Explore Vancouver Lake

Vancouver Lake is special – let’s protect it!

Formed in 2017, the Friends of Vancouver Lake’s mission is preserving and enhancing the environmental and recreational qualities of Vancouver Lake. The Friends are working to build and strengthen this community’s commitment to our Lake by gathering allies and raising money to support development of a lake management plan and improved water quality.

It is clear that Vancouver Lake represents a unique community asset with possibilities for water quality improvements, and enhanced recreational access. As long as we take care of it, the lake has much to offer. Learn more about the Friends of Vancouver Lake here!

Friends of Vancouver Lake Accomplishments

Helped bring together local & State governments & agencies, & concerned citizens from across Clark County to care for our Lake now & into the future!

Created a coalition to successfully tackle the Milfoil mess at Vancouver Lake, which if left untreated, would have turned our Lake into a swamp.

Actively working to restore and improve water quality and & wildlife habitat protection. Vancouver Lake can be successfully managed for the benefit of current and future generations!

History of Vancouver Lake

Vancouver Lake has always captured the imagination of the people of Clark County. It is believed to have been part of the old course of the Columbia River and lies northwest of the City of Vancouver. The lake is large at approximately 2,500 acres, relatively shallow, with eight miles of shoreline.

Historically, the lake was connected to the Columbia River and degradation of water quality began shortly after flood control structures for the Columbia River were constructed, which severed the connection. In 1983 that connection was mimicked by a constructed “flushing channel” built on the lake’s west side to bring cooler, cleaner Columbia River water into the lake. Learn more here!

Explore Vancouver Lake

Vancouver Lake is special – let’s protect it!

Friends of Vancouver Lake Accomplishments

History of Vancouver Lake

Port of Vancouver, Clark County team up to treat invasive milfoil in Vancouver Lake

Clark County Council weighs how to address Vancouver Lake issues after state pulls $330,000

The Columbian endorses future work to improve Vancouver Lake