Columbia Springs

Natural Escape in the City

Tucked away along the Old Evergreen Highway in Vancouver, Washington, Columbia Springs offers a refreshing 100-acre piece of nature right within city limits. This urban natural area includes an environmental education center where you can enjoy the outdoors without venturing far from home. Yes, you might catch the distant hum of I-205, but once you're wandering the grounds, it's amazing how quickly you forget you're still in Vancouver!

Historic Trout Hatchery

At the heart of Columbia Springs sits the Vancouver Trout Hatchery, a piece of living history dating back to 1938 when it was built as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. Still going strong today under the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the hatchery produces around 780,000 trout, chum salmon, and steelhead each year.

From the upper platform, you can look down at thousands of tiny fish darting about in the tanks below. Both kids and adults enjoy the fish feeding pond, where you can purchase fish food and watch the trout race for a snack.

Trails and Natural Features

Lacing through the property are over two miles of hiking trails that meander through various ecosystems. These paths offer several loop options, good for anything from a quick walk to a leisurely afternoon stroll. The trails are generally gentle enough for all ages, although do watch your step in spots where tree roots have made themselves at home.

Take a moment to rest at one of the two wildlife viewing decks, perfect perches for spotting local birds including various ducks, waterfowl, and if you're lucky, the resident blue heron that's claimed this area as its territory.

As you explore, you'll encounter West Biddle Lake, East Biddle Lake, and several ponds that support the hatchery. Keep an eye out for charming wood carvings of animals etched into trees along the way, and informative signs that'll teach you about native plants and their traditional uses.

Educational Opportunities

Columbia Springs functions as both a natural area and an educational facility. Throughout the year, the center offers educational programs including guided nature walks, environmental workshops, summer camps, and seasonal festivals.

The impact runs deep, with programs reaching over 6,000 K-5 students annually through field trips and the innovative Salmon in the Classroom program. Monthly nature days provide learning opportunities for curious minds of all ages. The stone circle along one of the trails illustrates the salmon life cycle - both natural and human-impacted versions.

As a non-profit focused on environmental education, Columbia Springs offers community programs centered on native plants, wildlife conservation, and sustainable practices. Guided walks provide insights into local ecosystems from knowledgeable staff.

Planning Your Visit

The park welcomes visitors daily from 5AM to 8PM, and the best part? It's completely free. You can find clean restrooms near the trout farm area, and plenty of picnic tables scattered across the grounds for a peaceful outdoor meal.

Feel free to bring your four-legged friend for a walk, just remember to keep them leashed. While swimming isn't allowed in any of the water features, there's still plenty to enjoy through observation and appreciation of this natural sanctuary. The relatively easy trails make Columbia Springs a wonderful destination for families, but some sections with natural obstacles might require a bit more careful navigation with very young children.