Battle Ground, WA

Travel Guide

Fall Foliage in Upstate New York Saratoga Springs Battle Ground
Fall Foliage in Upstate New York Saratoga Springs Battle Ground
The Bells Mountain Trail in Clark County is obviously in no way connected to the more famous Bells Mountain Wilderness in Missouri. The trail which bears its name does not ascend or in any way touch the actual mountain. But it bears some of the most beautiful views of the mountain from directly across the valley. This was taken today (2015-01-11), on an extremely cloudy, foggy and generally soggy day. But look at what you get to see, even in the middle of our waterlogged winters. One drawback is that you have to pass through a lot of clear-cut forest on the trail side of the valley. I say that, realizing now that almost none of these vistas would be possible otherwize.
OK, let me just get to this and be done with it. Living in the Northwest, I've known many people, including ex-family members, who depend upon the timber industry for their livelihoods. I have watched the decline of that industry in this region and the devastating effect it has had on dozens of communities and the families who live in them. Further more, I will add for comparison purposes, an historical anecdote related to me by my father. After he left the army air corps at the end of WWII, he entered academia as a professor of Italian literature. To this day, he derives a somewhat ironic pleasure from the reputation both Italy and Greece have garnered for their dry and arid climates; how the world sees them and is attracted to them for bright sunshine on rocky, bleached coastlines with hardly a tree in sight. You see, it wasn't always that way. Both Greece, and Italy in particular, were once lush and verdant places, covered with forests that were cut down to satisfy the needs of both of those vast and long-lived republics and empires. What we know of their climates today only came after the trees were gone. And if it was good enough for the Greeks and Romans, then why not for the good old U S of A? I know all this. That there are no simple answers to complex questions. That there are people whose lives turn upside down when an economy whithers and dies. And that they certainly deserve as much protection as the resources others clamber to keep out of their hands. I know all this, and I walk through scenes like this one, or drive by them on my way to somewhere else, bearing the full weight of these contradictory forces in my mind. And I see that it has to be this way. And that it will always be this way. But, still, it breaks my heart.
This sturdy steel bridge crosses Cedar Creek on the downslope of the first five-mile leg of the Bells Mountain Trail. It was made by the Continental Bridge Company of Alexandria, VA, and can withstand 6,000 pounds of weight (according to a plaque on the handrail). So unless you plan to park the Clydesdales on it , you should be good. Of course, should it happen to collapse under you and send you hurtling downstream, you may take comfort in this fact: the plaque provides a convenient 800 number for you to call and get assistance.
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St Portland OR
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
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The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
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The Paramount Hotel
Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

3.5 out of 5
6233 NE 78th Court Portland OR
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
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Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
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Chic Battle Ground Apartment ~ 18 Mi to Vancouver!

Chic Battle Ground Apartment ~ 18 Mi to Vancouver!

3 out of 5
Battle Ground WA
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Battle Ground. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Battle Ground Lake State Park ...
Chic Battle Ground Apartment ~ 18 Mi to Vancouver!
Inn at Northrup Station

Inn at Northrup Station

3 out of 5
2025 NW Northrup Street Portland OR
Stay at this aparthotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Inn at Northrup Station
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Popular places to visit

USA, Washington State, Battle Ground Lake State Park. Fallen tree in lake.

Battle Ground Lake State Park

You can take time to visit Battle Ground Lake State Park during your travels to Lewisville. Check out the shops and charming coffeehouses in this family-friendly area.

Battle Ground Lake State Park

Vancouver National Historic Reserve

You can find out about the history of Meadow Glade with a visit to Vancouver National Historic Reserve. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Vancouver National Historic Reserve

Pearson Air Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Pearson Air Museum during your trip to Meadow Glade. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Pearson Air Museum

Reviews of Battle Ground

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The Happy Family Chinese Restaurant was a surprising find. We thought it looked shabby but didn't want to try to find somewhere else to eat. We were glad we tried it: excellent food and great staff! Good prices, too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Dont stay here if your going to the casino!! stay in woodland its closer

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Hard to say, we came in very late, slept in a hotel, and left very early.

Cities near Battle Ground

Officers Row featuring heritage architecture and a house

Vancouver

The curve at Rest Lake in the River "S" Unit at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.

Ridgefield

Mt. Saint Helens at sunset, three miles south of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Brush Prairie

La Conner, Washington, is an historic town situated on the Swinomish Channel. The center of town is a historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

La Center