Last updated: December 22, 2020
Thing to Do
Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Watch as the sun rises behind Mount Hood, silhouetting the stratovolcano in a sea of color, or watch as the sunset lights up the snowcapped peak. Allow yourself to travel through time to the many eras of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site while watching the same sun as the people who have been here for generations. No matter what brings you to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, it is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
There are many great places to watch the sunrise and sunset watching at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, but here are a few of our suggestions. Scroll down to see a map showing each of these four locations.
Make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles while visiting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Pack out trash and any food waste to ensure the next visitors can enjoy their experience. There are also garbage and recycling bins located throughout the park.
Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Parking lots are open from 8 am to 4 pm (Labor Day–Memorial Day) and 8 am to 5 pm (Memorial Day–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.
There are many great places to watch the sunrise and sunset watching at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, but here are a few of our suggestions. Scroll down to see a map showing each of these four locations.
- The Garden at Fort Vancouver, just outside the fort's stockade walls, is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise and sunset while enjoying this historic garden.
- 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. This wide-open space allows for great views of the sunrise or sunset, all while getting some exercise on the trail!
- Start your day feeling patriotic as you watch the sun rise over the flagstaff on the Parade Ground, as the soldiers at Vancouver Barracks did a century ago.
- The Land Bridge Trail is a mile-long trail to the Land Bridge designed by Native American architect Johnpaul Jones. The bridge features artwork by Native American artist Lillian Pitt, and native plants grow along the trail. The bridge, which crosses over Highway 14, allows you to get a good view of the landscape, making it perfect for sunrise or sunset outings.
Make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles while visiting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Pack out trash and any food waste to ensure the next visitors can enjoy their experience. There are also garbage and recycling bins located throughout the park.
Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Parking lots are open from 8 am to 4 pm (Labor Day–Memorial Day) and 8 am to 5 pm (Memorial Day–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.
Details
Duration
15-30 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
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.
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.
Location
Outdoors
There are many great places to watch the sun set or rise at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. See above for some of our recommendations!
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The Garden at Fort Vancouver has firm, stable surfaces made of decomposed granite and minimal inclines. Benches are available in the Garden.
The Spruce Mill Trail has firm, stable surfaces made of decomposed granite and minimal inclines.
The Parade Ground is a large grass-covered field with some trails. A paved path connects the flagstaff to the sidewalk along Officers' Row. Please be mindful that there are uneven spots in the grassy areas of the Parade Ground.
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.
The Spruce Mill Trail has firm, stable surfaces made of decomposed granite and minimal inclines.
The Parade Ground is a large grass-covered field with some trails. A paved path connects the flagstaff to the sidewalk along Officers' Row. Please be mindful that there are uneven spots in the grassy areas of the Parade Ground.
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.
NPS