Did you know you can hit scenic trails in Clark County without ever starting your car? The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day, and it just so happens there are numerous trails accessible by C-TRAN. With the option to transfer to Skamania County Transit to the breathtaking landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, the hiking possibilities are endless. What better way to start the summer than to hop on public transit and enjoy the great outdoors?
We have put together a starter pack of trails and hikes in the area, all accessible by transit. No matter which trail you pick, make sure you’re prepared for whatever conditions you may encounter. Besides the appropriate clothing and footwear, don’t forget to pack plenty of water and something to snack on. Before you head out, you’ll also want to check available trail information for updates and bring a backup map of your route to stay aware of where you are. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or just out for a sunny stroll, let C-TRAN be your ride to adventure this National Trails Day and beyond. Open the Transit app, dust off your hiking boots and let’s hit the trail!
Columbia River Renaissance Trail
- Locations: 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver (Route 71), SE Columbia Shores Blvd. and SE Columbia Way, Vancouver (Route 6)
- Trail information: Five miles out and back, 10-foot elevation gain
- ADA accessibility: Paved with curbs
With the booming growth of the Vancouver waterfront, what better place to start our trail exploration than the mighty Columbia River and its beautiful Columbia River Renaissance Trail? This trail follows the river, passing various parks and historic locations. It also provides stunning views of PDX arrivals and departures, which makes for some great aviation sightseeing. The entire trail runs between Vancouver Waterfront Park and Wintler Park, so you can do as much as you feel up to. C-TRAN serves two convenient locations along the trail, with a Route 71 stop near the far-west end at Vancouver Waterfront Park and a Route 6 stop near the middle. If it gets too hot (here in Southwest Washington, that’s anything 70 degrees and up), you can take a detour to the river’s beach and dip your toes into the water; it would be rude not to, right?
La Center Bottoms
- Location: NW Pacific Hwy. and W 3rd St., La Center (Route 48, The Current)
- Trail information: Two miles out and back
- ADA accessibility: Wheelchair friendly (all-terrain tires recommended), interpretive signs
This serene, out-and-back trail is tucked below La Center, giving you views of the East Fork Lewis River and its wildlife. One unique element of this trail is its wildlife viewing blinds, which help camouflage you and allow you to feel one step closer to nature. It’s also part of the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail Southwest Loop, so make sure you bring your camera or binoculars! Two miles of peace, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike!
Burnt Bridge Creek Trail
- Locations: Eastern Section at NE 19th Cir. and NE 92nd Ave., Vancouver (Route 30), Middle Section at E 18th St. and Devine Rd., Vancouver (Route 30), Stewart Glen Section at NW Lakeshore Ave., Vancouver (Route 2), additional trail access points at NE St. Johns Boulevard and NE Petticoat Lane (Route 25), E Fourth Plain Road and Falk Road (The Vine on Fourth Plain), and N Andresen Road, south of E 18th Street (Route 32)
- Trail information: Eight miles one way, 190-foot elevation gain
- ADA accessibility: Some areas are paved and obstacle-free, slight elevation gains throughout, all-terrain tires recommended for wheelchairs/mobility devices
Cutting through Vancouver, this trail follows Burnt Bridge Creek, a beautiful location full of wildlife and meadows. The trail itself is split into sections, allowing you to tackle a single section or take on the entire trail. Since C-TRAN serves both ends of the trail, you can walk the entire thing one way and take transit back, so you don’t have to make the trek back to your starting point on foot! There are also several access points along the middle of the trail if you’d like to walk a smaller section of it.
Cougar Trail
- Location: 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver (Route 19, The Current)
- Trail information: Six miles of various trails and loops, varied elevation
- ADA accessibility: The Green and Blue Loops are paved throughout, the Blue Loop has changes in elevation that may be challenging for some mobility devices
Don't let the name fool you. This trail won’t take you through a cougar-infested forest; it just surrounds the Washington State University Vancouver campus, home of the Cougars! This network of trails allows you to choose your own adventure. Whether you want to take an easy loop and explore the campus, or explore the lush greenery designed for both hiking and jogging, the trail is your oyster. If you cross paths with anyone wearing WSU apparel, don't hesitate to let out a “Go Cougs!”.
Cape Horn Trail
- Location: 54 Canyon Creek Rd., Washougal (Skamania County Transit)
- Trail information: Two miles round-trip, 1300-foot elevation gain
- ADA accessibility: Not recommended for people with mobility devices
Looking for a challenging hike with incredible views? Try Cape Horn! An ideal spot for sightseeing, this trail’s elevation gain yields a breathtaking aerial view of the Columbia River Gorge, which also allows you to get up close and personal with Cape Horn Falls. Note that this trail is partially closed annually from February through July for peregrine falcon nesting (bring your binoculars!), meaning hikers will need to do an out-and-back instead of a loop when the closure is in effect. While Cape Horn isn’t in our service area, it can be accessed via Skamania County Transit, which connects with C-TRAN at our Fisher’s Landing Transit Center. Skamania County Transit offers limited, weekday-only service, so we recommend mapping your trip out on the Transit app before you embark. You can either pay for your trip with cash or purchase a Gorge Pass. If you want to explore more of the Columbia River Gorge, Skamania County Transit serves multiple trailheads and also connects with other transit systems in the Gorge Translink network.