Greenleaf Lake and Bass Lake are within North Bonneville’s city limits. The area also has trails of varying lengths and themes, as well as activities on the Columbia River. If you’re weighing destinations for a stay, you can evaluate North Bonneville based on specific interests: routes within the city, historical connections, water activities, or views in the surrounding area. The right combination depends on whether a trail, a historical connection, or time on the water is the deciding factor.
Hiking: Routes in Town and the Surrounding Area
The North Bonneville Heritage Trails include more than 12 miles of trails that circle the city and wind through it. The downtown station area is the center of the system; most trails start and end there. The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the eastern side of North Bonneville. These different routes each provide a distinct way to explore the city and its surroundings.
The Hamilton Creek Trail is a 1.25-mile loop through the western neighborhood of North Bonneville. It leads to a viewpoint above the mouth of Hamilton Creek, with views of Pierce and Ives Islands and Beacon Rock. The Columbia Trail is about 2.5 miles long and heads east through the Fort Cascades Historic Site. In terms of length, it is about twice as long as the Hamilton Creek loop. Trail conditions can change, and views vary by season; check both before setting out.
The Greenleaf Trail follows Greenleaf Lake and features the Pioneer Cemetery and the history of Native Americans in the area. This route thus combines a connection to the lake with historical themes. When choosing between trails, their points of interest are also worth considering, in addition to length: a viewpoint, a historic site, or the area’s history each offers a different focus.
Water, Scenery, and Visitor Attractions
Nearby, you can enjoy views of the Columbia River and Bonneville Dam. Weather and conditions can affect what you see. Another starting point for water activities is the public boat launch, which provides access to the Columbia River for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the conditions at the launch and the applicable rules in advance.
Also nearby, a self-guided tour at the Washington Shore Visitor Complex explains power generation in the Pacific Northwest, fish migration, and geology. The complex offers interactive exhibits, power plant tours, and fish viewing. As formal tour offerings can change, check before your visit whether the power plant tour is available for your plans. This will help you take the tour’s themes and the complex’s other offerings into account as you plan.
Recreation and History
North Bonneville’s disc golf course is maintained by city employees for public use. The history of Beacon Rock Golf Course also offers a unique look at recreation in the region: residents founded the course in 1971 and volunteered their time, labor, materials, and equipment to build it. This story adds a concrete example of community involvement to the themes of trails and water.
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