# Travel >> Travel Advice >> Tourist Attractions

What Are Some Things to Do in Vancouver, Washington?

Vancouver, the state of Washington's fourth largest city, abounds with choices for recreational and cultural activities. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Mount St. Helens and the Cascade Mountains, Vancouver has a small-town atmosphere but provides all the accommodations of a larger metropolitan area. Portland, Oregon, is just across the Columbia River, creating even more options for shopping, dining and sightseeing.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- At Gifford Pinchot National Forest, spectacular natural landscapes provide a range of recreational options. Camp in the forest, climb Mt. Adams or Mt. St. Helens, hike or bike 1,200 miles of trails, or catch more than 20 species of fish. Breathtaking waterfalls and all-around incredible views make for great photo opportunities. Photographers won't want to miss a chance to capture the color changes of the leaves in autumn.
  
  Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters
  
  10600 N.E. 51st Circle
  
  Vancouver, WA 98682
  
  360-891-5000
  
  fs.fed.us/gpnf
Vancouver Lake Park
- Go to Vancouver Lake Park for sand volleyball, swimming, kayaking or canoeing, or explore the 2.5-mile trail that connects Vancouver Lake Park to Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Picnic areas with barbecue grills are available.
  
  Vancouver Lake Park
  
  6801 NW Lower River Rd.
  
  Vancouver, WA 98660
Clark County Historical Museum
- Stop by the Clark County Historical Museum, located in Vancouver's 1909 Carnegie Library, to browse a comprehensive collection of historical Vancouver documents, maps and photographs, along with Native American and pioneer artifacts. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free on the first Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  Clark County Historical Museum
  
  1511 Main St.
  
  Vancouver, WA 98660
  
  360-993-5679
  
  cchmuseum.org
Fort Vancouver
- A fascinating field trip for history buffs, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a full-scale replica of the original 19th-century fur trading post that served as the Hudson's Bay Company headquarters. Tour the various quarters and learn about old fashioned blacksmithing, farming and carpentry. Walk through Officers Row, the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, and the Village and the Land Bridge. Self-guided audio tours are available, and group tours may be booked in advance.
  
  Fort Vancouver
  
  1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
  
  Vancouver, WA 98661
  
  360-816-6230
  
  fortvan.org
Pearson Air Museum
- Visit the Pearson Air Museum at Fort Vancouver to learn all about aviation's inception and everything that has happened at the historic Pearson Air Field since 1905. The museum's longstanding exhibits include the world's first bomber, a 1918 wooden hangar and a reproduction of the kind of plane flown by the Red Baron. Interactive exhibits include a hands-on science area for children and a flight simulator lab. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday.
  
  Pearson Air Museum
  
  1115 E. Fifth Street
  
  Vancouver, WA 98661
  
  360-694-7026
  
  pearsonairmuseum.org