On SR 14. Trail travelers will enjoy discovering Washougal, Washington’s “Gateway to the Gorge.” The perfect place to enjoy gorgeous views of the river and Mt. Hood, open grassy spaces, sandy beach access to the river, interpretive signage, picnic shelters, restrooms, and easy parking. The Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail — also known as the Dike Trail — is a multi-use trail paralleling the Columbia River. On the east end of the trail lies Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for spotting local wildlife year-round. Midway along the trail is Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach, the only park in the U.S. named in his honor. Replicas of Lewis and Clark’s dugout canoes, along with Chinookan canoes, help visitors imagine when the Corps of Discovery stopped here in spring of 1806 to camp and “stock the pantry,” loading their canoes with dried elk, bear, and deer meat for their return trip home. Nearby Steamboat Landing Park invites strolling and fishing on a floating walkway. Further west is the Washougal Waterfront Park, featuring a non-motorized kayak/canoe launch, ADA-accessible paths, picnic areas, solar powered restrooms, and a playground. A pedestrian tunnel passes under SR-14 and connects the Dike Trail to Washougal’s downtown area. Travelers can experience a world-famous tour at Pendleton Woolen Mills Factory, visit Two Rivers Heritage Museum for more history and maps of local art and architecture, or visit Captain Meriwether Lewis’s waterdog sculpture, Seaman, near the Campanile in Reflection Plaza. Award-winning breweries and dining establishments welcome hungry and thirsty travelers. VisitWashougal.com
