Vancouver Lake Park Tours

Fisherman trying his luck along the shores of Vancouver Lake with Mt. St Helens in the background.

The light slips out of the world so easily; it darkens and fades and threatens never to return. I felt like a druid here, looking over the flimsy work of a group of human beings, two dozen pier poles appearing so minuscule in the wide expanse of the earth, water and sky.

And I thought back to a time five thousand years ago, and to a group of people huddling in a circle of stones, as the longest night of the year faded and their prayers for another day were answered. A febrile ball of light rolled up over the horizon. The earth was not extinguished. Crops would rise come Spring. And the summer light, and summer warmth would soon be theirs again.

But, oh, the night they had to pass to arrive at that conclusion.

How many of those nights does each of us pass now? Dark, harrowing passages of our own making? Filled with doubt, wide and dark, and fed by utter desperation?

They are not permanent, you know. They ebb. They fade. And they dim in the cloud of memory as surely as the solstice.

So on this shortest day of the year, for all of you, and particularly for a friend who has undergone a great tragedy from which she is yet to emerge, I offer you this promise.

There is no darkness strong enough to conquer you. The day will lift up as it always has.

I swear to you, with every ounce of faith I have: your light will shine again.

The southern shore of Vancouver Lake. I would have taken these on the solstice, but we're going to have rain that day. No matter, one day earlier and the light is still struggling to assert its presence.

Stately old Oak off the lake's southeastern shore.

Visit Vancouver Lake Park

Activities

Vancouver Travel Guide

Popular places to visit

These massive cranes service the terminal area of the Port of Portland in the northern-most section of the city.

If we assume that one of those pilot boats is approximately 12 feet tall, we can calculate an approximate height for the cranes behind it -- something on the order of 120 feet.

You can see this structure at the northeastern-most portion of Kelley Point Park.

Kelley Point Park

Kelley Point Park is just one of the places to see in Portland, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the area's shops or amble around its riverfront.

Some pieces are contemporary, and decidedly on the whimsical side.

This one is entitled "If Gucci Were a Straight Dancer from Oklahoma" by Angela Swedberg

Clark County Historical Museum

You can study the exhibits at Clark County Historical Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Vancouver. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Tina Bar

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Tina Bar during your trip to Vancouver? Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Reeder Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Reeder Beach during your trip to Portland? Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront, or seek out the biking trails.

Salmon Creek Regional Park

Salmon Creek Regional Park is just one of the places to see in Vancouver, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or discover the beautiful waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

Westside Golf Range

You can take time to visit Westside Golf Range during your travels to Vancouver. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Best Lodging Options Near Vancouver Lake Park

Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver

13206 Highway 99 Vancouver WA

Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront by IHG

909 N Hayden Island Dr Portland OR

Studio 6 Suites Vancouver, Wa - Waterfront

601 Broadway Street Vancouver WA

See all 1,898 properties in Vancouver Lake Park

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.