Nestled peacefully in the beautiful Southwest Region of Washington state lies the serene Vancouver Lake. A tranquil oasis amidst the bustling cities of Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, this 2303-acre body of water has been a timeless presence long before urbanization graced its eastern shores. Vancouver Lake is part of a cluster of natural shallow lakes along the Columbia River, believed to have formed during the tumultuous last glacial period. The tales of Lewis and Clark recount their encounter with the lake and the Native American village that once thrived along its edges, referring to it as ‘the Pond.’ Originally linked to the Columbia River through Mulligan Slough to the south, Vancouver Lake’s connection was sealed off over a century ago by artificial dikes and dams. While neighboring lakes fell prey to industrialization, Vancouver Lake was spared, thanks to public outcry. Located just a stone’s throw from the Columbia River, Vancouver Lake is now a haven for nature enthusiasts and leisure seekers, offering a picturesque retreat beyond the urban sprawl. Preserved wetlands shield the lake from early development, with most of its shoreline in public hands, except for the eastern edge held by a railroad track. Vancouver Lake beckons visitors for days filled with sailing, rowing, paddling, swimming, and al fresco picnics. On the west bank of Vancouver Lake, the City maintains a sprawling 234-acre park, complete with 35 acres dedicated to picnicking, windsurfing, and beach volleyball. Visitors can cool down in the enticing waters of the lake by visiting a designated swimming area featuring a sandy beach. Vancouver Lake Regional Park is a hotspot for those seeking stunning vistas, offering a panoramic sight of majestic peaks like Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens on clear days. One can glimpse five prominent volcanoes from Vancouver Lake, with Mount Rainier and Mount Jefferson gracing select viewpoints. Vancouver Lake sees an influx of migratory waterfowl, making it a haven for birdwatchers who flock to the park and its trails to check off species from their bird-watching ‘life lists.’ A network of trails connects Vancouver Lake Regional Park to Frenchman’s Bar Park along the Columbia River. A new trail system is in the works, set to run parallel to Buckmire Slough and link up with a publicly owned open space bordering Lake River. This upcoming trail promises enchanting views of the sprawling lake lowlands and lush forested lowlands teeming with wildlife. A proposed circular extension from the adjacent Shillapoo Wildlife Area will link to Frenchman’s Bar Park, the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway Trail, and the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail. One portion of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area fringes the southern shore of Vancouver Lake, drawing in nature enthusiasts from the Vancouver locale with its 477 acres of diverse wildlife habitats. Vancouver Lake has established itself as a hub for sailing and rowing clubs, with the Vancouver Lake Sailing Club anchoring its presence on the lake since the 1960s. The lake hosts regular races and regattas for smaller sailing vessels, while numerous rowing crews utilize its waters for training. The Vancouver Lake Crew provides rowing instruction and water safety programs for youth and disabled adults, attracting avid participants to their high school-age team that thrives on competition. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts frequent Vancouver Lake, enticed by its typically tranquil waters hugging much of the shoreline. The lake is best suited for smaller watercraft due to its shallow pockets. A channel dredged along the eastern and western banks several years ago has improved water circulation, with the channel serving as the deepest area in the lake. Dredging remnants were repurposed to craft an island near the northern shore. To the north, Lake River emerges as a popular spot for water skiing and windsurfing. The lake’s dense, untouched woods lining the shore create a serene ambiance, often making paddlers feel as though they are alone on the expansive water’s surface during the early hours of the day. Vancouver Lake is home to various fish species, although it hasn’t gained a reputation as a prime fishing spot. Largemouth bass, brown bullhead, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and other species inhabit its shallow waters. Fish sizes tend to be smaller due to the absence of vegetation and protective fish habitats; carp and bullheads are frequently encountered. Sturgeons have historically been fished in Vancouver Lake; they most likely come through the Lake River, the only river that leads into the Colombia River. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife offers a boat dock on the lake’s southern shore. However, the water depth remains shallow, averaging around a foot for several hundred feet into the lake. Most boaters launch from a private facility near the Lake River outlet, where waters run deeper. Vancouver Lake grappled with massive algae blooms in past years due to limited water circulation. Burnt Bridge Creek and a few minor inlets dotted along the lakeshore supplied modest amounts of water, often resulting in significant lake level drops during dry spells, revealing vast mudflats. Seeking to revamp water quality by enhancing the lake’s flow, a controlled channel cut from the Columbia River was established in 1983. Operated by the Port of Vancouver, this flushing channel permits water to flow from the river into the lake and back out through the Lake River, reviving the disrupted natural hydrology caused by dams. Known as the ‘flushing channel,’ this conduit, aside from curbing algae blooms, introduces a tidal influence on the lake, with water levels rising slightly with the tide. Lake River, the sole outlet, occasionally reverses course during high Columbia River levels, allowing water to flow back into Vancouver Lake. Over the years, proposals circulated on how best to utilize Vancouver Lake, including plans to repurpose the lake for ship decommissioning from the Port or use it as an overflow reservoir to mitigate floods. Fortunately for Vancouver Lake aficionados, these initiatives were deemed financially unviable, leaving the lake undisturbed. An added benefit for fortunate homeowners with lake-view properties on the Vancouver side is the unspoiled allure of the landscape. While direct lakefront access is limited, several elegant homes boast stunning lake vistas, enhancing the desirability of real estate in the area. Accommodations directly along the shoreline are scarce, but lodgings can be found near Vancouver and Portland, catering to visitors seeking a day’s escape or a brief interlude at Vancouver Lake. Beyond sailing and rowing, the lake hosts diverse activities that captivate guests, such as the annual Vancouver Lake Half-Marathon, introducing neophytes to the charm of this beloved locale. Perhaps this year, you may join the ranks of Vancouver Lake devotees, discovering its serene and captivating allure for yourself.