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<h1>Washougal, WA: Where Industrial Heritage Meets the Columbia River Gorge</h1>
<p><strong>Washougal, Washington</strong> is a scenic riverfront city in Clark County, serving as the easternmost anchor of the Vancouver-Portland metropolitan area. Known as the “Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge,” it offers a unique blend of historic manufacturing, world-class outdoor recreation, and protected wildlife habitats.</p>
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<h2>The Heart of the City: The Washougal Woolen Mill</h2>
<p>Washougal’s identity is deeply tied to the <strong>Washougal Woolen Mill</strong>. Operated by <strong>Pendleton</strong> since 1912, this facility is a rarity in the modern world: a mill where every step of the weaving process—from the arrival of raw wool to the final finishing of world-famous blankets—takes place under one roof. It remains the city’s most significant economic landmark and a major draw for heritage tourism.</p>
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<h2>The Washougal River: A “Blue Ribbon” Resource</h2>
<p>Flowing through the center of the community is the <strong>Washougal River</strong>, a crystal-clear waterway that defines the city’s geography. It is celebrated for several key features:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Swimming Holes:</strong> Locations like <strong>Dougan Falls</strong> and the basalt “S” curves provide some of the best natural swimming and tubing spots in the state.</li>
<li><strong>Steelhead Fishing:</strong> As a “Blue Ribbon” river, it is a premier destination for anglers chasing winter steelhead and fall salmon.</li>
<li><strong>Hydrology:</strong> The river is known for its “rushing water” (the literal translation of its name), which carved the dramatic canyons that lead into the Cascades.</li>
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<h2>Conservation and Wildlife: Steigerwald Lake</h2>
<p>Located on the eastern boundary of the city, the <strong>Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge</strong> is a 1,049-acre sanctuary. Following one of the largest restoration projects in the region, the refuge now allows the Columbia River to naturally flood the plains, creating a thriving ecosystem for:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Migratory Birds:</strong> A critical stop on the Pacific Flyway for herons, egrets, and bald eagles.</li>
<li><strong>The Art Trail:</strong> A scenic walking path that integrates local art with educational markers about the refuge’s unique geology.</li>
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<h2>Pro Motocross: Washougal MX Park</h2>
<p>In the hills north of town lies the <strong>Washougal MX Park</strong>. This isn’t just a local track; it is a legendary stop on the AMA Pro Motocross Championship circuit. Its geography is world-renowned for its “loamy” soil and the “Horsepower Hill” climb, set against a dense forest backdrop that makes it one of the most photographed tracks in the sport.</p>
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<h2>Neighborhoods and Districts</h2>
<p>Washougal’s residential and commercial landscape is divided into several distinct zones:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Marina District:</strong> The hub for boating and riverside dining at the Port of Camas-Washougal.</li>
<li><strong>Downtown:</strong> A walkable area featuring historic brick buildings, local taprooms, and the “Reflections” sculpture park.</li>
<li><strong>Mount Pleasant:</strong> A rural upland area offering expansive views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River.</li>
<li><strong>Canyon Creek:</strong> A lush, forested residential area tucked along the river’s edge.</li>
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<h2>Primary Washougal Zip Codes</h2>
<p>Washougal covers a large area that transitions from urban streets to rugged mountain terrain:</p>
<table>
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<th>Zip Code</th>
<th>Primary Area</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>98671</td>
<td>Main City Core / Waterfront / Marina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>98607</td>
<td>Upper Washougal / Rural Highlands (shared with Camas)</td>
</tr>
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<h2>History and Roots: The Rushing Water</h2>
<p>The city’s history predates the mills and tracks. It is the ancestral home of the <strong>Watlala</strong> (Chinookan) people. In 1806, <strong>Lewis and Clark</strong> utilized the geography of Cottonwood Beach for their “Provision Camp” before heading back east. The name “Washougal” itself remains a permanent tribute to the indigenous description of the river’s swift, powerful current.</p>
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