📰 What's Making News

Salmon Creek's Free Saturday Parkrun Keeps Growing

Every Saturday morning, a crowd gathers near the baseball fields along the Salmon Creek Trail — some with dogs, some with trekking poles, all there for the same thing: a free, timed community run (or walk) called parkrun. The weekly event has become a quiet cornerstone for neighbors looking to stay active and actually meet the people who live around them. No registration fees, no pressure, just show up. If your weekend mornings could use a little more fresh air and friendly faces, this one's worth setting an alarm for. Full story from The Columbian.

Ridgefield Raptors Drop Heartbreaker in Extra Innings

The Raptors' four-game win streak came to an end Tuesday night in a game that took some patience to finish — two weather delays stretched the evening before Marion's Kyson Barney delivered a two-out, two-run single in the top of the eighth to sink Ridgefield 2-1. It was the kind of tight, gritty ballgame that makes summer league baseball worth the trip to the ballpark. The Raptors will look to bounce back as the home schedule continues this week. Recap from The Columbian.

Health Officials: Wash That Produce Before You Eat It

Clark County Public Health is reminding residents to thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables as cyclosporiasis cases climb nationally. The intestinal illness, caused by a parasite, is linked to contaminated produce — and local health officials, including Dr. Alan Melnick, say routine washing and proper food handling are the simplest defenses. It's the kind of summer reminder that's easy to forget when you're snacking straight from the farmers market bag. A quick rinse goes a long way. Details from The Columbian.

Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

I-5 Closure Hits Portland in September — Plan Your Commute Now

A six-week I-5 closure in Portland starts in September, and Vancouver commuters will feel it. If you have medical appointments at OHSU or regular cross-river trips, now's the time to reschedule or map alternates. Full details from The Columbian.

Habitat Store on Mill Plain Turns 4, Throws a 50%-Off Sale

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity's Central Vancouver store marks its fourth anniversary with a storewide half-off sale on August 1 — furniture, cabinets, flooring, lighting, the works. Hot dogs and popcorn included. Details here.

WA Renters Can Now Install Portable AC Units — Landlords Can't Say No

Just in time for the heat, a new Washington state law guarantees tenants the right to install portable air conditioning units in their rentals. If you rent (or know someone who does), this one's worth a read. The Columbian has the breakdown.

Skip the Parking Headache at Cascade Amphitheater

Headed to a show at the amphitheater? A shuttle runs from the Hazel Dell park-and-ride for just $2–$5, drops you at the venue, and brings you back — no traffic, no parking fees. Locals on Reddit are also recommending nearby bars for pre-show hangs. See the thread.

76-Year-Old Pilot Rescued After Plane Lands in Yale Lake

A single-engine aircraft went down in Yale Lake in northeastern Clark County after a mechanical failure, and boaters on the water pulled the 76-year-old pilot to safety. He was treated for minor injuries by North County EMS. Read the full story.

Jim Parsley Center on 4th Plain Slated to Close

Vancouver Public Schools announced it's closing the Jim Parsley Center, a community resource along the 4th Plain corridor. Neighbors concerned about the impact are encouraged to reach out to the district. More from the r/VancouverWA discussion.

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, July 23

• Lakes Trail at Snow Lake — WTA Backcountry Response Team · 8:00 AM · Mt. St. Helens · Help maintain trails in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry while enjoying gorgeous views and a rare permitted campsite at Snow Lake. More info
• Cape Horn (Lower Trail) — Cape Horn Conservancy Day & WTA Work Party · 8:30 AM · Cape Horn Trail · The lower trail reopens after Peregrine fledging season — join WTA to brush back vegetation and restore rocky tread on one of the Gorge's most stunning routes. More info
• Days of Aloha · 9:00 AM · Esther Short Park & Clark College · Four days of Hawaiian arts and culture kick off today with hands-on workshops, hula competition, and all the aloha spirit you can handle, right here in Vancouver. More info
• Tending and Traditional Cultural & Ecological Knowledge at Sandy River Delta · 9:30 AM · Sandy River Delta · Join Confluence, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and Indigenous partners for a hands-on day of cattail wetland restoration and learning. More info
• East Vancouver Market · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd · Over 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, prepared food, and artisan goods at the Columbia Tech Center. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library · 10:00 AM · Camas Public Library · The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year — stop by all month long to see miniature creations from the Camas community. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding · 10:00 AM · Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd · Six-week class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class · 10:00 AM · Vancouver Bridge Club · A six-week intro class — perfect if you've always been curious about bridge. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Family Storytime at Ridgefield NWR · 10:30 AM · Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Carty Unit · The Ridgefield Community Library crew hosts storytime at the new Community Nature Center. No registration needed; refuge entrance fee applies. More info
• Teddy Bear Picnic · 11:00 AM · Heritage Park, 303 NW Lake Rd, Camas · Preschoolers ages 3–5 bring a favorite stuffed animal for storytime, games, and snacks in the park. Free; no registration required. More info
• Clark County Play Day: Orchards Community Park · 3:00–6:00 PM · 9800 NE 54th St · Clark County Parks is planning improvements to Orchards Community Park and wants your feedback — stop by for lawn games, light refreshments, and a chat with planners. More info
• Poindexter Corrective Exercise Center Ribbon Cutting · 4:00 PM · 6833 NW Friberg-Strunk St, Building B, Camas · Celebrate PCEC's new east-side location with a tour of the space and community networking. More info
• Teen Hangout · 4:30–6:30 PM · Vancouver Community Library · Games, crafts, snacks, and good company for ages 13–19, every Thursday all summer. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure · 4:30–6:30 PM · Cascade Park Community Library · Ages 9–19 create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons in this interactive story session. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 · 5:30 PM · Location TBD · Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for a fun, beginner-friendly group ride exploring trails and neighborhoods. 5–10 miles at 10 mph. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series · 6:30 PM · Vancouver Waterfront Park · Free live music on the north shore of the Columbia River — bring a picnic or grab dinner from a waterfront restaurant. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland · 7:00 PM · Hazel Dell Commons · Aerialists fly, acrobats tumble, and delightful oddballs keep things just the right amount of ridiculous inside an intimate vintage circus tent. $17–$55. More info
• Lord of the Rings Trivia at Firehouse Axes · 7:00 PM · Firehouse Axes, Vancouver · One Trivia to rule them all — test your Middle Earth movie knowledge with Rogue Trivia PDX. $5/person, party size 1–8. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks · 7:00–9:00 PM · Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal · Kat Nichols leads line dancing for all ages and skill levels. $10 to dance. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub · 7:00 PM · 1919 Main St, Vancouver · Sing along to your favorite hits, mark your card, and win prizes with hosts Juels and Marissa. More info

Friday, July 24

• Enhance Fitness Classes · 8:30 AM · Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie · Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60-plus — a great way to stay active and social. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden · 9:00 AM · 2311 NE 68th St, Vancouver · Many hands make light work — help tend this community garden whose harvest goes to LULAC and neighbors across Clark County. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge · 9:30 AM · Mt. Hood, OR · Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult ticket at the Timberline Bike Park. Rentals available on-site. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat · 10:00 AM–12:00 PM · La Center Community Library · Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes, no-pressure session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Camas Days 2026 · 10:00 AM · Downtown Camas · Two full days of parades, live music, street vendors, a wine and microbrew street, kids' activities, and small-town fun. Free admission. More info
• School Supply Swap · 10:00 AM · Kindred Vancouver · Bring extra supplies and take what you need for the new school year — a community-powered way to get everyone ready. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio · 10:00 AM · Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver · Maker Stations loaded with recyclables, pom poms, wood items, and more for kids over 5 to create to their heart's content. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play · 10:00 AM · Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver · Sensory bins and age-appropriate art projects for kids 1–5, with a Maker Station add-on for older siblings. $24. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program · 12:00–1:00 PM · Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd · Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Kauffman Ave — Urban & Rural · 12:00 PM · Corner of Fourth Plain & Kauffman, Vancouver · Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores Vancouver's First Fruit Valley, early brickyards, and the agrarian genius of Andrew Quarnberg. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group · 1:00–3:00 PM · NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave, Suite 105, Vancouver · A welcoming weekly art group. Free. More info
• Adaptive Mountain Bike Skills Camp · 1:00 PM · Oregon Adaptive Sports · A three-day skills camp for off-road hand cycles — build confidence and refine your riding. Applications open. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers · 1:30–2:30 PM · Three Creeks Community Library · Ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up to battle monsters and discover treasure in this beginner-friendly tabletop adventure. Free. More info
• HOPE Walk at Columbia River Trail · 1:30 PM · Columbia River Trail · A gentle, welcoming walk for people living with dementia and their care partners, celebrating the Month of HOPE. RSVP requested. More info
• Kids Outdoor Games · 2:00–3:00 PM · Battle Ground Community Library · Run, jump, and activate your brain with outdoor games. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market · 2:00–6:00 PM · Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St, Washougal · Artisans, authors, bakers, food vendors, and live music in the heart of Washougal. Free. More info
• Base Camp at Mount St. Helens · 3:00 PM · Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake · A rare chance to camp on the north side of the mountain — guided hikes, dinner, and grand views all weekend. $275. More info
• Kids Create · 3:30–4:30 PM · Washougal Community Library · Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9 — stretch your imagination and try a new artistic skill. Free. More info
• Four Days of Aloha Continues · 3:30 PM · Esther Short Park · Tonight features the Hapa Haole Hula Competition and Mele on the Lawn. Ticketed event. More info
• Tween Hangout · 4:00–5:30 PM · Vancouver Community Library · Games, crafts, and hangout time for ages 9–12. Snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In · 4:00–8:00 PM · Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie · Cruise-in fun plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info
• Teen Bad Art · 4:30–5:30 PM · Vancouver Community Library · Make your worst art, talk about your process, and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Free. More info
• ZooNights · 5:00 PM · Oregon Zoo, Portland · Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears — plus local beer and wine for the grown-ups. $13–$26. More info
• Bag Charm Bar Class: Girls' Night Out Edition · 5:00 PM · Craft Warehouse, Vancouver · Design a custom bag charm with beads and charms — beginner-friendly and seriously fun. $15. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with MSHI · 5:00 PM · Mount St. Helens · A bucket-list scramble into an active volcano's crater with expert geologists and mountain guides. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle · 5:30 PM · Ridgefield Public Boat Launch · Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. More info
• Summer Concert Series: Bottleneck Blues Band · 5:30–8:30 PM · O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St, Vancouver · Fresh, red-hot, and funky blues on the lawn — free admission with food trucks and a beer garden. Bring a chair or blanket. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts presents The Prom · 6:00 PM · 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver · The Drama Desk Award–winning musical performed by MPA's Summer Intensive cast. $16–$20. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery · 6:00–8:00 PM · Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas · Heather walks you step-by-step through decorating six sugar cookies with royal icing. Ages 16+ (8–15 with a paid adult). $60. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers · 6:00 PM · OMSI Kendall Planetarium, Portland · A heart-pounding laser show set to RHCP's greatest hits. 60 minutes. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery · 6:00–8:00 PM · English Estate Winery, 17806 SE First St, Vancouver · Nashville-recorded country artist Tom Mann performs live on the patio, with food from Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• English Country Line Dancing · 6:30 PM · Fern Prairie Grange, Camas · All ages and experience levels welcome — each dance is walked through first. $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball · 6:30 PM · Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex · Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info
• Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons · 6:30 PM · The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland · A multi-sensory tribute concert under the gentle glow of candlelight. $42–$66. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro · 7:00 PM · Farrar's Bistro, 12514 NW 36th Ave, Vancouver · Food, cocktails, local wine, and live tunes on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: UN4CALLED · 7:30 PM · Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St, Vancouver · Classic rock with a shot of country to kick off the weekend. More info
• La Center Our Days Celebration — Twilight Parade · 8:00 PM · Downtown La Center · La Center's premier summer tradition kicks off with the Twilight Parade — the full festival continues Saturday with a 5K, car show, pancake breakfast, kids' zone, and live music. Free. More info
• Christmas in July — Lighted Kayak Parade · 8:30 PM · Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland · Decorate your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe with lights and paddle around Horseshoe Lake. Free. More info

Saturday, July 25

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI · 6:00 AM · Mount St. Helens · A single-day, non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• 42nd Ride Around Clark County · 7:00 AM · Fort Vancouver · Five brand-new routes from an 18-mile family ride to a full century, each showcasing local standout sights. This year's theme: "See the Wonders of Clark County." More info
• Help Restore Bird Habitat with Vancouver Audubon · 7:30 AM · Sam Walker Day Use Area, Skamania County · Youth ages 10–18 with an interest in nature photography and their parents are invited for a habitat restoration workday. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market · 9:00 AM–3:00 PM · Esther Short Park · Vancouver's flagship farmers market — farm-fresh goods, prepared food, and community since 1990. More info
• Run the Ridges · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · Royal Ridges, Yacolt · A family-friendly trail run through the forest — runners and walkers of all ages welcome. $25–$50. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI · 9:00 AM · OMSI, Portland · Ages 3–5 and their families explore early science and engineering through playful hands-on challenges. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun · 9:00 AM · 800 NE 117th St, Vancouver · A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome, dogs too. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy · Spend a morning removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and beautifying this treasured natural area. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County Walking Tour: Historic Arnada Neighborhood (Early) · 9:00 AM · Clark County Historical Museum · Explore tree-lined streets and beautifully preserved homes on this guided walk through one of Vancouver's most charming neighborhoods. $10. More info
• Litter Pickup at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park · 9:00 AM · Frenchman's Bar Regional Park · Join Clark County Parks volunteers to clean up this beloved Columbia River destination. Tools provided. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play · 9:15 AM · Vancouver Bridge Club · Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play — great for newcomers. More info
• Jenks Music and Juggling! · 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM · Three Creeks Community Library · A high-energy music and juggling show that will dazzle and entertain. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center · 10:00 AM–3:00 PM · Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver · Flight simulators, historic airplanes, and hands-on STEAM aviation activities for all ages. Free. More info
• Wild Neighbors Nature Day at Columbia Springs · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM · Columbia Springs · Hands-on science and nature experiences exploring our wild neighbors — drop in anytime, no RSVP needed. Free. More info
• Stewardship Day at Mount St. Helens · 10:00 AM · Hummocks Trail, Mount St. Helens · Pull invasive weeds then join an optional guided 2.4-mile hike. Free; registration required. Ages 10+. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery · 10:00 AM–3:00 PM · AQUA Gallery, 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver Waterfront · Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tour · 10:00 AM · 78th St, Hazel Dell · WSU Extension Master Gardener docents lead a tour of this historic "poor farm" turned demonstration garden, on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park · 10:00 AM · LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, Vancouver · Remove ivy and invasive plants and spread mulch — family-friendly and great for teens. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) · 11:00 AM · Vancouver Bridge Club · $10. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Arnada Neighborhood (Late Tour) · 11:00 AM · Clark County Historical Museum · A second chance to explore Arnada's charming streets and stories. $10. More info
• Intro to Bokashi Composting · 11:00 AM · Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave, Camas · Learn how to turn food scraps — even meat and dairy — into nutrient-rich soil with Jennifer "Bokashi Jen" Posivak. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park · 11:00 AM–2:00 PM · Vancouver · Fourth Plain Forward brings free art and nature activities to the neighborhood — creativity, connection, and summer fun. More info
• Summer Treats at Cedar Creek Grist Mill: Blueberry Pancake Day · 12:00–4:00 PM · Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd, Woodland · Free blueberry pancakes and tours of the historic water-powered mill. More info
• North Clark Historical Museum: Territorial Days Exhibit · 12:00–4:00 PM · 21416 NE 399th St, Amboy · Explore Territorial Days through the years and the 140th anniversary of the Amboy Post Office. Free. More info
• Wildcrafting at Mt. Hood Meadows · 1:00 PM · Mt. Hood Meadows · Hike with wildflower expert Jesse Eaton and learn to identify plants for culinary and medicinal knowledge (educational only — no picking). More info
• Nature Photography for Beginners · 3:30 PM · L.L. Stub Stewart State Park · A Park Ranger covers composition, perspective, and how to get the best shots — camera or phone welcome. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson · 7:00–10:00 PM · VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell · A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing — ballroom, Latin, swing, and country. No partner needed. $10. More info

Forward this to one Vancouver friend today — it's how we grow.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.