Chelsey’s Local Guide
Yale Lake & Saddle Dam
If you think paddleboarding is just for quiet sloughs, wait until you launch onto the deep turquoise waters of Yale Lake. Glide beneath towering evergreen bluffs to discover secret waterfalls spilling into tucked-away inlets that feel worlds away from town. It’s an easy day trip that delivers full Pacific Northwest wonderland vibes every single time.
Compass Coffee
Compass Coffee delivers the ultimate Vancouver caffeine fix, whether you’re strolling downtown or stocking up on fresh-roasted beans. Grab a handcrafted pour-over at their impossibly charming downtown cafe, or head over to the St. Johns roasting facility to take in the intoxicating aroma of small-batch coffee roasted in-house. It’s an essential local ritual for real coffee lovers.
Little Conejo
Little Conejo sets the gold standard for Southwest Washington taquerias, dishing out bold Oaxacan-inspired flavors with effortless neighborhood charm. Everything on the menu hits the mark, from crispy house-fried chips and vibrant salsas to tender carnitas served on piping-hot, handcrafted tortillas. Order generously and don’t sleep on their rice & beans. They steal the show.
Salmon Creek Trail
With six miles of wide, paved pathways and effortless free parking, Salmon Creek Trail is Clark County’s go-to corridor for a daily stroll, run, or bike ride. The trail winds through lush wetlands along the water, offering peaceful creek access points where you can cool your feet and catch striking glimpses of Mt. Hood. Visit in autumn to catch the canopy burst into vibrant, fiery gold.
Mt Hood
Carving down the slopes beneath the soaring peak of Mt. Hood at Timberline Lodge is an essential Pacific Northwest rite of passage. Boasting North America’s longest ski season and the continent's most vertical terrain, it offers wide, sun-drenched cruising runs paired with jaw-dropping Cascade vistas. Wrap up your day warming up by the massive stone fireplace inside the historic 1937 lodge with a towering cup of their famous hot cocoa.
CONDITIONS & LIFT TICKETS
Chelsey LaRowe
For me, Southwest Washington living is all about the sweet spot between mountain adventures and vibrant neighborhood energy. When I’m not negotiating for my clients, you’ll usually find me chasing fresh powder on Mt. Hood, out on the water, or scouting my next favorite downtown spot. To me, home isn’t just an address, it’s the launching pad for your next great Pacific Northwest adventure.