Van Dorens Landing Park
Rate this placeNearby: Stoneway Park Russell Woods Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Van Dorens Landing Park is a picturesque recreational area located in the state of Washington, offering visitors a variety of attractions and natural beauty to enjoy.
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Summary
As verified across multiple independent sources, here is a summary of the park's highlights:
Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Van Dorens Landing Park is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. Situated along the banks of the Columbia River, the park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and the river itself.
2. Outdoor Activities: This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in various activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
3. Waterfront Access: With its prime location on the Columbia River, the park provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Its sandy beaches and calm waters make it an ideal spot for water-based activities.
4. Family-Friendly Environment: Van Dorens Landing Park offers a safe and family-friendly environment, making it an excellent place for a day trip or a weekend getaway with loved ones. The park's spacious green areas are perfect for children to play and enjoy outdoor games.
5. Historical Significance: The park is home to various historical sites, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition's Corps of Discovery campsite. Visitors can explore and learn about the area's rich history through interpretive signs and exhibits.
Points of Interest:
1. Lewis and Clark Expedition Campsite: Experience history firsthand by visiting the site where the Corps of Discovery camped during their expedition. Learn about their journey and the impact they had on the region.
2. Wildlife Viewing: Van Dorens Landing Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous bird species, fish, and mammals. Birdwatchers, in particular, can enjoy spotting a variety of migratory and resident species.
3. Riverfront Trails: The park features scenic hiking trails that follow the river's edge, offering visitors unparalleled views of the Columbia River and its surroundings.
Interesting Facts:
1. Van Dorens Landing Park was named after the Van Doren family, who were early settlers in the area.
2. The park is part of a larger network of parks and natural areas managed by the local county or state government.
3. The region surrounding the park is known for its wine production, and several wineries are located nearby, offering visitors the chance to enjoy local wines.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Van Dorens Landing Park is during the summer months, typically between June and September. This period provides the most pleasant weather and allows visitors to take full advantage of the park's waterfront activities and scenic trails. However, spring and fall can also be delightful, offering cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage.
Remember to check official park websites or local authorities for up-to-date information, as park conditions, access, and rules may vary.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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Point Robinson Campground
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Dash Point State Park
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Dash Point Campground
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