Just a few miles from the heart of downtown Vancouver is a quaint rural getaway, where the Frenchman’s Bar Trail connects Vancouver Lake Park to Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park. The wide, paved path provides the perfect urban getaway for hikers and dog walkers alike—it’s also a favorite among birders. On clear days, you’ll be treated to views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.
As the trail proceeds past Vancouver Lake to Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park, it traverses the shore of the Columbia River, with views across the way to Sauvie Island and the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, just north of Kelly Point Park. With unhindered views of the Columbia River, open sandy beaches and mountain vistas, there’s plenty of room to stretch out in this southwest Washington backyard.
While dogs are permitted on the trail year-round, they are not permitted on the beach or surrounding turf area of Vancouver Lake Regional Park between April 1 and Oct. 31.
Frenchman's Bar
45.6855,
-122.7614
Map & Directions
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Length
- 2.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 75 feet
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Highest Point
- 210 feet
Just a few miles from the heart of downtown Vancouver is a quaint rural getaway, where the Frenchman’s Bar Trail connects Vancouver Lake Park to Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park. The wide, paved path provides the perfect urban getaway for hikers and dog walkers alike—it’s also a favorite among birders. On clear days, you’ll be treated to views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.
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Hiking Frenchman's Bar
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Fee required: $2 for motorcycles $3 for cars $6 for cars with trailers and $8 for buses or motor homes
WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From I-5 in Vancouver, take exit 1D onto 4th Plain Blvd. Head west 1.5 miles, then merge right to stay on 4th Plain. Continue 3 miles to the main park entrance.
Note: In 2016, fees were reinstated to park here. $2 for motorcycles, $3 for cars, $6 for cars with trailers and $8 for buses or motor homes.
