present to share their knowledge.

Marble Mountain Sno-Park, located on the south side of the mountain is a starting point for most of the winter activities. There you will see snowmobilers heading out to the Plains of Abraham and folks strapping on snowshoes for a tranquil ramble to June Lake. Try the Sasquatch Loops on skis for a peaceful, round-trip glide through the trees. The Worm Flows Route is standard for summiting in the snowy season; self-register a climbing permit free of charge.

To advance understanding and stewardship of the Earth through science, education, and exploration of volcanic landscapes.
DAY – 5

Go lighthouse hunting to find the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse overlooking the confluence of the mighty Columbia River and the ocean, and the North Head Lighthouse in Ilwaco.