Hidden Landmarks of Vancouver, WA: Discover Clark County’s Secret Spots

PC: tisiarock

Vancouver, Washington isn’t just about Fort Vancouver and the bustling waterfront. Tucked between sprawling neighborhoods and old‑growth evergreens are some truly special landmarks that locals whisper about but rarely see. A recent thread in the r/vancouverwa community prompted me to revisit some of these hidden gems in Vancouver, WA, and the list didn’t disappoint. From fish hatcheries and grist mills to quirky towers and meditation labyrinths, these places showcase the depth and diversity of Clark County’s hidden treasures.

Columbia Springs & the Vancouver Trout Hatchery

Just east of the I‑205 bridge off Evergreen Highway lies Columbia Springs, a 100‑acre urban oasis that few outside the neighborhood seem to know about. Redditors praised this nonprofit education center as a hidden gem with peaceful walking trails and a working fish hatchery. Wander through old cedar forests, peer into ponds teeming with trout and steelhead, and watch your kids go bug‑hunting in the stream. One commenter even noted that Columbia Springs hosts a free family nature day every September with microscopes, sensory play and open houses—a perfect introduction for budding scientists. The adjacent Vancouver Trout Hatchery also earned praise for its vintage cement round pools stocked with fish.

Pro tip: Pack a picnic and plan to stay awhile. The site is free to visit and open daily, and the sound of rushing water combined with birdsong is better than any spa soundtrack.

Kaiser Shipyard Memorial Tower (a.k.a. “Anarchy Beach”)

In the heart of Marine Park, a wooden observation tower rises above the trees. Officially it’s the Kaiser Shipyard Memorial Tower, built to honor the thousands of workers who churned out Liberty ships here during World War II. Locals, however, lovingly call the area “Anarchy Beach,” and the tower has become a magnet for sunset proposals and viral videos (yes, EverythingApplePro used it to test phone durability). The tower offers sweeping views of the Columbia River and Portland skyline, and you can still see remnants of the old shipyard along the shoreline.

Multiple Redditors pointed this spot out as the mystery landmark in the thread. It’s located just west of Marine Park, steps from the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. Fair warning: some commenters shared stories about car break‑ins and creepy encounters, so visit during daylight and keep valuables out of sight. Once you’re up top, though, you’ll understand why someone even got engaged here in 2019.

Cedar Creek Grist Mill

Drive north toward Woodland and you’ll find the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, one of Washington’s oldest working grist mills. It was mentioned in the Reddit thread as a favorite landmark, and for good reason. Built in 1876 and restored by volunteers, the mill still grinds grain every weekend. Visitors can tour the interior, walk across the covered bridge and hike along Cedar Creek. In autumn the surrounding maples blaze gold and orange—photographer’s heaven. If you time your visit right you might even catch their apple‑pressing events and take home fresh cider.

Tidewater Marina Lookout Point

Another suggestion from locals was the Tidewater Marina lookout near Marine Park. It’s a simple open platform, but the view of the river and planes taking off from PDX is fantastic. Bring a thermos of coffee and watch the sunrise reflect off the Columbia, or swing by at sunset when the sky blushes pink and gold. It’s not as busy as Waterfront Park, which makes it a nice place to clear your head.

Meditation Labyrinth and Hidden Memorial at Hazel Dell Park

If you’re craving quiet introspection, head east of the Vancouver United Church of Christ and you’ll find a brick labyrinth tucked beside the parking lot. One commenter described it as a mellow, meditative experience—go when the lot is empty and let the rhythmic path untangle your thoughts. Nearby at Hazel Dell Community Park, another hidden surprise awaits. Hike up the hill and you’ll discover a small memorial wall overlooking the trees. Few people know it exists, so you’ll likely have the place to yourself.

Maryhill Stonehenge, Museum & Goldendale Observatory

Not strictly in Clark County but worth the drive, Maryhill Stonehenge is a full‑scale replica of England’s prehistoric monument perched above the Columbia Gorge. A local suggested it as a must‑see side trip. While you’re in the area, drop into the Maryhill Museum of Art and then head slightly north to the Goldendale Observatory for incredible stargazing. On clear nights the Milky Way pops against the dark Eastern Washington sky—no telescope required.

St John’s the Forerunner Monastery

Want something even more unusual? A commenter noted that St John’s the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery sells “amazing cakes and yogurt”. It’s located near Goldendale, so you can tack it onto your Maryhill trip. The monks make pastries and dairy products as part of their livelihood, and visitors are welcome to purchase them from the small gift shop. Keep in mind that modest dress and respectful behavior are required.

Dreaming of Trail Connections

Two recurring wishes in the thread were to connect the Waterfront Renaissance Trail with the Vancouver Lake trail system and to extend the path to Marine Park. Riders already enjoy a chill bike route along the river, but a continuous loop would elevate Vancouver’s cycling scene. Until then, you can still enjoy the separate segments: stroll the waterfront from Esther Short Park to Wintler Park, then drive over to Vancouver Lake for a picnic and a paddle.

These hidden landmarks are part of what makes living in the Pacific Northwest so rewarding. They remind us that you don’t have to drive to Seattle or Portland to find adventure—sometimes it’s sitting quietly in your own backyard. Next time you’ve got a free afternoon, skip the mall and explore one of these secret spots. And if you stumble upon another treasure, drop a comment on our socials or send me a message—because Vancouver’s story is still being written, and we’re all invited to add a chapter.