I wrote Explore Vancouver Washington because I love helping people discover the places, stories, and small surprises that make Vancouver and Clark County special.
This guidebook is for anyone who wants to get out more, explore close to home, plan a visit, or simply see Vancouver with fresh eyes. Whether you are new to the area, hosting out-of-town guests, planning a weekend outing, or looking for something different to do on a quiet afternoon, this book gives you plenty of ideas.
Inside, you’ll find local parks, historic places, scenic drives, museums, neighborhoods, family-friendly stops, day trip ideas, and hidden gems throughout Vancouver and nearby Clark County.
When I first started writing about Vancouver, I realized how easy it is to overlook the interesting places right around us. Some of the best outings are not complicated or expensive. They might be a walk along the Columbia River, a visit to Fort Vancouver, a scenic drive through Clark County, or a stop at a small local museum.
I wanted to create a guidebook that felt friendly, useful, and easy to use. Not a giant travel encyclopedia. Not a glossy tourist brochure. Just a practical, locally written book that helps people enjoy this beautiful corner of Southwest Washington.
Explore Vancouver Washington includes:
Copies are available locally at the Friends of Fort Vancouver bookstore inside the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center.
[Buy the Guidebook locally] in stock at Fort Vancouver Bookstore | Vintage Books (first & second editions) | White Oak Books (first edition) |
Fort Vancouver Library (8 copies)
Buy online: Bookshop.org (supports local bookstores) Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I also enjoy giving friendly, informal talks about Vancouver, local exploring, writing, and creating a guidebook later in life. If your senior living community, library group, club, or local organization would enjoy a relaxed presentation, I would be happy to hear from you.
I’m Patty Grasher, author of Explore Vancouver Washington and host of Northwest Book Talk. I write about local places, books, authors, and creative community life in Southwest Washington. Through my guidebook, websites, radio interviews, and events, I enjoy helping people discover stories, places, and possibilities close to home.