Trip Idea

Date Night at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Multiple Parks

Sunset over the Spruce Mill Trail facing west.
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Birds, Forts, Military, US Army, River and Riparian, Scenic Views, Trails, Commerce, Trade, Landscape Design, Westward Expansion more »
Activities Birdwatching, Hiking, Picnicking, Living History
Type Relaxed, Urban, Inspirational, Outdoors
Parks Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Sunset over a paved trail that leads to Fort Vancouver.
The Spruce Mill Trail at sunset provides a great backdrop for date night!

NPS Photo

Looking for a place to bring your sweetheart? Take advantage of a beautiful spring, summer, or late autumn evening for an al fresco date at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site!

Bring a romantic picnic to a picnic bench on the Great Meadow, or spread out a blanket on the Parade Ground. Then, take a leisurely stroll to the Fort Vancouver Garden or along one of our many trails. Bring binoculars and see how many birds you can spot! End the night with a spectacular view of the sunset from this scenic national park.
  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Picnicking at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Picnicking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A picnic bench in an open grassy field on a sunny day.

    Enjoy a picnic on the grounds of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. There are several picnic areas in the park, which are open from dawn to dusk. 

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  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Visit the Fort Vancouver Garden
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Living History
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Fort Vancouver Garden
    • Duration: 5–30 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Many plants growing in a garden in front of Fort Vancouver.

    Take a walk through a piece of Fort Vancouver's history! With a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, catch a glimpse of what used to feed the employees of this fur trade fort.

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  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Birdwatching at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Birdwatching
    • Pets: No
    • Location: The grounds of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A blue and grey scrub jay sitting on a white railing.

    In the midst of urban Vancouver, Washington, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, with its open green spaces and trees, is a great place to watch birds!

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  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Level 1 Trails at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
    • Duration: 0–40 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A paved trail on a sunny day

    Learn about Level 1 walking trails at Fort Vancouver. Level 1 trails are wheelchair-accessible and can be walked in 15 minutes with minimal elevation change.

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  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

    Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: Yes
    • Location: Outdoors
    • Duration: 15–30 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Dawn, Dusk
    Sunrise at Fort Vancouver.

    Welcome a new day or relax at the end of a long day by watching the sunrise or sunset at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

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Last updated: May 21, 2021