The best walks and hikes around Washougal

The Mountain View, Refuge River, and Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander through diverse landscapes, from open fields and riparian woodlands to the edges of shallow ponds and marshes, with Redtail Lake as a scenic highlight. The trail is unique for its integrated sculptures and quotes, subtly placed to enhance your connection with the natural world, making it a truly special experience for wildlife spotting and gentle exploration.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with convenient parking and restrooms available at the trailhead. Keep in mind that a section of the Gibbons Creek loop has seasonal closures from October 1st to April 30th to protect wintering waterfowl. While the Refuge River Trail is multi-use, accommodating bikes and leashed dogs, the Mountain View Trail and parts of the Wildlife Art Trail are reserved for pedestrians, ensuring a peaceful walking experience.

This 4.1-mile (6.5 km) hiking route, rated easy with only 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, making it ideal for families and those seeking an accessible adventure. Located within the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the trail is part of a significant restoration project that reconnected the floodplain to the Columbia River, creating a vital habitat for over 200 species of birds and other wildlife. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for beginner hiking trails with high natural and artistic payoff.

The Round Lake Loop Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, winding around the serene waters of Round Lake. You'll traverse a variety of surfaces, from paved sections to gravel paths and boardwalks, all while enjoying lush evergreen forests and views of the historic Round Lakes Upper Dam and the unique Camas Potholes. This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hike, with only 276 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

This trail is a fantastic option for families, dog walkers, and runners, offering amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds nearby. It's enjoyable throughout the year, though spring and fall bring particularly beautiful colors to the landscape. Remember to keep your dog on a leash, as it's a popular spot for wildlife viewing.

Part of the broader Lake to Lake Trail system, this loop showcases diverse scenery, from tranquil lake views to sections alongside rapid rivers. The historic Round Lake Upper Dam, originally built in 1883, adds a touch of local history to your walk. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and consider bringing a fishing rod, as the area is popular for angling.

Embark on an easy hike along the Lewis & Clark Discovery Greenway Trail, a paved and flat route offering scenic views of the Columbia River. This accessible path covers 0.9 miles (1.5 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 16 feet (5 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing. You can expect to complete this tranquil journey in about 22 minutes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and native plants.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and suitable for various abilities, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. You will find restrooms and picnic areas conveniently located at different points along the route, enhancing your comfort. Parking is generally available at the trailheads, making access simple for your adventure.

This trail is nestled within Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach, a historically significant site where the famous expedition once camped. As you hike, educational signage provides insights into the Lewis & Clark expedition, connecting you to the past. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as bald eagles and ospreys, which frequent the area, adding to the natural charm of your experience.

The Washougal River Greenway Trail is an easy, pleasant hike that follows the Washougal River, offering diverse scenery from riparian forests to repurposed gravel quarries. You'll enjoy views of the water and surrounding wetlands, with the highlight being a prominent steel-and-wood pedestrian bridge that crosses the river, providing excellent viewpoints. This 1.2-mile (1.9 km) route has only 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 29 minutes, making it a quick and rewarding outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is very accessible and generally flat, with many paved sections. It's an ideal spot for families, those with strollers, and dog owners. Be aware that during heavy rain or snowmelt, some wetland areas can become wet or flooded, so checking local conditions before you go is a good idea.

Beyond the scenic river views, the trail is a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot ducks, herons, eagles, and various smaller birds, as well as butterflies and dragonflies. Depending on the season, you'll see fields of wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage, and on clear days, even Mount Hood in the distance. This trail offers a gentle escape into nature right on the eastern edge of Camas.