Whipple Creek Hollow Natural Area

Southwest WashingtonBest Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

A small Clark County natural area with two short loops through restored creek bottom and second-growth forest.

0.5 miDistance
98ftElevation
299ftHigh Point
LoopRoute
12h+Drive
moderateCrowds
Forest TrailWildflowersGood in rainFlood · COLUMBIA RIVER AT VANCOUVER, WA

About This Trail

Whipple Creek Hollow protects forty acres of forested ravine and creek corridor on the north side of Vancouver, part of the broader Whipple Creek greenway. Two short loops cover roughly half a mile total — they do not connect, so each requires its own walk in. The north loop drops through second-growth Douglas fir to a restored stretch of Whipple Creek where rock-riffle structures slow the flow to encourage salmon return. The south trail traces a short bench through mature forest and wetland edge.

The setting is suburban — neighborhoods on every side, street parking at both access points, and no formal trailhead. What it offers is a pocket of urban nature: trillium and bleeding heart in spring, salmonberry and elderberry through summer, varied thrush and Pacific wren year-round. Wood-chipped tread keeps the trails passable in wet weather.

This is a stretch-the-legs walk, not a hiking destination. It works for nearby residents, transit-accessible visitors via C-TRAN route 19, and anyone curious about how Clark County is restoring its small streams.

Seasonal Highlights

MarTrillium and bleeding heart, fresh fern fronds
MaySalmonberry flowers, songbirds active
OctBigleaf maples color the canopy, fungi emerge
NovQuiet shoulder season after the summer crowds

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)
Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

Scorecard

subduedBeautyA pocket of restored creek bottom in a Vancouver neighborhood.
Type 1Fun
1/5Difficulty
1/5Wildness
1/5Exposure
1.5/5Reward
1/5Effort
quietCrowds

Local neighborhood traffic only. Rarely busy.

Getting There

Google MapsApple Maps
Parking

Street parking only at both trailheads. North loop via NE 164th/165th; south trail via NE 22nd Avenue.

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