Silver Oaks Neighborhood Association

About Vancouver, WA

Areas

At the head of deep-water navigation on the Columbia River, Vancouver is the oldest city in the state. It was founded in 1824 as Fort Vancouver by the Hudson's Bay Company. During the 1860's, the young town prospered with gold rushes to eastern Washington and Idaho. Connections with the Northern Pacific from Kalama and the increased river traffic furthered the town's development into a busy shipping center. Vancouver is the county seat of Clark County. To the north and east of Vancouver lie the communities of Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Camas and Washougal. Each of these communities are uniquely different, carving out their own identities in the Clark County landscape.

Framed by the picturesque Cascade Mountains to the east and the Columbia River to the south and west, Clark County is the southern gateway to Washington State.

Just a bridge away from metropolitan Portland, Oregon, Vancouver is located on the Interstate 5 corridor.

Recreation Abounds

The Pacific Ocean and its expansive beaches are a quick 90 miles to the west. The startling beauty of Mount St. Helens, the challenging ski slopes of Mt. Hood, and the scenic Mt. Adams Recreation Area are less than an hour's drive away.

Mild winters and moderately dry summers are typical of Southwest Washington. With an annual average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, Clark County offers year-round enjoyment of the beauty that is the Pacific Northwest.

Over 40 miles of river frontage set the tone for a community which values recreation and leisure as well as a vibrant, well-balanced economy.

Business

Regional and corporate headquarters, high-tech manufacturing, traditional industry and small businesses work together here enjoying Clark County's mix of urban density and wide open spaces. Some of Vancouver/Clark County's top employers include Hewlett-Packard, Sharp Microelectronics, Georgia-Pacific.

The unique result is a growing, progressive community -- a two-time winner of the prestigious All America City award -- which values its quality of life as much as it does its healthy business environment.

Links

Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
Washington State Department of Transportation