Ridgefield Washington Travel Guide and Things to Do for All!
Ridgefield, Washington is a town with a population of 7,178 located in Clark County. The town offers the best of life in a small community while being close to the City like the Portland-Vancouver metro area, which offers a world-class food scene, theater, ballet, professional sports events, and more. Living in Ridgefield offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Ridgefield there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Ridgefield and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Ridgefield are above average.
Author:Iram MartinsReviewer:Frazer PughOct 15, 202229.3K Shares918.3K Views
Ridgefield, Washingtonis a town with a population of 7,178 located in Clark County. The town offers the best of life in a small community while being close to the City like the Portland-Vancouver metro area, which offers a world-class food scene, theater, ballet, professional sports events, and more. Living in Ridgefield offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Ridgefield there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Ridgefield and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Ridgefield are above average.
Ridgefield Washington Travel Guide For Families, Foodies, College Students
About:
- 20 min. to Portland, OR
- 20 min. to Portland Int'l Airport
- 5 hours south of Seattle
- On the I-5 Discovery Corridor
Whether you are looking for a day trip getaway, a business-friendly city for your company, or a vibrant community to call your home, Ridgefield has opportunities for everyone.
This city is composed of newcomers excited about making this nature-filled place their new home and long-time residents who continue to revel in Ridgefield's picturesque surroundings, family-friendly neighborhoods and parks, and a strong sense of community.
History:
The area has important ties to the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806, being close to the Chinookan town of Cathlapotle, then a settlement of 700–800 people, with at least 14 substantial plank houses.
The town was formerly known as Union Ridge, named by the many Union veterans among the first large wave of settlers after the Civil War and was renamed Ridgefield in 1890.
Ridgefield was an important trading center as early as the 1860s with its key location near the mouth of the Columbia River, and the city was officially incorporated on August 26, 1909. The American equipment rental company, U-Haul, had its start in Ridgefield in 1945.
Local And Regional Information:
Notable for the significant Native American and Lewis and Clark Expedition history of the area, Ridgefield is also the home of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and the Ridgefield High School "Spudders" (reflecting the area's potato-farming heritage).
Early Ridgefield settlers built a vibrant agricultural and forestry-based economy, followed by growth in the industrial and shipping sectors with the creation of the Interstate 5 junction and the expansion of the Port of Ridgefield. The I-5 junction has experienced and is planned to see significant commercial and industrial growth.
Main Avenue and Hillhurst Road are north-south connectors that reflect over 100 years of settlement, with a mix of old historic residential structures interspersed with modern subdivisions. Ridgefield is working to maintain and improve the quality of existing residences while encouraging the development of new neighborhoods that have distinctive and individual character, pedestrian friendly amenities and parks.
Things To Do In Ridgefield Washington:
For Families
Ridgefield offers many options to enjoy quality family time together!
Start the morning with a quick breakfast at Old Liberty Theater. If it's a Saturday, visit the Farmers Market at Overlook Park to buy unique goods and fresh produce.
On the first Saturday of each month Ridgefield holds themed family-friendly events downtown. Activities may include crafts and activities, scavenger hunts, games and sports.
- One great family activity is to go to a Ridgefield Raptors game together! The Raptors play June through early August at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex.
- Head down to the waterfront, and take a walk along the waterfront trail, an easy yet beautiful walk that's perfect for kids. Most days, there is plenty of wind on the waterfront for kite flying. Bring field games like volleyball or soccer for the family to play together!
- Enjoy a picnic lunch on the waterfront or at Davis Park.
- On Tuesdays in July the City hosts Tuesdays in the Park at Davis Park. We show movies, have a family game night, and more!
- For an afternoon treat, pick up some ice cream or a smoothie from Season's Coffee or Zebrun's Starliner.
- Visit the Ridgefield Off Leash Dog Park. Located near Hillhurst and Great Blue Rd, the dog park features a fenced, off leash area where licensed dogs can run and play.
- For more family fun activity, visit Abrams Park. Abrams Park has 2 playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields, a walking trail and a creek.
- Another great option for the family is the Practice Range at Tri-Mountain Golf Course. Every day after 3PM, kids (under 17 years old) play free with one paid adult. Tri-Mountain Golf Course is a 10-minute drive from downtown Ridgefield. The Practice Facility offers a full driving range, practice chipping and pitching green as well as a 9-hole putting course.
- End the day with dinner at Vinnie's Pizza or El Rancho Viejo. Both are perfect for the family! If you are ready to head home for the night, pick up a take-and-bake pizza from Zebrun's Starliner.
Winery-hopping
On the weekend, head out to the various wineries in and around Ridgefield.
- Windy Hills Winery – 1346 S 38th Ct, Ridgefield, WA 98642
3 miles from Downtown, about an 8-minute drive.
- Stavalaura Vineyards and Winery – 29503 NW 41st Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
3 miles from Windy Hills Winery, about a 7-minute drive.
- Gougér Cellars – 26506 NE 10th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
4 miles from Stavalaura, about a 9 minute drive.
- Bethany Vineyard Winery – 4115 NE 259th St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
2 miles from Gougér Cellars, about a 3 minute drive.
Then, wrap up your night by going to see a show at the Old Liberty Theater, located at 115 N Main Ave. It was built in 1946 by Red and Sue Hicks in memory of their son, Frank, who was killed in an accident during WWII. Now serving as a coffee shop and theater, they showcase artists from around the world!
Brewery-Jumping
Ridgefield has seen some fun, unique breweries and taprooms popping up lately!
- Ridgefield Craft Brewing Co. – 120 N 3rd Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 Downtown Ridgefield.
- Zebrun's Starliner Taproom – 320 Pioneer St, Ridgefield, WA 98642 Downtown Ridgefield
- Taps Beer Reserve – 201 S 47th Ave, Suite 123 2 miles from Downtown Ridgefield
- 3Peaks Public House and Taproom – 24415 Ne 10th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 5 miles from Downtown Ridgefield, about an 11 minute drive.
For The History And Art Loving Foodie
If it's March, you can check out Youth Arts Month, a partnership between Ridgefield School District and the Ridgefield Art Association, that encourages young people to take part in artistic endeavors including literary, visual, musical, and performing arts.
End your day with dinner at Sportsman's Public House. They offer Burgers, Steak, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Cocktails and Beer.
Spa-Day
- Start off your spa-day with a coffee and a handmade bakery treat from Season's Coffee Shop in the lobby of the Old Liberty Theater on Main Ave. They have a variety of delicious coffees and teas to choose from, along with ice cream and smoothies!
- Ridgefield offers a variety of hairdressing salons you can choose from:
- Main Street Studio is located right across the street from Season's Coffee Shop.
- Mirror Salon is an 8-minute drive from the downtown area to the junction and they offer men and women haircuts ' color, Brazilian blowouts, skin, eyelash, facials, and waxing services.
- Dharma Salon is located near the industrial area about 10 minutes away.
- Living Waters Hair Salon across from Overlook Park specializes in cuts and color.
- For nail care, visit Emmy's Nails and Spa. It is located off Main Ave next to Vinnie's Pizza. They provide relaxing manicure, pedicure, facial and waxing services.
- If you really want to treat yourself, schedule a massage at one of Ridgefield's multiple massage studios:
- Main Street Studio or Ridgefield Chiropractic and Massage or Sage Organics
Nature Lover
- Begin the day with a kayak, boat, or SUP adventure on Lake River! Kayaks and SUP boards can be rented from Alder Creek/Ridgefield Kayak, located at the Ridgefield Marina off Mill Street. If you have your own boat, you can launch motorized boats at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch at the end of Mill St or launch non-motorized boats at the kayak launch located at the end of Division St.
- Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has approximately 200 bird species that have been observed on the Refuge.
- Up for a challenge? Download the Geocaching app and discover hidden treasures around Ridgefield!
- Afterward, pick up some lunch from the Ridgefield Pioneer Marketplace, right on the corner of Pioneer St and Main Ave, locally known as the corner store. They carry a wide variety of products including grocery items, produce, candy, snacks, household items, and delicious deli food. Take your lunch for an outdoor picnic:
- Walk 3 blocks north to Davis Park on Main Ave and eat at one of the picnic tables or in the grass field. Kids can take a break and play on the play structure.
- Take your food to Lake River waterfront and enjoy a nice picnic beside the water. You can even jump in for a swim, or fly a kite!
- After lunch, visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
- Oaks to Wetlands Trail, Open Year-round, daily
- Kiwa Trail, Seasonal Closure
- Carty Lake Trail, Open May 1 – Sept 30
- Auto Tour, Saturdays only through July 2020, daylight hours
End your day at El Rancho Viejo, a Mexican Restaurant. Located on 3rd Ave in the former home of the Reflector Newspaper! For after dinner drinks, travel next door to the Hookum Brewery which is a family-friendly space, minors are welcome and all patrons can sit inside or out on the patio.
Iram Martins
Author
Iram Martins is a seasoned travel writer and explorer with over a decade of experience in uncovering the world's hidden gems. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management from the University of Lisbon, Iram's credentials highlight his authority in the realm of travel.
As an author of numerous travel guides and articles for top travel publications, his writing is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and practical insights.
Iram’s passion for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures shines through in his work, captivating readers and inspiring wanderlust.
Outside of his writing pursuits, Iram enjoys learning new languages, reviewing films and TV shows, writing about celebrity lifestyles, and attending cultural festivals.
Frazer Pugh
Reviewer
Frazer Pugh is a distinguished expert in finance and business, boasting over 6 years of experience. Holding an MBA in Finance from Stanford University, Frazer's credentials underscore his authority and expertise in the field.
With a successful track record in executive roles and as a published author of influential articles on financial strategy, his insights are both deep and practical.
Beyond his professional life, Frazer is an avid traveler and culinary enthusiast, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and cuisines.
His commitment in delivering trustworthy analysis and actionable advice reflects his dedication to shaping the world of finance and business, making a significant impact through his work.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles