Old Apple Tree Park

A Glimpse of Pacific Northwest History

Located next to the north bank of the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington, Old Apple Tree Park might be small in size, but it's huge in historical significance. This cozy park was created to honor the Old Apple Tree, which stood proudly from 1826 until 2020, earning its place as the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest for nearly two centuries.

The story behind this mighty tree is pretty fascinating - it's believed to have grown from seeds brought by Hudson's Bay Company traders in the early 19th century. At 194 years old when it finally reached the end of its impressive life, this wasn't just any old tree. It's credited with kickstarting Washington's entire apple industry, which is kind of a big deal when you think about it.

The Tree Lives On

While the original tree has passed on, there's something beautiful about how its legacy continues. Its offspring still grow within the park, and you can see the remains of the historic tree itself - a touching reminder of Vancouver's rich agricultural roots.

The park nicely connects with the Discovery Historic Loop Trail, making it easy to expand your exploration of Vancouver's past. With links to the waterfront and Fort Vancouver areas, you can really immerse yourself in local history if that's your thing.

One of the simple pleasures here is pausing to take in views of the Columbia River while reflecting on how this single tree influenced an entire region. As you wander around, you'll discover informational placards and markers that help piece together the historical significance of where you're standing.

What You'll Find Here

The park features a thoughtfully designed concrete and wooden path with some gentle uphill sections - nothing too strenuous. If you need a breather, several benches are scattered throughout, great for sitting back and soaking in the surroundings.

Along the trail, you'll come across some beautiful artwork and informative displays that tell the story of local history. From certain spots, the views of the landscape are quite impressive.

The grassy areas offer nice spots for a casual picnic or just lounging around. One nice thing about this park is that it rarely gets crowded, so you can enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience without the hustle and bustle of more popular destinations.

Bring Your Four-Legged Friends

If you're a dog owner, you'll appreciate that Old Apple Tree Park is a great place for walking your furry friend. Since it doesn't typically get too busy, it's ideal for leashed dogs to join you as you stroll the trail system.

The connected trails also mean you and your pup can extend your walk through areas rich in historical significance if you're up for a longer adventure.

Mark Your Calendar

Every October, the park comes alive with the annual Old Apple Tree Festival, a celebration of the region's apple heritage. There's a particularly cool tradition during this event where the City of Vancouver gives away tree cuttings from the Old Apple Tree's descendants, allowing you to potentially grow a piece of history in your own backyard.

While it may not be the biggest or most elaborate park around, Old Apple Tree Park preserves Vancouver's history and connects you to the agricultural traditions that helped shape the Pacific Northwest's renowned apple industry.