The best walks and hikes around Fairview

The Round Lake Loop Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, winding around the serene waters of Round Lake. You'll traverse a variety of surfaces, from paved sections to gravel paths and boardwalks, all while enjoying lush evergreen forests and views of the historic Round Lakes Upper Dam and the unique Camas Potholes. This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hike, with only 276 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

This trail is a fantastic option for families, dog walkers, and runners, offering amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds nearby. It's enjoyable throughout the year, though spring and fall bring particularly beautiful colors to the landscape. Remember to keep your dog on a leash, as it's a popular spot for wildlife viewing.

Part of the broader Lake to Lake Trail system, this loop showcases diverse scenery, from tranquil lake views to sections alongside rapid rivers. The historic Round Lake Upper Dam, originally built in 1883, adds a touch of local history to your walk. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and consider bringing a fishing rod, as the area is popular for angling.

The Salish Pond City Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, circling two scenic ponds within a redeveloped wetland park. As you walk the 1.9-mile (3.1 km) route, you'll traverse wide gravel paths, passing through grassy meadows and ash woods, with plenty of opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Expect to see various waterfowl, perhaps an osprey, and smaller birds like warblers and sparrows among the willows and cattails, all within a gentle 47-minute stroll with only 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward; the trail is ADA accessible and dog-friendly, though pets must be on leashes. You'll find benches for resting and fishing platforms along the way. The trail is well-maintained and generally suitable for all seasons, though some wetland sections might have standing water after rain. It's a perfect choice for a quick, easy outing for families or anyone seeking a peaceful walk.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its history as a redeveloped rock quarry, transformed into a vibrant natural area. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, given the abundant waterfowl and other avian species. For those wanting to extend their adventure, the trail conveniently connects to Fairview Community Park via the Alex Brown Covered Bridge, offering additional walking options.

The Washougal River Greenway Trail is an easy, pleasant hike that follows the Washougal River, offering diverse scenery from riparian forests to repurposed gravel quarries. You'll enjoy views of the water and surrounding wetlands, with the highlight being a prominent steel-and-wood pedestrian bridge that crosses the river, providing excellent viewpoints. This 1.2-mile (1.9 km) route has only 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 29 minutes, making it a quick and rewarding outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is very accessible and generally flat, with many paved sections. It's an ideal spot for families, those with strollers, and dog owners. Be aware that during heavy rain or snowmelt, some wetland areas can become wet or flooded, so checking local conditions before you go is a good idea.

Beyond the scenic river views, the trail is a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot ducks, herons, eagles, and various smaller birds, as well as butterflies and dragonflies. Depending on the season, you'll see fields of wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage, and on clear days, even Mount Hood in the distance. This trail offers a gentle escape into nature right on the eastern edge of Camas.

Embark on an easy hike along the Ranch Dike, Thousand Acres Road and Old Channel Trail Loop, a route that offers a diverse natural experience. This 1.3 miles (2.1 km) loop involves a gentle elevation gain of just 10 feet (3 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing that takes approximately 31 minutes. You will find yourself walking along a ridgetop through trees on the Ranch Dike section, then transitioning to open areas and treed habitats on the Old Channel Trail. A notable feature is a short spur leading to a sandy beach by the Sandy River, providing a pleasant spot to pause. The trail combines varied scenery, from dense foliage to more expansive views.

Accessing the trailhead for this loop is straightforward, as Thousand Acre Road provides a primary entry point into the Sandy River Delta. This makes the starting point generally accessible for visitors. While the sandy beach along the Sandy River is a highlight, you should be aware that it can become submerged during periods of high water. Plan your visit accordingly, especially after heavy rainfall or during seasonal river level changes, to fully enjoy all aspects of the route.

The Ranch Dike, Thousand Acres Road and Old Channel Trail Loop stands out for its blend of distinct environments within a short distance. It offers a unique combination of ridgetop paths, open fields, and shaded treed sections. The opportunity to reach a sandy beach along the main stem of the Sandy River adds a special touch, particularly if you are looking for a spot where dogs can swim during warmer months. This trail provides a compact yet varied outdoor experience in the Sandy River Delta.