Battle Ground

Travel Guide

The Bells Mountain Trail in Clark County is obviously in no way connected to the more famous Bells Mountain Wilderness in Missouri. The trail which bears its name does not ascend or in any way touch the actual mountain. But it bears some of the most beautiful views of the mountain from directly across the valley. This was taken today (2015-01-11), on an extremely cloudy, foggy and generally soggy day. But look at what you get to see, even in the middle of our waterlogged winters. One drawback is that you have to pass through a lot of clear-cut forest on the trail side of the valley. I say that, realizing now that almost none of these vistas would be possible otherwize.
The Bells Mountain Trail in Clark County is obviously in no way connected to the more famous Bells Mountain Wilderness in Missouri. The trail which bears its name does not ascend or in any way touch the actual mountain. But it bears some of the most beautiful views of the mountain from directly across the valley. This was taken today (2015-01-11), on an extremely cloudy, foggy and generally soggy day. But look at what you get to see, even in the middle of our waterlogged winters. One drawback is that you have to pass through a lot of clear-cut forest on the trail side of the valley. I say that, realizing now that almost none of these vistas would be possible otherwize.
OK, let me just get to this and be done with it. Living in the Northwest, I've known many people, including ex-family members, who depend upon the timber industry for their livelihoods. I have watched the decline of that industry in this region and the devastating effect it has had on dozens of communities and the families who live in them. Further more, I will add for comparison purposes, an historical anecdote related to me by my father. After he left the army air corps at the end of WWII, he entered academia as a professor of Italian literature. To this day, he derives a somewhat ironic pleasure from the reputation both Italy and Greece have garnered for their dry and arid climates; how the world sees them and is attracted to them for bright sunshine on rocky, bleached coastlines with hardly a tree in sight. You see, it wasn't always that way. Both Greece, and Italy in particular, were once lush and verdant places, covered with forests that were cut down to satisfy the needs of both of those vast and long-lived republics and empires. What we know of their climates today only came after the trees were gone. And if it was good enough for the Greeks and Romans, then why not for the good old U S of A? I know all this. That there are no simple answers to complex questions. That there are people whose lives turn upside down when an economy whithers and dies. And that they certainly deserve as much protection as the resources others clamber to keep out of their hands. I know all this, and I walk through scenes like this one, or drive by them on my way to somewhere else, bearing the full weight of these contradictory forces in my mind. And I see that it has to be this way. And that it will always be this way. But, still, it breaks my heart.
This sturdy steel bridge crosses Cedar Creek on the downslope of the first five-mile leg of the Bells Mountain Trail. It was made by the Continental Bridge Company of Alexandria, VA, and can withstand 6,000 pounds of weight (according to a plaque on the handrail). So unless you plan to park the Clydesdales on it , you should be good. Of course, should it happen to collapse under you and send you hurtling downstream, you may take comfort in this fact: the plaque provides a convenient 800 number for you to call and get assistance.
A stand of Pacific Silver Firs set aside by the Forest Service and allowed to survive in the clear-cut around them.
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is HK$761 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
HK$761
HK$887 total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,137 reviews)
Room cleaned. Staff nice and professional

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

The Paramount Hotel
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

3 out of 5
8439 Ne Columbia Blvd Portland OR
The price is HK$491 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
HK$491
HK$570 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,873 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St Portland OR
The price is HK$1,131 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
HK$1,131
HK$1,311 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Portland. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Amazing facility and Friendly, courteous staff. Excellent stay !!!

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
See all 2,248 properties in Battle Ground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gem River House

Gem River House

Battle Ground WA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Battle Ground. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions Pomeroy Living History Farm ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Beautiful and well kept house

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025

Gem River House
Cute weekend retreat.

Cute weekend retreat.

Battle Ground WA
Stay at this holiday home in Battle Ground. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Battle Ground Lake State Park and Pomeroy Living ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
Host was perfect, responsive but not nosey. Didn’t even see her, and that’s how I like it! Super cute room, loved the fall views of the fog settling in the tree line. Location was great! The heat was great for the size of the room, was not cold! It is more rustic- if bugs bother you stay in the city. ...

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025

Cute weekend retreat.
Tiny House Farm Stay In Battle Ground Dogs Welcome

Tiny House Farm Stay In Battle Ground Dogs Welcome

Battle Ground WA
Stay at this holiday home in Battle Ground. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Battle Ground Lake State Park and Pomeroy ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
pet friendly and great location for mountain biking in Yacolt, or , I would think , skiing Adams or St Helens. Little tight for 2 people and a dog and bags but not unmanageable.

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Tiny House Farm Stay In Battle Ground Dogs Welcome
See all properties in Battle Ground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Battle Ground Lake State Park

You can take time to visit Battle Ground Lake State Park during your travels to Lewisville. Visit the shops and cosy cafes in this family-friendly area.

Battle Ground Lake State Park

Vancouver National Historic Reserve

You can find out about the history of Meadow Glade with a trip to Vancouver National Historic Reserve. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Vancouver National Historic Reserve

Pearson Air Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Pearson Air Museum during your travels in Meadow Glade. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Pearson Air Museum
Officers Row which includes a house and heritage architecture

Vancouver