Points of Interest between Battle Ground, Washington to Sandy, Oregon

picture of Battle Ground, Washington

A Road Trip from Battle Ground, WA to Sandy, OR

Are you ready for a fun and exciting road trip from Battle Ground, Washington to Sandy, Oregon? Along the way, there are several museums, parks, and landmarks that you won't want to miss. Here are some of the top places to visit on this scenic drive.

An Interesting Fact

Did you know that the road trip from Battle Ground, WA to Sandy, OR is just over 50 miles long? That means you can easily make it to your final destination in just over an hour. Of course, with all the fun stops along the way, you'll want to take your time and make it a full day adventure.

A Stop in Portland

About halfway between Battle Ground and Sandy lies the bustling city of Portland, Oregon. While you won't want to linger too long in the city, there are several notable places to stop and explore. Check out the famous Portland Japanese Garden, the iconic Powell's City of Books, or the historic Pittock Mansion.

The Length of the Trip

As mentioned earlier, the road trip from Battle Ground to Sandy is relatively short. Depending on traffic and how many stops you make along the way, you could complete the trip in as little as an hour and a half. However, to fully enjoy all of the attractions along the way, we recommend taking a full day and making a leisurely journey.

1. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Starting in Battle Ground, hop on Highway 503 and head south towards Vancouver, Washington. Here you'll find the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which dates back to the 1800s. There are several buildings to explore, as well as guided tours that can take you back in time to when the fort was an active fur trading post. Don't miss the beautiful gardens, which are full of native plants and trees.

  • Point of Interest Recommendation: Before you leave Battle Ground, make sure to grab a coffee and a pastry at Pines Coffee House, a local favorite.

2. Columbia River Gorge

Just a short drive east on Highway 14 will take you to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest: the Columbia River Gorge. This massive canyon cuts through the Cascade Mountains, and offers stunning views of the Columbia River and several waterfalls. There are numerous hiking and biking trails for those who want to explore the area on foot or by bike.

  • Point of Interest Recommendation: Stop at Multnomah Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the gorge, and take the short hike up to the Benson Bridge to get a fantastic view.

3. Bonneville Dam

Continuing along Highway 14, you'll come to the Bonneville Dam, another must-see destination. This massive hydroelectric plant harnesses the power of the Columbia River to generate renewable energy for the surrounding area. Take a tour of the dam to learn more about the technology used to harness the river's power, or simply stroll along the fish ladder to spot salmon swimming upstream.

  • Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a picnic lunch to the nearby Beacon Rock State Park, which offers stunning views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains.

4. Timberline Lodge

As you make your way towards Sandy, Oregon on Highway 26, be sure to stop at Timberline Lodge. This historic lodge was built in the 1930s as a WPA project, and was famously used as the filming location for exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining". Take a tour of the lodge to learn more about its history, or simply enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Hood from the outdoor patio.

  • Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit the nearby Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum to learn more about the history of the area and its many natural attractions.

5. Oxbow Regional Park

Just a few miles outside of Sandy lies the Oxbow Regional Park. This lush forested park offers several miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as several scenic spots along the Sandy River. In the summer, the river is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.

  • Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit the nearby Roslyn Lake for a peaceful afternoon of fishing or boating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this road trip from Battle Ground, WA to Sandy, OR offers a wealth of natural beauty and historic attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring the Columbia River Gorge, learning about the history of the Pacific Northwest, or simply enjoying the scenic drive, there's something for everyone on this route. So grab your car keys, pack a picnic lunch, and let's hit the road!