Beat the Heat with These Outdoor Places to Make a Splash in Clark County

I have very fond childhood memories of waiting impatiently for the weather to get just warm enough to play in the sprinkler. I would then proceed to play in that freezing cold water until I was practically blue and my mother would have to make me come inside. It’s just not summer, regardless of weather, until you’ve played in the water. Luckily, we have plenty of outdoor options in Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground and throughout Clark County to make a splash and get wet as the weather heats up.

Salmon Creek Regional Park / Klineline Pond

Salmon Creek Regional Park and Klineline Pond in Vancouver is a hot spot in the summer. With a  bathhouse, roped swimming areas, a children splash pad and even life jackets on loan, it has just about everything you could want, including picnic areas for after you have worked up an appetite swimming and splashing. There are parking fees for the park, and it’s open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

1112 NE 117th Street

Vancouver

Wintler Community Park

Wintler Community Park in Vancouver is the only city park with public water access. With 12.5 acres of beach park, it’s a great place to cool off along the Columbia River when the weather gets warm. There are parking fees collected from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The park is open 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

6400 Beach Dr.

Vancouver

Paradise Point State Park

Paradise Point State Park is a riverfront beach that is great for those looking to swim in the Lewis River. Aside from swimming, you can fish (license required), boat (no boat launch), and use other personal watercraft. Discovery pass is required. Park is open 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

33914 N.W. Paradise Park Road
Ridgefield

Capt. William Clark Park

Capt. William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach is a fun place to cool off because if it’s historical significance – Lewis and Clark had a camp here!  The park is open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

South Index Street at South 32nd Street, Port of Camas-Washougal

Washougal

Holley Park

Holley Park in La Center has a fairly new splash pad that will keep kids busy for hours, along with tons of other recreational options. The Splash Pad is open seasonally and has its own hours, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The splash pad opens after school lets out. This year on June 15, 2018.

1000 East 4th Street

La Center

Vancouver Lake Regional Park

The ultimate beach getaway close to home, Vancouver Lake Regional Park has all the water fun you can handle – windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing included! As well as ample places to swim. Due to the wildlife, no domestic animals are allowed on the beach or turf area between April 1 and October 31, except for service animals. Parking fees apply and the park is open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

6801 NW Lower River Road

Vancouver

Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park

Located just two miles from Vancouver Lake Park, with a trail connecting the two, Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park has a lovely view of the Columbia River where you can cool off by the breeze, however, swimming is not recommended due to the harsh current. Still, it’s a nice spot to cool off and you can walk to nearby Vancouver Lake Park. Year-round parking fees apply. The park is open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

9612 NW Lower River Road

Vancouver

Daybreak Regional Park and Boat Launch

Daybreak Regional Park runs along the East Fork of the Lewis River and has plenty of water access, including a boat launch. It’s open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

26401 NE Daybreak Road

Battle Ground

Lewisville Regional Park

Lewisville Regional Park boasts swimming, a boat launch and even fishing in the East Fork Lewis River. Parking fees apply and the park is open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

26411 NE Lewisville Highway

Battle Ground

Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park in Battle Ground has a water spray featured that kids just love. It’s the largest community park in Battle Ground and is open dawn to dusk.

422 SW 2nd Ave

Battle Ground, WA 98604

Moulton Falls Regional Park

Moulton Falls Regional Park is probably the largest one on this list. At 387-acres, it has plenty of things to see and do to occupy the family for a day. The giant trees provided cooling shade and swimming is allowed. The park is open 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

27781 NE Lucia Falls Road

Yacol