Leverich Park

History and Location

Located in Vancouver, Washington, Leverich Park spans across 33 acres of public greenspace. Dating back to 1931, it's among Vancouver's most historic parks, having been part of the community for almost a hundred years. The park wraps around the gentle flow of Burnt Bridge Creek, providing a natural escape from city life without having to venture far.

Despite sitting near the busy junction of Interstate 5 and Highway 500, once you step inside, the hustle and bustle of urban life seems to melt away - you'd hardly believe you're still in the city.

Natural Environment

Walk through Leverich Park and you'll find yourself surrounded by a canopy of Douglas firs and other native trees that create a genuine woodland feel. The dense tree cover casts cool, dappled shade that's especially welcome during warm summer months.

The landscape isn't flat and boring - gentle hills roll around the park, adding character to your walks. Burnt Bridge Creek meanders through the grounds, creating a soothing soundtrack as you explore. Just keep in mind that while the creek is lovely to look at, it's not suitable for wading or swimming.

Recreation Opportunities

A highlight of Leverich Park is its disc golf course that weaves through the trees. It's become something of a hotspot for disc golf enthusiasts across the region, regardless of their skill level. With 12 holes offering various challenges, it's particularly welcoming if you're just getting started or working on improving your game.

The course makes good use of the natural landscape. Some holes will have you throwing uphill or downhill, while others require you to navigate carefully around the park's many trees - a fun challenge that keeps players coming back.

Family Amenities

Kids will make a beeline for the park's playground with its slides and swings, but the ground could use some additional bark chips in places. The playground sits conveniently close to the covered picnic area, so you can keep an eye on the little ones while setting up lunch.

If you're planning a gathering, the park offers a large covered pavilion that you can reserve ahead of time. It's a popular spot for birthday celebrations, family reunions, and community get-togethers. You'll also find plenty of picnic tables scattered throughout the park if you prefer a more spontaneous meal outdoors.

Trail Connections

Leverich Park is a gateway to the broader Burnt Bridge Creek Trail network, making it a great jumping-off point if you're in the mood for a longer adventure through Vancouver's green corridors.

Charming bridges span across Burnt Bridge Creek, connecting different areas of the park while adding a picturesque element to your walk. The trails provide plenty of space for walking dogs, jogging, or simply taking a peaceful stroll through nature.

Facilities

You'll find restrooms available during park hours (5AM-10PM), however cleanliness can vary depending on when you visit. Parking is available in a small lot near the pavilion, with overflow parking up the hill for those busier weekend afternoons.

Across the park, open grassy spaces invite impromptu games of frisbee or catch, however be mindful of disc golfers who might be playing nearby. The park's layout, with its multiple interconnected sections, makes it worth exploring the different areas.