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| Vancouver Lake and Frenchman's Bar Park |
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This nicely developed parkland is actually two joined beginner level
skating destinations
Offering views of Vancouver Lake and the sandy beaches of the Columbia
River. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and home to huge colonies
of herons, eagles and geese.
Facilities
Include walking trails, clean rest rooms, play structures, parking ($3),
picnic/barbecue areas, equestrian paths and fishing. Many rowing club
events are held at Vancouver Lake, so there is lots to see and do. To
find these areas follow either Mill Plain or Fourth Plain Boulevards
west until they join at Old River Road, and proceed 3 miles West. You'll
pass industrial and port facilities on the left that gradually give way
to farmlands.
More experienced skaters would enjoy skating Old River Road (unlit) which
has little traffic and is smooth and flat with skateable paved shoulders.
Some may enjoy a longer-distance skate by beginning at Wintler Park along
Vancouver's Waterfront pathway, stopping for a look at the new bell tower
(and to smell the roses) at Esther Short Park which is between Columbia
and Esther and 8th and 9th Streets in Vancouver.
 Old River Road |
 Pathway to Frenchman's Bar |
 Vancouver Lake Pathway |
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You'll arrive first at Vancouver Lake that has 1 mile of paved pathway,
and if you look to the left at the "Y" you'll see a long, smooth paved
trail beckoning you to skate the 2 miles to Frenchman's Bar along the
Columbia River.
I would rate this skating spot perfect for families, beginners and
intermediate skaters and enjoyable for more advanced skaters that could
make this a 15 - 18 mile round trip.
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| Skate Routes |
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