Brush Prairie - Vancouver, WA Area Guide

The Vancouver area’s rich history began with the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806. Shortly after, the area became a major point for fur trade centering around the Fort Vancouver. With the growth and expansion of the Vancouver area, the Brush Prairie community was born. The Bowman family were the first pioneers to settle the area that's now Brush Prairie. Elmarine Bowman named the area after the brushy prairie that lay near her father’s homestead.

Check out the Clark County Historical Museum to learn more about the area's history or take a stroll through the Fort Vancouver Historical Site.

Get engaged in your community when you head to nearby Vancouver for an array of festivals and events occurring year-round. Residents gather from neighboring suburbs to enjoy the festivities of events such as the annual Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival, Recycled Arts Festival and Vancouver Brewfest.

Brush Prairie serves up a collection of handcrafted recipes of all-American comfort food. Try the Prairie Bar and Grill for a local gathering spot that dishes out hearty home-cooked meals. Chow down on the Asian-style teriyaki steak bites or the crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese. Stop in for breakfast and order up a breakfast pizza topped with country gravy, bacon, ham sausage, tater tots and green peppers drizzled in scrambled eggs. Happy hour features $3 well drinks and $2 pints of Coors alongside cheap eats, including $3.50 cheese sticks and waffle fries.

Julie's Cottage Kitchen provides all your favorite dishes with a local twist. Sit back in the cozy rustic interior and make yourself at home as you enjoy genuine quality service from the friendly wait staff. Be sure to order the country-style chicken-fried steak or a stack of fresh buttered pancakes with a side of eggs. Warm up on a chilly day with the creamy clam chowder with a side of freshly baked sourdough bread. Finish off your meal with a slice of tangy lemon meringue pie.

Nightlife in the Brush Prairie reflects the spirit of Portland with its selection of top-notch breweries, live music venues, and hip bars.

Head to Rusty Grape Vineyard for its Thirsty Thursdays, where you get $3.75 glasses of wine and $2.50 glasses of beer. Stay for the live music from 7p.m. to 9p.m. Stop in on Wednesday to get your choice of two pizzas for $15. Rusty Hop Brewing Co. turns out brews such as a nutmeg stout, tinti blonde and inverted IPA. Grab a glass of pinot grigio, and head out on the spacious porch to enjoy the fresh air.

Brush Prairie is located northeast of the city of Vancouver off Highway-503. Driving to Vancouver takes about 19 minutes via WA-503 South and WA-500 West. Driving from Brush Prairie to downtown Portland takes about 33 minutes via WA-500 West and Interstate-5 South.

If you’re in need of a cab, call up Vancouver Cab Company. Uber rideshare service doesn't operate in the Brush Prairie area.

You'll discover many bicycle-friendly roads in the Brush Prairie area and bike trails run along the main road near the river. Restaurants and shops in the area are fairly spread-out, making it slightly difficult to explore on foot.

Local C-Tran metro buses features routes that service the area as well as routes that connect to Trimet buses in the greater Portland area.

The Brush Prairie community lies in close proximity to a number of pristine parks and recreational grounds equipped for all your outdoor needs. Spend your afternoon playing Frisbee or challenging your friends to a game of volleyball at Orchards Park. Let the kids enjoy the well-equipped playground area or set out your blanket for a family picnic.

If you’re looking to get in shape, head to nearby Luke Jenson Sports Complex, which houses a large number of recreational facilities, including a spacious soccer field, running/jogging track, a playground area and spacious fields for other activities.

Take the pooches out for a run around the lush spacious ground of Brush Prairie Dog Park. This park features over 10 acres of land with an agility course and off-leash area where your dogs can frolic in the sun and meet new friends.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the Brush Prairie community costs around $855 a month, which is lower than the average for the area of Vancouver. Gas prices in Brush Prairie settle around 10 percent higher than the national average. A one-way ticket on the local metro costs $1.75 within the area and $2.50 for a bus that connects to the greater Portland area. Grab a beer at a local pub for around $4. The overall cost of living in the Brush Prairie community is slightly lower than the average living cost for Portland.

Satisfy all your shopping needs at nearby Vancouver Mall. Browse brand name stores, such as JC Penney and Macy's, or drop in for a movie at Cinetopia. The mall also provides popular shops such as American Eagle Outfitters, Sephora, Vans, and Forever 21.

Visit the nearby Walnut Grove area for a selection of boutiques and high-end stores. White House Black Market carries unique, trendy pieces to fit any budget. Pick up a cute new outfit for a night on the town or some casual-chic clothes to update your wardrobe.

Drop in to Chic Boutique for an impressive selection of both new and pre-owned clothing, accessories, and shoes. Shop for gently used items from top designers including Michael Kors and Coach at affordable prices. The boutique carries sizes from petite to plus, ensuring everyone can find just the right outfit. Browse its great selection of trendy dresses, active wear, and jewelry, and be sure to stop by for one of Chic's events such as Mimosa Saturday where customers are given free mimosas and gifts.

Locals stock up on groceries from Brush Prairie General Store, Costco, and Safeway Food & Drug. Top off your pantry at nearby Battle Ground Village Outdoor Market. This market features fresh produce, local products, and live music from local artists, making it an excellent way to spend the day.