By Living Room Realty, July 1, 2020
Portland is great, I think we can all agree on that. But have you been to Vancouver lately? With summer here it’s the perfect time to explore this little gem hovering over Portland – there are tons of parks and recreation trails.
Here’s my sunny day recommendation:
Don’t forget your mask and sanitizer!
Start in downtown Vancouver at Kafiex Roasters and get your favorite coffee to go. Check out Esther Shore Park (the oldest public square in the state!). Jump on the Columbia River Renaissance Trail and enjoy some or all of the five mile trail that will take you along the river toward Wintler Park. The trail is good for walking, biking, skating or however it is you like to get around. On a clear day there are great views of the bridges and Mt. Hood. You can find lots of shops and restaurants along the trail if that’s your thing, but for the time being I’d plan to be flexible or consider take-out and a bench.
While you’re cruising the trail check out some of the many neat-o things that you’ll come across like Old Apple Tree Park. Ok, I know it doesn’t sound super interesting, but that old apple tree was planted in 1826, is the matriarch of the WA apple industry, and may damn well be the oldest apple tree in the NW. There’s a festival for it every year where, if you’re lucky, you can even get a cutting from the tree. If old trees aren’t your thing there are lots of little loops and other parks that join the trail – go explore!!
