Bicycling at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Biking at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site can be fun for the whole family!

Photo: Jon Kraft

Bicycling is a great way to explore Fort Vancouver National Historic Site while getting exercise or having fun with friends and family!

Where to Bike

Bicycling is allowed on park roads and three of the park's trails. As you bike through the national park, be sure to look out for interpretive panels to give you more information on our site's history! 

Here are some of our recommendations:
 

• The Spruce Mill Trail is a half-mile trail through a large open field where the world's largest aviation grade lumber mill once operated. You can access this trail either to the east of the gates of the reconstructed Fort Vancouver or west of the entrance to Pearson Air Museum. This trail has two paths that lead from Pearson Air Museum to the fort.
• The Land Bridge Trail is a mile-long trail over the Confluence Land Bridge designed by Native American architect Johnpaul Jones. The bridge features artwork by Native American artist Lillian Pitt, and native plants are labeled along the trail route. The Land Bridge Trail can be accessed along East 5th Street, to the west of the fort parking lot. The Land Bridge Trail has some inclines and declines, as well as areas of planking that are slippery when wet. Learn more about the Land Bridge here.
• The Discovery Historic Loop Trail is a 2.3 mile loop that passes through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and other areas of the City of Vancouver.

Bike Safety

To ensure that everyone visiting our urban park has a great experience, here are some bike safety tips:

• Stay on designated roads and trails
• Yield to hikers, walkers, and joggers
• Travel at a safe speed
• Let others know when you are passing
• Wear a helmet
• Carry a patch kit and pump

Opening Hours & Parking

Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Parking lots are open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm (Labor Day to Memorial Day) or 8 am to 5 pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Vehicles must be removed from parking lots before the gates are closed. Street parking is also available. Check here for updated operating hours and seasons.

E-Bikes

The use of e-bikes is also allowed at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in areas where traditional bicycles are allowed. The term "e-bike" means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). Learn more about e-biking in national parks here.

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Activity

Biking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Learn more about bringing pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site here.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Park grounds and trails are open from dawn to dusk.

Accessibility Information

The Spruce Mill Trail has firm, stable surfaces made of decomposed granite and minimal inclines.

The Land Bridge Trail is connected to a trail that begins on East Fifth Street and passes by the Fort Vancouver Village. This trail is made of decomposed granite and has minimal inclines. As the visitor reaches the Land Bridge itself, there are inclines and declines on either end of the bridge as it crosses the highway. Some sections of the Land Bridge are composed of planking. Some areas of the Land Bridge can be slippery when wet.

Learn more about the Discovery Historic Loop Trail, managed by the City of Vancouver, here.