Things To Do Nearby
LaGrange Pointe is nestled at the southern base of the Silver Star region. Besides enjoying the river in the back yard with its many activities, there are many things you can do without having to get in a car and drive. With a bike, ATV or motorcycle, a lot of the rural back roads are open for you to explore.
Right out the Front Door
Dougan Falls & Naked Falls
Hop on your bike for a 30-minute ride along the Washougal River and you’ll hit Dougan Falls, a summer hotspot where the low river reveals sunbathing rocks. In the fall and spring, you might catch some bold kayakers taking on the falls. There’s no shortage of picnic spots, a nearby campground, and a sprawling KOA campsite along its banks. It’s a go-to spot, perfect for a leisurely bike ride.
Keep pedaling past Dougan Falls for about 10 more minutes, and you’ll discover Naked Falls. This hidden gem offers a more private setting, with some neat water features to check out when the river’s running low.
Stebbins Creek Falls
Stebbins Creek Falls is like the secret level in a video game, tucked away past Naked and Reeder Falls. It’s not exactly on Stebbins Creek, but just upriver from where the creek meets the Washougal River. Heads up though, these falls are on private turf, so your best bet for a peek is from the road or, for the adventurous, a river route. It’s one of the many waterfalls in the area that you can check out by car or bike.
Wildboy Creek area
Take a bike ride up to Silver Star and you’ll find Camp Kwoneesum – an old girl’s camp from the 60s and 70s turned into an artificial lake and dam. The dam’s 45-foot spillway cascades into a lagoon, where in summer, you could swim under the waterfall when the sun lights up the pool. I saw it when it was an eerily abandoned scout camp, complete with collapsing structures, before the restoration kicked in.
Now, the area is being ‘deconstructed’, restored back to its natural state. This water flow is a vital source for the river that winds past LaGrange Pointe.
Read more about its history and current restoration project here.
Jones Creek ATV trails
& Washougal MX park
Just a 10-minute bike ride from LaGrange Pointe, you’ll hit the Washougal MX Park. Come summer, it hosts a national competition that turns our sleepy rural area into a buzzing hive for a weekend. Venture north into the Silver Star region and you’re in for a treat with the Jones Creek and Mt. View ATV trails. These state-maintained tracks are a thrill for ATVs and dirt bikes alike, crisscrossed with accessible roads and trails. And don’t be surprised if you spot a family picnic in progress, complete with a nod to their 2nd amendment rights against the mountain backdrop.
Things to do within a 2 hour drive
LaGrange Pointe is centrally located in the Greater Portland Area. Check out these attractions some very close, others still within 2 hour drive.
Camas and Lacamas Lake
Drive 20 minutes from the Pointe and you’ll land in the quaint town of Camas. This little gem is bustling with great restaurants, lively bars, and a fantastic farmers market in the spring and summer. On your way into town, make a pit stop at Lacamas Park for a wander along its myriad trails. You’ll stumble upon a few waterfalls and, on one side, a large lake that’s just begging for some paddleboarding or kayaking action. It’s a prime spot for locals to soak in some outdoor fun.
Downtown Portland
& PDX Airport
A hop, skip, and a 30-minute drive from the Pointe, and you’re at Portland’s airport. Tack on another 15 minutes, and hello, downtown! Forget the rumors – Stumptown’s a breeze to get around, oozing with personality, and bursting with craft beer and top-notch coffee. Foodies, rejoice: the city’s dotted with food cart havens, each offering a smorgasbord of flavors in unique cart parks sprawled across neighborhoods. And there’s more – from the artsy vibes of the Pearl District to the lush greenery of Forest Park, Portland’s a city with a heart that beats to a different drum.
Multnomah Falls & many others
From the Pointe, you’re less than 10 minutes away from catching a glimpse of Multnomah Falls – albeit from the less popular side of the Columbia River. To get up close and personal, it’s a bit over an hour’s drive across one of the bridges. But that’s not all. The area is sprinkled with numerous lesser-known waterfalls on both sides of the Columbia River. Venture into the nearby mountains and forests along the Gorge, and you’re in waterfall territory. And here’s a local tip: after a good rainfall, keep your eyes peeled for spontaneous little waterfalls popping up in the most unexpected places.
Cannon Beach & Astoria
Cannon Beach, a scenic 2-hour drive from LaGrange Pointe (traffic gods willing), marks the northernmost spot you might brave dipping your toes in the ocean. Fair warning: the water’s pretty nippy most of the year. But the real charm lies in the town’s shadow under that iconic rock formation. It’s a tranquil haven… well, except in summer, when it transforms into a bustling tourist magnet. And just 30 minutes north? Astoria, where Oregon meets the Pacific. Fun fact: this area has been a backdrop for films like “The Goonies” and “Kindergarten Cop.” It’s a little slice of Hollywood on the Oregon coast.
The Columbia River Gorge
Washougal: the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, or the grand exit if you’re following the river’s flow. Just a swift 5-minute drive from LaGrange Pointe, you’ll find the Cape Horn hiking trail and viewpoint, a must-see spot shown here. The gorge itself stretches along the Columbia River for about 2 hours of driving. Its majestic walls, carved by ancient floods, cut through the mountain range, creating a sight to behold. This drive is easily a top 5 American road trip experience, and you can even catch a glimpse of it en route to Mt. Hood or Hood River.
Mt. Hood
In just under 90 minutes via Hood River, you can reach the less-traveled side of Mt. Hood. Home to three ski resorts, and boasting year-round* skiing at one, it’s a top-tier destination for snow enthusiasts. But skiing’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll find a treasure trove of waterfalls, hiking trails, and routes for snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Even Government Camp is less than two hours away, whether you’re coming or going. And why bother with a cabin rental when LaGrange Pointe is so conveniently close?
White Salmon and Hood River
At the heart of the Columbia River Gorge lie Hood River and White Salmon, crossroads where major rivers from the north and south merge with the Columbia. This unique convergence creates strong crosswinds, turning this inland spot into an unexpected haven for wind sports like kite and windsurfing, typically ocean-bound activities. But there’s more – these rivers are a hotspot for some of the best year-round whitewater adventures in the Pacific Northwest. And for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can enjoy top-tier local breweries, perfectly positioned for watching the windsurfers. Plus, let’s not forget the superb salmon and steelhead fishing in the area. It’s a place with a little something for everyone.
Mt. Adams & Trout Lake
Just about 30 minutes north of White Salmon and Hood River, you’ll stumble upon Trout Lake, a quaint residential spot nestled under the watchful eye of Mt. Adams. Right on the edge of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, it’s a gateway to endless camping, hiking, and whitewater adventures, not to mention a plethora of other exploration opportunities in this stunning and accessible region. If you’re looking for a starting point, the ice cave is a must-see.
Mt. St. Helens & Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Reaching the southern end of Mt. St. Helens might take about 2 hours on the freeway, but just north and east of the Pointe, you’ll find the expansive Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This sprawling, protected area is a diverse playground for nature lovers. With its rivers, trails, rainforests, canyons, ATV and dirt bike paths, and campsites, there’s no shortage of wilderness to explore. The cherry on top? As a National Forest, you’re free to camp almost anywhere. Not a fan of camping? No problem. The numerous forest routes offer ample opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor, all from the comfort of your car.