Name: (Not So) Scary Nature Day at Columbia Springs
Start: 2026-10-17
End: 2026-10-17

Columbia Springs provides environmental education opportunities for the community and students of all ages in the unique surroundings of the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery. The center offers over 100 acres of urban green space, encompassing many different habitats. The park is open to visitors and pets every day, but be sure to keep your dog on a leash. No swimming in the lakes! That water is used to rear baby fish at the hatchery.

Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center

This hard-surfaced, shared-use trail opened in 2001 and begins at the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center and proceeds westward to Ellsworth Road. The trail joins the I-205 Bridge Trail to Oregon and there is a short nature trail within the Biddlewood Preserve. The trail is open to visitors and pets every day, but be sure to keep your dog on a leash. No swimming in the lakes! That water is used to rear baby fish at the hatchery.

Evergreen Trail at Columbia Springs

This 40-foot-wide, earth-covered pedestrian bridge over WA-14, lined with indigenous plants and Native basket weavings, reconnects historic Fort Vancouver with the [Columbia River waterfront](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/the-waterfront-development/). The south entrance is on Columbia Way Blvd. at Old Apple Tree Park and the north entrance is just west of [Fort Vancouver National Historic Site](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/fort-vancouver-national-historic-site/1909/).

Vancouver Land Bridge

Behrens Woods is a small 2-acre, mostly undeveloped park, located in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Vancouver, Washington.

Behrens Woods

AMC's Classic Mill Plain 8 features a variety of theater seating for all the latest hits.

AMC Classic Mill Plain 8

Bringing the taste of New York to Clark County, these Big Apple-style pizzas are made with traditionally thin crusts, hand-tossed, and stone baked.

N.Y.C. Pizzeria

Located off I-205 and just minutes from the Portland International Airport, this extended stay and all suite-hotel is close to Weyerhauser, SHE, Hewlett Packard and Peacehealth Campuses. Residence Inn offers spacious studio and one bedroom suites with separate living and sleeping areas. A fully equipped kitchen, free Internet, free hot breakfast to start mornings off right and evening social hours to end the day well.

Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Vancouver

Pan & Grill is bringing Korean fusion flavors to Vancouver! Located off Mill Plain and currently in its soft opening, this new spot is already making waves with comforting classics like Ganjajang (black bean noodles), Tangsuyuk (sweet & sour pork), and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Pan + Grill K Fusion

Focusing on Szechuan hot pots and other spicy dishes, Szechuan Brothers serves popular plates like Pork Wonton with Chili Oil and Kung Pao Chicken.

Szechuan Brothers

Vault 31 Bar and Cafe is a unique videogame and geek-themed hangout in Vancouver, WA, featuring creative cocktails, handmade pizza, coffee, board games, gaming consoles, PC gaming, and esports events. Located in East Vancouver, it’s a fun destination for gamers, friends, and fans of pop culture.

Vault 31 Bar and Cafe

Vancouver WA provides the perfect blend of [outdoor adventure](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/ "outdoor recreation"), [urban activities](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/trip-planning/neighborhoods/downtown/ "Downtown Vancouver WA"), and [accessibility](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/trip-planning/community-profile/accessible-travel-vancouver/ "Accessible Travel"). Conveniently located between the picturesque Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Vancouver is a sports lover's playground.

Whether it’s indoor or outdoor sports, Vancouver WA has the advantage! Your athletes will compete with pride at our amazing natural [venues](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/sports/venues/ "Sports Venues") and diverse sporting facilities. Vancouver offers boundless options for teams of all sports and sizes, which is why past events run the gauntlet from the NAIA Cross Country National Championships at [Fort Vancouver National Historic Site](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/historic-sites-and-museums/fort-vancouver/ "Fort Vancouver") and the Lucas Oil National Motocross Series at [Washougal MX Park](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/washougal-motocross-park/2139/ "Washougal Motocross Park") to the US Rowing Northwest Junior District Championships at [Vancouver Lake](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/vancouver-lake-park/ "Vancouver Lake").

We also work with local sports leagues to grow their programming, raise awareness for events, and assist with securing venues and hotel rooms. Some of our many sports partners include Columbia Premier, Ridgefield Raptors, HoopSource Basketball and the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club.

Visit Vancouver Washington

You're invited! Join us for a Nature Day exploring creepy, crawly critters at Columbia Springs.   
  
This event is designed to be engaging for people of all ages – from preschool age kids to elementary, middle, and high school students, and adults. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and be prepared for some nature fun!   
  
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00am-1:00pm   
Where: Columbia Springs (12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683)   
What: A day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring not so scary creatures!   
How: Drop by when it works for you. No RSVP required!   
  
Questions? Email events@columbiasprings.org   
  
Photo by Paul Peloquin

(Not So) Scary Nature Day at Columbia Springs

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