The Guide · Washougal, Washington
Living in Washougal.
Outdoor recreation, local flavor, top-rated schools, and the uncommon advantages of Skamania County. Here is everything you need to know about life in the western Gorge.
Chapter One · The Outdoors
Outdoor Recreation.
The Gorge is your backyard.
Washougal sits at the western entrance to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where the river carves through the Cascade Range in a corridor of basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and evergreen forest. From mild wildlife walks to Class IV river rapids, every kind of outdoor pursuit is minutes from your door.
Columbia River Gorge
National Scenic Area
The Columbia River Gorge begins just east of Washougal, stretching 80 miles through the Cascade Range with cliffs up to 4,000 feet deep. Scenic drives on Highway 14, world-class hiking, windsurfing, and viewpoints that stop you in your tracks.
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Refuge & Trails
A 1,049-acre refuge on former Columbia River floodplain, home to over 200 bird species including Canada geese, great blue herons, and dozens of duck species. The 2.75-mile Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail meanders through seasonal wetlands, riparian streams, and Oregon oak groves.
Cape Horn Overlook
Scenic Viewpoint
Located roughly 8 miles east of Washougal on Highway 14, this renowned overlook delivers panoramic views of the Columbia River, Beacon Rock, and Phoca Rock. The short trail to the viewpoint is a local favorite for sunset photography.
Washougal River
Fishing & Kayaking
The Washougal River supports Chinook, chum, and Coho salmon, steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout. The Big Eddy section offers one of the most popular Class III–IV kayak runs in the region, with fun rapids and easy access. The river rises and drops quickly after rain, so timing is everything.
Hiking Trails
Gorge Trail Network
From the gentle paths of Steigerwald Lake to the strenuous climbs of the Gorge, the trail network around Washougal offers hikes for every ability. The Pacific Crest Trail passes within an hour’s drive, and dozens of waterfall hikes lie scattered along the Gorge corridor.
Chapter Two · Landmarks
Local Attractions.
History, motorsports, and the river.
From the spot where Lewis and Clark camped on their return journey to the roar of motocross engines, Washougal offers attractions that draw visitors from across the region.
Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach
Historic Park & River Access
An 85-acre day-use park on the Columbia River where the Corps of Discovery camped for six days in March 1806. Today the park features multi-use trails, interpretive structures, replicas of Chinookan and Lewis and Clark dugout canoes, picnic shelters, and a two-mile levee trail with river access.
Learn MoreTwo Rivers Heritage Museum
Local History Museum
Showcasing the rich history of Washougal and neighboring Camas, the museum preserves artifacts, photographs, and stories from the region’s early settlement, timber industry, and river-based commerce.
Washougal Motocross Park
Motorsports Venue
A premier motocross racing venue in the Pacific Northwest, drawing riders and spectators from across the region. The track hosts competitive events throughout the season and is a cornerstone of the local motorsports community.
Washougal Waterfront & Reflection Plaza
Community Gathering Space
Downtown Washougal’s Reflection Plaza (Main Street & Pendleton Way) hosts the Washougal Main Street Market and the newer Washougal Community Market, featuring local makers, artisans, bakers, food vendors, and live music.
Chapter Three · Eat & Shop
Dining & Shopping.
Downtown Washougal and beyond.
Downtown Washougal’s Main Street anchors a food scene that punches well above its size: farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, sushi bars, and coffee roasters. The farmer’s markets bring the community together every week from spring through fall.
Feast@316
4.3Farm-to-Table
Farm-to-table dining in the heart of downtown. Seasonal menus featuring local ingredients and Pacific Northwest flavors.
Asaka Sushi Bar & Cocktail Lounge
Sushi & Cocktails
Modern Japanese cuisine and craft cocktails in downtown Washougal. Fresh sushi rolls, sake flights, and a welcoming lounge atmosphere.
Visit2 Rivers Bar & Grill
American Grill
A Washougal staple serving American classics, burgers, and drinks in a relaxed setting on Main Street.
K&M Drive-In
4.6Classic Drive-In
A beloved local drive-in serving burgers, shakes, and nostalgia since forever. Worth the short drive to Camas.
VisitHidden River Coffee Roasters
4.6Coffee Roastery
The best coffee in the area. Small-batch roasting, pour-overs, and a welcoming cafe atmosphere in Camas.
VisitWashougal Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
Locally owned coffee shop in downtown Washougal serving espresso drinks, pastries, and a cozy community space.
VisitGrains of Wrath Brewery
3.9Craft Brewery
Craft beer with a view of the Gorge. A wide selection of house-brewed beers and a welcoming taproom in Camas.
VisitWashougal Main Street Market
Farmer’s Market
Saturdays 9am–3pm, late May through late September at Reflection Plaza. Fresh produce, local crafts, artisan goods, and community gathering.
Washougal Community Market
Evening Market
Fridays 2–6pm, nine weeks starting early June at Reflection Plaza. Local makers, bakers, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Chapter Four · Community
Schools & Community.
A place to put down roots.
Washougal is the kind of town where neighbors know each other, the schools are invested in every student, and community events fill the calendar. The Washougal School District serves approximately 2,850 students across nine schools with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, offering strong academic programs and a supportive environment.
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary
Grades PK–5
Located at 9731 Washougal River Road, serving the rural areas of the Washougal district with a focus on community and foundational learning.
Columbia River Gorge Elementary
Grades PK–5
Serving the eastern Washougal area with strong academic programs and a commitment to student development.
Gause Elementary
Grades PK–5
Located in Washougal, Gause Elementary serves the local community with a focus on foundational learning and student growth.
Jemtegaard Middle School
Grades 6–8
Comprehensive middle school curriculum with extracurricular programs that prepare students for high school success.
Washougal High School
Grades 9–12
Rigorous academic program with advanced placement courses, athletics, and arts programs that produce well-rounded graduates.
Washougal Learning Academy
Alternative Learning
Personalized education pathways and online learning options for Washougal students seeking alternative approaches.
Community Spirit
Washougal retains the close-knit feel of a small town while growing thoughtfully. The farmer’s markets, the annual Fourth of July celebration, the community market with live music and local artisans: these are the rhythms that define life here. It is the kind of place where your kids walk to school, your neighbors wave from their porches, and the community shows up for each other.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
With parks, river access, safe streets, and a school system that invests in its students, Washougal is built for families. The recreation options are endless: hiking on the weekend, kayaking after school, fishing off the riverbank. Children grow up with the Gorge as their playground and a community that looks out for them.
Chapter Five · Location
Location Benefits.
Rural privacy, urban reach.
Despite its rural feel, Washougal delivers metropolitan access that surprises most newcomers. The private driveway at 1352 Buhman Rd sits just 36 minutes from Portland International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Portland. A convenience store and gas station are less than a mile away.
Skamania County Tax Advantage
Positioned in Skamania County just one mile east of the Clark County border, this property benefits from a markedly more favorable tax structure. Residents enjoy significantly lower vehicle taxes and fewer property restrictions than their neighbors in Clark County. The mild climate means summer highs rarely exceed 85°F, and winter snowfall is minimal and handled quickly by county plows.
Read the full tax noteCommute Times
- Portland International Airport 36 min
- Downtown Washougal 14 min
- Downtown Portland 30 min
- Daily Essentials & Gas < 1 mi
- Vancouver, WA 22 min
- Columbia Gorge Outlets 25 min
Ready to make Washougal home?
Dawn knows this territory
inside and out.
Questions about schools, commuting, the tax advantages of Skamania County, or the lifestyle that comes with 5.73 acres and a barn? Dawn has the answers.
Explore the Territory: the estate’s immediate neighborhood